Unrestrained as the Wind/Education

[Page 56]

56 EDUCATION

5 Education

Transforming humanity through education

1. Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper educa- tion hath, however, deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess. Through a word proceeding out of the mouth of God he was called into being; by one word more he was guided to recognize the Source of his education; by yet another word his station and destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit there- from. Bahd'willah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah 161-62

2. Man is said to be the greatest representative of God, and he is the Book of Creation because all the mysteries of beings exist in him. If he comes under the shadow of the True Educator and is rightly trained, he becomes the essence of essences, the light of lights, the spirit of spirits; he becomes the center of the divine appearances, the source of spiritual qualities, the rising-place of heavenly lights, and the receptacle of divine inspirations. If he is deprived of this education, he becomes the manifestation of satanic qualities, the sum of animal vices, and the source of all dark conditions. ‘Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions 236

3. ... education is of three kinds: material, human and spiritual. Material education is concerned with the prog- �[Page 57]Combining spiritual and human education 57

ress and development of the body, through gaining its sustenance, its material comfort and ease. This education is common to animals and man.

Human education signifies civilization and progress —that is to say, government, administration, charitable works, trades, arts and handicrafts, sciences, great inven- tions and discoveries and elaborate institutions, which are the activities essential to man as distinguished from the animal.

Divine education is that of the Kingdom of God: it consists in acquiring divine perfections, and this is true education; for in this state man becomes the focus of divine blessings, the manifestation of the words, “Let Us make man in Our image, and after Our likeness.”! This is the goal of the world of humanity.

‘Abdu'l-Bahd, Some Answered Questions 8

Combining spiritual education with human education

4. The spiritually learned are lamps of guidance among the nations, and stars of good fortune shining from the hori- zons of humankind. They are fountains of life for such as lie in the death of ignorance and unawareness, and clear springs of perfections for those who thirst and wander in the wasteland of their defects and errors. They are the dawning places of the emblems of Divine Unity and initi- ates in the mysteries of the glorious Qur’an. They are skilled physicians for the ailing body of the world, they are the sure antidote to the poison that has corrupted human society. It is they who are the strong citadel guarding humanity, and the impregnable sanctuary for the sorely distressed, the anxious and tormented, victims of igno- rance. “Knowledge is a light which God casteth into the heart of whomsoever He willeth.” ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, The Secret of Divine Civilization 33

1.. Cf. Gen. /1:26. �[Page 58]58 EDUCATION

5. O ye young Baha'i children. ... Ye must... put fortha mighty effort, striving by night and day and resting not fora moment, to acquire an abundant share of all the sciences and arts, that the Divine Image, which shineth out from the Sun of Truth, may illumine the mirror of the hearts of men.

It is the longing desire of ‘Abdu'l-Baha to see each one of you accounted as the foremost professor in the academies, and in the school of inner significances, each one becoming a leader in wisdom.

‘Abdu'l-Bahd, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha 140-41

6. It is incumbent upon Baha'i children to surpass other children in the acquisition of sciences and arts, for they have been cradled in the grace of God.

Whatever other children learn in a year, let Baha'i chil- dren learn in a month. The heart of ‘Abdu’l-Baha longeth in its love, to find that Baha’i young people, each and all, are known throughout the world for their intellectual attain- ments. There is no question but that they will exert all their efforts, their energies, their sense of pride, to acquire the sciences and arts.

‘Abdu 'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha 141

7. [hope that thou mayest be protected and assisted under the providence of the True One, be occupied always in mentioning the Lord and display effort to complete thy profession. Thou must endeavor greatly so that thou may- est become unique in thy profession and famous in those parts, because attaining perfection in one’s profession in this merciful period is considered to be worship of God. And whilst thou art occupied with thy profession, thou canst remember the True One. ‘Abdu 'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha 145-46

8. If the Baha’is want to be really effective in teaching the Cause they need to be much better informed and able to discuss intelligently, intellectually, the present condition of the world and its problems. We need Baha'i scholars, not only people far, far more deeply aware of what our teachings �[Page 59]Attaining spiritual knowledge 59

really are, but also well read and well educated people, capable of correlating our teachings to the current thoughts of the leaders of society.

We Baha'is should, in other words, arm our minds with knowledge in order to better demonstrate to, especially, the educated classes, the truths enshrined in our Faith.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 7/5/49 to individual believer, in The Importance of Deepening 49

9. Young men and women in the Faith must be deep and thoughtful scholars of its teachings, so that they can teach in a way that will convince people that all the problems facing them have a remedy. They must grasp the Adminis- tration, so that they can wisely and efficiently administer the ever-growing affairs of the Cause; and they must exemplify the Baha'i way of living. All this is not easy—but the Guardian is always greatly encouraged to see the spirit animating such young believers as yourself. He has high hopes of what your generation will accomplish.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 5/12/44 to individual believer, in The Importance of Deepening 45

10. The Universal House of Justice regards Baha'i scholar- ship as of great potential importance for the development and consolidation of the Baha'i community as it emerges from obscurity.

