The Word of God/Using the Revealed Word

Using the

Revealed Word

Introduction

The first three lessons addressed the question of what the Word of God is. The fourth lesson looked at what the Word of God does. The next two lessons deal with how we interact with the Word of God.

‘Abdu’l-Bahé states that the Cause of God is like a college. The believers are the students. “If... the scholars are not educated the object of the college is not achieved.” It is necessary that we make use of what we learn. “Now the friends must so live and conduct themselves as to bring greater glory and results to the religion of God. To them the cause of God must be as a dynamic force transforming the lives of men... .”!

Successfully drawing on the power of the Word of God is the key to positive change in our own lives and the lives of others. We must first learn the ways to tap this power. Then we must learn to put this power into action.

1 ‘Abdu’l-Bah4, The Importance of Deepening 18-19

45 [Page 46]Overview

It is possible to use the power of the Word of God for the betterment of ourselves, and of those around us—our family, community, those we teach, and all humanity. Power is tapped through prayer, meditation, study, reading, memorization, and service to the Faith.

Each of us must establish a personal pattern for use of the Word of God. The degree to which we can effectively draw on the power of the Word is directly related to our regular use, firm will, and consistent effort to translate the Word into action.

We can compare the power of the Word to the power of electricity. Early man was awed by the power of electricity shown by lightning. But humanity could not use the power until effort was made to learn the laws governing it. Today the power of electricity is easily tapped for many purposes. The power of the Word is similarly available to us, and can transform our lives if we learn to draw upon it.

Baha’u’llah teaches us the following ways to tap the Word’s power:

¢ Prayer, which strengthens “that mystic feeling that unites man with God” and which is “absolutely indispensible to . . . inner spiritual development. . . .”2

¢ Meditation, or thinking deeply about the divine verses. “Through meditation the doors of deeper knowledge and inspiration may be opened.”3

¢ Reading of the divine verses “with joy and radiance,” that they “attract you unto God and will enable you to detach yourselves from all else save Him.”4

¢ Study, or deepening, which is “to read the writings . . . so thoroughly as to be able to give it to others in its pure form.”5 “Study the teachings profoundly,” Shoghi Effendi states, “that the light of Divine Guidance may illumine your path. . . .”6

2 Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Spiritual Foundations 14

3 Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Spiritual Foundations 18

4 Baha’u’ll4h, The Importance of Deepening 2

5 Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Importance of Deepening 28 6 The Importance of Deepening 22

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Drawing Power from the Word of God [Page 47]¢ Memorization or “learning by heart of the Tablets of Baha’u’llah and the Bab” which “the Master used to attach much importance to... .”7

¢ Service to the Cause or to “exalt” the “Word’”8 through teaching, developing good character,? supporting the Fund, and other efforts.

We use the power of the Word of God to promote our spiritual development—to draw closer to God, or to receive protection from tests. Power can also be drawn to assist others. For example, in our family life it assists training of our children; in our communities, it builds unity through the Feast; in society, it opens the hearts of people to the message of Baha’u’llah and heals the ills of humanity.

Using the power of the Word of God is not as easy as flipping a light switch. Effort is needed. “It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding,” Bahd’u’ lah states, “to strive to translate that

which hath been written into reality and action....”10 Efforts require:

¢ Regularity. For example, Bahaé’u’1l4h instructs us to carefully read “every day the verses revealed by God”!! and recite “the verses of God every morning and evening.” He states: “Whoso reciteth them not hath truly failed to fulfill his pledge to the Covenant of God. . . .”12

¢ Willpower, or volition—our determination to use the Word to transform ourselves and others. “All that which ye potentially possess can, however, be manifested only as a result of your own volition.”!3

e Perseverence—to keep trying despite difficulties. “Thou must exert much effort and show forth perseverence and constancy,”!4 ‘Abdu’l-Bahd urges us. At the same time, the goal is to uplift, not overburden ourselves. “Burden not your souls so as to cause exhaustion and weigh them down,” Baha’u’ll4h writes, “but rather endeavor to lighten them, that they may soar on the wings of revealed Verses. . . .”15

