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Preface
A letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi states: “The principles, administration and fundamentals of the Faith are well known, but the friends need greatly to study the more profound works which would give them spiritual maturity to a greater degree, unify their
This book is part of a series whose purpose is to draw the reader into a study of the profound concepts found in the Baha’i Revelation. It is also intended to serve as a bridge leading to expanded study of the writings of Baha’u’llah, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and Shoghi Effendi.
The book can be used for individual or group study. Each lesson is divided into a number of possible segments that can be used selectively:
titaxereltretorny An introduction to the lesson.
RexCatcum A general presentation of new information.
avenue Details of the “Overview” with quotes and examples.
eC §©Quotations from the writings on the lesson topic.
iseetu@hiny Excerpts on the lesson topic from books by Baha’is; usually stories of Baha’j history.
ataitgesiines) Three ways to explore the lesson topic in more depth. elteSitecg Questions that review the lesson material. Pviwiotme Answers to the questions. Dies Questions for group discussion.
porate An exercise that explores the topic in more depth.
lgaaslytacem Suggested answers for the exercise.
Note in the “Readings” section that some words in the passages from the writings are defined in the margins for your convenience. Words having a specific meaning in a Baha’i context are underlined and defined with that meaning. Pronunciation of Baha’i and Islamic terms is also provided.
1 The Importance of Deepening 45-46
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To use this book for individual study, create your own study plan
by choosing the sections you want to cover in each lesson. Depending on your personal preference you may wish to skip some of the
sections. However, please do not skip the “Readings” section, since
this provides a chance to read the Word of God and comments by
‘Abdu’1-Baha, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice.
Use the right margins on each page to make notes and record ideas.
You may find it most convenient to study a lesson—or just one
lesson segment—with your daily prayers in the morning or
evening.
The book can also be used to create a plan for group study. For example, each lesson can be read and discussed section by section. Or, group members can read the lesson on their own, then come together weekly for discussion of the quotations and questions.
As a third option, a group leader can summarize the “Overview,” “Explanation,” and “Illustration” sections in a ten to fifteen minute presentation before the group reads and discusses the quotations.
At the end of the book is an index with references that go beyond the quotations covered in the lessons. The index offers a valuable starting point for an extended study of the Covenant.
Beyond personal and group deepenings, this book can be used as a resource for preparing for firesides, public talks, or seminar work at Baha’i schools. We hope you find it useful, educational, and uplifting.
National Teaching Committee May 1988