On behalf of the Universal House of Justice, letter dated 1/3/79 to individu- al believer, qtd. in International Teaching Center, “A Statement on the Encouragement of Baha’t Scholarship” (8/9/84) 1

Attaining spiritual knowledge

11. With fixed and steady gaze, born of the unerring eye of God, scan for a while the horizon of divine knowledge, and contemplate those words of perfection which the Eternal hath revealed, that haply the mysteries of divine wisdom, hidden ere now beneath the veil of glory and treasured within the tabernacle of His grace, may be made manifest unto you. Baha'u'llah, Kitab-i-iqgan 16—17 �[Page 60]60 EDUCATION

12. It is my hope that you may put forth your most earnest

endeavor to accomplish this end 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-Bahd, The Promulgation of Universal Peace 459

13. God has given man the eye of investigation by which he may see and recognize truth. He has endowed man with ears that he may hear the message of reality and conferred upon him the gift of reason by which he may discover things for himself. This is his endowment and equipment for the investigation of reality. Man is not intended to see through the eyes of another, hear through another’s ears nor comprehend with another’s brain. Each human crea- ture has individual endowment, power and responsibility in the creative plan of God. Therefore, depend upon your own reason and judgment and adhere to the outcome of your own investigation; otherwise, you will be utterly submerged in the sea of ignorance and deprived of all the bounties of God. Turn to God, supplicate humbly at His threshold, seeking assistance and confirmation, that God may rend asunder the veils that obscure your vision. Then will your eyes be filled with illumination, face to face you will behold the reality of God and your heart become completely purified from the dross of ignorance, reflecting the glories and bounties of the Kingdom. ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, The Promulgation of Universal Peace 293

14. I strongly urge you to devote, while you are pursuing your studies, as much time as you possibly can to a thorough study of the history and teachings of our Beloved Cause. This is the prerequisite of a future successful career of service to the Baha'i Faith in which I hope and pray you will distinguish yourself in the days to come.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 5/18/26 to individual believer, in The Impor- tance of Deepening 21 �[Page 61]Attaining spiritual knowledge 61

15. It is his fervent hope and his heart’s ardent prayer that you may increasingly deepen in your faith, and steadily gain in your understanding and appreciation of the teach- ings, and display such earnestness and perseverance in your Baha'i studies as to gradually acquire the full knowl- edge, training and experience necessary for active and effec- tive service to the Faith in the future.

Although still young in age, you should endeavor from now, through close association with your fellow-believers, and through your faithful application to your Baha'i studies, to prepare yourself for that day when you will be called upon, as a grown-up and responsible member of the Community, to take full part in the activities of the Cause, and thus prove yourself worthy of being a member of this world-wide Fellow- ship created by Baha'u'llah.

The Guardian was truly pleased to note that you have already started reading some Baha'i books, and would spe- cially advise you to endeavor to commit to memory certain passages from the Writings of Baha’u'llah, and in particular, some of His prayers. This training would undoubtedly be of tremendous help to you in your future studies of the Cause, and would also serve to considerably deepen and enrich your own spiritual life at present.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 4/10/39 to individual believer, in The Importance of Deepening 41—42

16. To deepen in the Cause means to read the writings of Baha’u'llah and the Master so thoroughly as to be able to give it to others in its pure form. There are many who have some superficial idea of what the Cause stands for. They, there- fore, present it altogether with all sorts of ideas that are their own. As the Cause is still in its early days we must be most careful lest we fall into this error and injure the Movement we so much adore. There is no limit to the study of the Cause. The more we read the Writings, the more truths we can find in them, the more we will see that our previous notions were erroneous.

Shoghi Effendi, qtd. by the Universal House of Justice in letter dated 5/27/66 to individual believer, in Wellspring of Guidance 88—89 �[Page 62]62 EDUCATION

17. ... the foundation of all their [young Baha'is] other accomplishments... is their study of the teachings, the spiritualization of their lives, and the forming of their characters in accordance with the standards of Baha’u'llah. As the moral standards of the people around us collapse and decay, whether of the centuries-old civilizations of the East, the more recent cultures of Christendom and Islam, or of the rapidly changing tribal societies of the world, the Baha'is must increasingly stand out as pillars of righteousness and forbearance. The life of a Baha'i will be characterized by truthfulness and decency; he will walk uprightly among his fellowmen, dependent upon none save God, yet linked by bonds of love and brotherhood with all mankind; he will be entirely detached from the loose standards, the decadent theories, the frenetic experimentation, the desperation of present-day society, will look upon his neighbors with a bright and friendly face, and be a beacon light and a haven for all those who would emulate his strength of character and assurance of soul.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 6/10/66 to Baha’ youth in every land, in Wellspring of Guidance 94

Studying the Bahd’i writings

18. It behooveth us one and all to recite day and night both the Persian and Arabic Hidden Words, to pray fervently and supplicate tearfully that we may be enabled to conduct ourselves in accordance with these divine counsels. These holy Words have not been revealed to be heard but to be practiced.