7 Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Importance of Deepening 34

8 Baha’u’llah, Gleanings 137 12 The Importance of Deepening |

9 Baha’u’llah, Gleanings 272 13 Baha’u’llah, Gleanings 149

10 Gleanings 250 14 The Importance of Deepening 8-9 11 The Importance of Deepening 2 15 Spiritual Foundations 1

Effort is Needed to Move from Words to Deeds

47 [Page 48]“When a person becomes a Baha’{. . . the seed of the spirit starts to grow in the human soul. This seed must be watered by the outpourings of the Holy Spirit. These gifts of the spirit are received through prayer, meditation, study of the Holy Utterances and service to the Cause of God.” — —written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Importance of Deepening 51

“... the core of religious faith is that mystic feeling which unites man with God. This state of spiritual communion can be brought about and maintained by means of meditation and prayer. ... It is not sufficient for a believer merely to accept and observe the teachings. He should, in addition, cultivate the sense of spirituality which he can achieve chiefly by means of prayer. The Baha’i Faith, like all other Divine Religions, is thus fundamentally mystic in character. Its chief goal is the development of the individual and society, through the acquisition of spiritual virtues and powers. . . .

“The believers . . . should therefore fully realize the necessity of praying. For prayer is absolutely indispensable to their inner spiritual development... .” —written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Spiritual Foundations 14

“Meditate upon that which hath streamed forth from the heaven of the Will of thy Lord, He Who is the Source of all grace, that thou mayest grasp the intended meaning which is enshrined in the sacred depths of the Holy Writings.” —Tablets of Bahd'u'lléh 143

“It is my hope that you may put forth your most earnest endeavor to accomplish this end [drawing closer to God], that you may investigate and study the Holy Scriptures word by word so that you may attain knowledge of the mysteries hidden therein. Be not satisfied with words, but seek to understand the spiritual meanings hidden in the heart of the words.” —‘Abdu’l-Bah4, Promulgation of Universal Peace 458-59

“If one arise to promote the Word of God with a pure heart, overflowing with the love of God and severed from the world, the Lord of Hosts will assist him with such power as will penetrate the core of existent beings.” —Tablets of ‘Abdu'l-Bah4, Vol. II 348

“,.. if an avowed follower of Baha’u’llah were to immerse himself in, and fathom the depths of, the ocean of these heavenly teachings, and with the utmost care and attention deduce from each of them the subtle mysteries and consummate wisdom that lie enshrined therein, such a person’s life, materially, intellectually and spiritually, will be safe from toil and trouble, and unaffected by setbacks and perils, or any sadness or despondency.” = —Shoghi Effendi, The Importance of Deepening 20

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Drawing Power from the Word of God

Personal Transformation

mystic: having a spiritual meaning or reality not readily apparent to the senses or the intellect; relating to an individual's communication with God

aquisition: the act of acquiring; getting

meditate: to think deeply about; reflect upon; consider carefully

avowed: openly declared

fathom: to measure; to come to understand

deduce: to derive a conclusion from a general principle using reason

despondency: hopelessness [Page 49]“These children are even as young plants, and teaching them the prayers is as letting the rain pour down upon them, that they may wax tender and fresh, and the soft breezes of the love of God may blow over them. .. .” —Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahé 139

“In every cycle and Dispensation, the Feast hath been favored and

loved.... Here the holy verses, the heavenly odes and laudations are

intoned, and the heart is quickened, and carried away from itself.” —‘Abdu’l-Bah4, Bahd’f Meetings and the Nineteen Day Feast 17

“Gather ye together with the utmost joy and fellowship and recite the verses revealed by the merciful Lord. By doing so the doors to true knowledge will be opened to your inner beings, and ye will then feel your souls endowed with steadfastness and your hearts filled with radiant joy.” —Bahé’u’lléh, The Importance of Deepening 2

“Hold meetings and read and chant the heavenly teachings, so that

city may be illumined with the light of reality and that country

become a veritable paradise by the strength of the Holy Spirit... .” —‘Abdu’l-Bah4, The Importance of Deepening 14

“That which can insure the victory of Him Who is the Eternal Truth, His hosts and helpers on earth, have been set down in the sacred Books and Scriptures.... These hosts are such righteous deeds, such conduct and character, as are acceptable in His sight. Whoso ariseth, in this Day, to aid Our Cause, and summoneth to his assistance the hosts of a praiseworthy character and upright conduct, the influence from such an action will, most certainly, be diffused throughout the whole world.” —Bahé’u’lléh, quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice 24

“From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it... . So potent is their influence that the hearer will have no cause for vacillation.” —Tablets of Bahd’u'lléh 200

“Now is the moment in which to cleanse thyself with the waters of detachment that have flowed out from the Supreme Pen, and to ponder, wholly for the sake of God, those things which, time and again, have been sent down or manifested, and then to strive, as much as lieth in thee, to quench, through the power of wisdom and the force of thy utterance, the fire of enmity and hatred which smouldereth in the hearts of the peoples. .. .” —Bahé’w’ llth, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf 12

Using the Word in Interaction with Others

wax: to increase in size, power or degree; to become gradually

odes: a poem that expresses in an exalted style the poet's feelings and thoughts

laudations: high praises

quicken: to bring life to; to revive, give new life to

recite: to repeat aloud from memory

veritable: actual; real, genuine

vacillation: wavering back and forth; being indecisive

enmity: hostility; deep seated resentment, ill will, or malice

49 [Page 50]“There is a vast difference between the soul who merely reads the words of Baha’u’llah and the one who tries to live them.” —‘Abdu'l-Bahd4, The Importance of Deepening 18

“Tt is easy to read the Holy Scriptures, but it is only with a clean heart and a pure mind that one may understand their true meaning. Let us ask God’s help to enable us to understand the Holy Books. Let us pray for eyes to see and ears to hear... .” © —‘Abdu’l-Bahé, Paris Talks 56-57

“Tt is the duty of every seeker to bestir himself and strive to attain the shores of this ocean, so that he may, in proportion to the eagerness of his search and the efforts he hath exerted, partake of such benefits as have been pre-ordained in God’s irrevocable and hidden Tablets.” —Bahf’u’ llth, Gleanings 326

“There can be no doubt whatever that, in consequence of the efforts which every man may consciously exert and as a result of the exertion of his own spiritual faculties, this mirror [‘the mirror of His beauty in the world of creation’] can be so cleansed from the dross of earthly defilements and purged from satanic fancies as to be able to draw nigh unto the meads of eternal holiness and attain the courts of everlasting fellowship.” —Bahé’u’lldh, Gleanings 262

“No matter how strong the measure of Divine grace, unless supplemented by personal, sustained and intelligent effort it cannot become fully effective. ...” —Shoghi Effendi, Living the Life 15

“... the untapped sources of celestial strength . . . will unhesitatingly pour forth their energizing influences if the necessary daily effort be made and the required sacrifices be willingly accepted.”

—Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith 85

“Naturally there will be periods of distress and difficulty, and even severe tests; but if that person turns firmly toward the divine Manifestation, studies carefully His spiritual teachings and receives the blessings of the Holy Spirit, he will find that in reality these tests and difficulties have been the gifts of God to enable him to grow and

develop.” —vwritten on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Importance of Deepening 51

“Arise, O people, and, by the power of God’s might, resolve to gain the victory over your own selves, that haply the whole earth may be freed and sanctified from its servitude to the gods of its idle

fancies... .” —Bahé’v’llah, Gleanings 93

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Effort is Needed to Move from Words to Deeds

bestir: to rouse oneself to vigor and action

irrevocable: incapable of being repealed or undone

dross: any worthless matter

satanic: spiteful, malicious; selfish [Page 51]Illustration

“How can we systematize the development of our spiritual nature?...

“One American worked out a system of spiritual development for himself based on his personality, nature and understanding of the Teachings. It not only helped him to grow but provided him with a sharper focus in identifying and solving his problems and in dealing with the world. ... He’s more secure, confident, optimistic, caring, happy to serve others and is developing a teaching state of mind... .

“Before meeting his Lord in prayer, he washes his hands and face, as Baha’u’llah prescribes; then goes to a special spot in the house where he won’t be disturbed. . . .

“After praying, which includes saying the long obligatory prayer, he deepens himself by reading a page or paragraph, sometimes a sentence from the Writings of Baha’u’ll4h or ‘Abdu’1-Baha—and meditates on what he’s read. The prayers and deepening usually take about twenty minutes. Rarely much longer, because he’s taken to heart Baha’u’llah’s teaching that prayer should refresh, not tire, the soul.

“He goes to work after eating breakfast, fortified to face a world that doesn’t operate on a spiritual level. Two hours later . . . [i]t’s coffee break time . . . but he spends half of the fifteen-minute break alone, reciting the Greatest Name ninety-five times. And he needs to do that, because despite his early morning session with God, he’s been exposed to backbiting, gossip, lying, cheating, office politics, discourtesy, insensitivity and rudeness. ... To make sure he gets through the day, he looks for an opportunity to share the Message, directly or indirectly, with someone during lunchtime. During the afternoon coffee break, he recites the Remover of Difficulties for however long he feels it is necessary.

“About half an hour before going to sleep, he retreats to his special spot in the house where he’! bring himself to account, evaluating his day, thinking of how he could have been a more effective human being. At times he’ll look into the Writings for guidance on how to correct his mistakes, or improve his attitude. Then he’ll pray and deepen, going to sleep with his mind focused on the soul-purifying words of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Bahé. ...

“Although it was difficult to start the system, mainly because he had never done anything like it before, the more he did it, the easier it was to do, until it was totally integrated into his life’s daily routine. The system of developing his spiritual nature became as necessary to him as meeting his daily food requirements. And he learned that it took less time to nurture his spiritual nature every day than to eat breakfast, lunch, supper and the two coffee breaks—about an hour altogether... .” —Rutstein, Spirit in Action: Teaching the Bahd't Faith 48-50

51 [Page 52]Select one of the passages from the “Readings” section. Take time to think deeply about it. What does the passage mean? After some time, consider how the passage might relate directly to your own life. Is there some behavior you can change or some action you can take? Use the following space to record your thoughts and plans:

a2

[Page 53]1. Wecan draw the power of the Word of God through: a.

b.

2. Our efforts to use the Word of God to produce change in our lives require:

a. b.

c.

3. In what meetings should the Word of God be used to bind together the hearts of the believers? (Circle all that apply):

a. Feast

b. dawn prayers

c. meetings held just for this purpose d. Holy Day observances

53 [Page 54]Answers

The following are suggested answers. Depending on your understanding of the quotations, you may have different answers. Consider the suggested answers as a starting point for thought and discussion.

1. Prayer, meditation, reading, study, memorization, and service to the Cause. See pages 46 and 47.

2. Regularity, willpower, and perseverence. See page 47.

3. a,b,c, andd. For “c,” see quotation four on page 49. For “d,” while Holy Day observances do not require use of the Word of God, its use would be welcome, especially since we are now very aware of the power of the Word of God to unite and inspire the hearts of the believers.

Discussion

A letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi states: “He thinks it would be wiser for the Baha’{s to use the Meditations given by Baha’u’llah, and not any set form of meditation recommended by anyone else; but the believers must be left free in these details and allowed to have personal latitude in finding their own level of communion with God.”!6 What is meditation? How does someone meditate? How do you, or how can you, use meditation regularly?

How can the Word of God be used to better promote the education and spiritual development of children in your community? (Refer to the first quotation on page 49, but don’t limit your ideas to this.)

How can we use the Word of God more effectively at Feast and other Baha’{ gatherings to bind together the hearts of the believers?

What do you think the Guardian means by: “The Baha’ Faith. . . is ... fundamentally mystic in character?” (Refer to the first quotation on page 48.)

What part does the power of the Word of God play in teaching? What impact does it have on the teacher? the seeker? the new believer? (Refer to page 48 and to the sixth quote on page 49.)

16 Spiritual Foundations 20

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[Page 55]Exercise

The Baha’i Writings describe many specific effects produced by the Word of God. Complete the following exercise which will help to determine practical goals for using the Word to produce desired changes. Indicate ways you personally can apply the Word of God. An

example is given.

Statement

A quote about a change resulting from the power of the Word.

Effect

What effect is produced? How does the Word produce this effect?

Application

How can you apply this effect in your life, family, or community?

“Through each and every one of the verses which the Pen of the Most High hath revealed, the doors of love and unity have been unlocked. . . .”15

The effect produced is love and unity. The spirit drawn by the Word binds the hearts of individuals.

By saying prayers as a family in the morning and evening.

“It is my hope. . . that through

the power of the Word of God ye will bring life to the dead now buried in the graves of their sensual desires. . . . "16

“... let your ears be attentive unto His Word, so that ye may... drink your fill from the crystal waters of constancy, and become as steadfast and immovable as the mountain in His Cause.””!7

“Every verse which this Pen hath revealed is a bright and shining portal that discloseth the glories of a saintly and pious life, of pure and stainless deeds.”18

“There is no greater means to bring about affection between the white and the black than the influence of the Word of God.”19

“... the establishment of peace is unachievable save through the power of the Word of God.”20

15 Tablets of Bahd’u'lldh 87

16 Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahé 36-37

17 Baha’u’ll4h, Gleanings 13

18 Baha’u’llah, Gleanings 96

19 ‘Abdu’l-Bah4, The Power of Unity 55

20 Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahdé 296

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[Page 56]Feedback

The following are suggested answers—you may have a different response. In each category one sample answer is given. You may have a number of answers based on different situations to which the quotation may apply. Select one of the means for applying the Word of God that you described in your answers to the exercise. Try to begin to put this goal into

practice in the coming week.

Statement

A quote about a change resulting from the power of the Word.

Effect

What effect is produced? How does the Word produce this effect?

Application

How can you apply this effect in your life, family, or community?

“Through each and every one of the verses which the Pen of the Most High hath revealed, the doors of love and unity have been unlocked... .”

The effect produced is love and unity. The spirit drawn by the Word binds the hearts of individuals.

By saying prayers as afamily in the morning and evening.

“Tt is my hope... that through the power of the Word of God ye will bring life to the dead now buried in the graves of their sensual desires... .”

The effect is that souls are quickened. The Word is spiritual food that attracts the hungry. It then creates a new being through igniting the spirit of faith.

Memorize quoiations from the Word of God that can be used at a monthly fireside.

“|. . let your ears be attentive unto His Word, so that ye may... drink your fill from the crystal waters of constancy, and become as steadfast and immovable as the mountain in His Cause.”

The effect produced is certitude. The Word of God draws us closer to God and can transform us, providing greater spiritual capacities.

Rise 15 minutes early each day to read regularly from the Word of God.

“Every verse which this Pen hath revealed is a bright and shining portal that discloseth the glories of a saintly and pious life, of pure and stainless deeds.”

The effect produced is pure deeds.

The Word teaches us how to live and the qualities we need to obtain, then helps us become transformed so we can live the life.

Establish a plan for weekly study of the Word which includes setting goals based on Divine Teachings.

“There is no greater means to bring about affection between the white and the black than the influence of the Word of God.”

The effect produced is the end of prejudice between black and white. This occurs, in part, through individual transformation.

Study the Baha’ Writings on race unity. Then befriend and associate closely with a person or family of another race, working to apply what was learned.

“. .. the establishment of peace is unachievable save through the power of the Word of God.”

The effect produced is world peace. The Word achieves this, in part, by outlining the basic requirements to establish a peaceful world society.

Work with a local peace group, sharing, when the opportunity is presented, the Baha’l Teachings on the establishment of peace.

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