‘Abdu 'l-Baha, in The Importance of Deepening 11

19. He is indeed pleased to know that the book of Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah has been out in time to enable the friends to read it during the Fast, and he has every hope that the perusal of such a precious volume will help to deepen, more than any other publication, the spirit of devotion and faith in the friends, and thus charge them �[Page 63]Studying the Bahd’i writings 63

with all the spiritual power they require for the accomplish- ment of their tremendous duties towards the Cause. Letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in The Importance of Deepening 48

20. He is particularly pleased to realize that the book of Gleanings is of such a tremendous inspiration to the Baha’i youth, and that they all are making a careful study of its contents with the view of preparing themselves for proper teaching work. His hope is that this volume will enable them to gain a fuller consciousness of their functions and respon- sibilities, and to arise and set the example before the rest of the believers, not only in the field of teaching, but in all the other fields of Baha’i activity as well. He is ardently supplicat- ing Baha’u'llah on your behalf, and on behalf of the whole body of young Baha'is throughout the States, and specially the National Youth Committee, that you may be given the inspiration, knowledge and guidance to press forward to efficient and loyal service.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 2/2/36 to individual believer, in The Importance of Deepening 40

21. Some of the younger believers, from letters and reports received here, seem to lack a firm grounding on such matters as the Will and Testament and the deeper spiritual teachings of the Faith. Whenever the grasp of these funda- mentals is weak, the friends are almost sure to pay undue attention to secondary procedures, to quibble over details, to lose themselves in personalities, and to founder in a sea of unnecessary inharmony. This has nothing to do with their devotion, their loyalty, their zeal, their eagerness to serve. It is merely a question of not having received, perhaps through lack of sufficient teachers to carry on the all-important work of deepening the friends in their own faith, a strong enough education in the Covenant before the duties and responsibilities of the Administrative Order were thrust upon them.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 6/26/56 to National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'ts of Canada, in The Importance of Deepening 52—53 �[Page 64]64 EDUCATION

22. The Guardian would advise that in their studies of the Will and Testament the young believers should use the “Dispensation,” which will undoubtedly help them consid- erably to grasp the full implications of that sacred and historic Document which he has described as the “Charter of the New World Order.”

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 1/9/39 to individual believer, in The Importance of Deepening 41

23. He fully approves the idea of holding study classes, for the deeper the friends go in their understanding of the teachings the more firm and steadfast they will become and the more unwavering in their support of the institu- tions of the Faith. Books such as the [qan, Some Answered Questions and The Dawn-Breakers should be mastered by every Baha'i. They should read these books over and over again. The first two books will reveal to them the significance of this divine revelation as well as the unity of all the Prophets of old. The last book will show how the Faith was ushered into the world and how its early adherents heroical- ly faced martyrdom and suffering in their desire to establish the Cause throughout the world. Knowing the life of those heroes will create in us the urge to follow their footsteps and achieve the same.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 6/9/32 to individual believer, in The Importance of Deepening 33

24. Shoghi Effendi undertook the translation of The Dawn-Breakers only after being convinced that its publica- tion will arouse the friends to greater self-sacrifice and a more determined way of teaching. Otherwise he would not have devoted so much time to it.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 5/9/32 to individual believer, in Baha'i Youth 13

25. The Guardian feels that a sound knowledge of history, including religious history, and also of social and econom- ic subjects, is of great help in teaching the Cause to intelligent people; as to what subjects within the Faith you should concentrate on he feels that the young Baha'is �[Page 65]Acquiring human knowledge 65

should gain a mastery of such books as the Gleanings, the Dawnbreakers, God Passes By, the [Igan, Some Answered Questions and the more important Tablets. All aspects of the Faith should be deeply studied... .

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 5/4/46 to individual believer, in The Importance of Deepening 46

Acquiring human knowledge

26. Look at the world and ponder a while upon it. It unveileth the book of its own self before thine eyes and revealeth that which the Pen of thy Lord, the Fashioner, the All-Informed, hath inscribed therein. It will acquaint thee with that which is within it and upon it and will give thee such clear explanations as to make thee independent of every eloquent expounder. Bahd'u'lldh, Tablets of Baha'u'llah 141-42

27. All blessings are divine in origin, but none can be compared with this power of intellectual investigation and research, which is an eternal gift producing fruits of unending delight. ... Therefore, you should put forward your most earnest efforts toward the acquisition of science and arts. The greater your attainment, the higher your standard in the divine purpose. The man of science is perceiving and endowed with vision, whereas he who is ignorant and neglectful of this development is blind. The investigating mind is attentive, alive; the callous and indifferent mind is deaf and dead. A scientific man is a true index and representative of humanity, for through processes of inductive reasoning and research he is in- formed of all that appertains to humanity, its status, conditions and happenings. He studies the human body politic, understands social problems and weaves the web and texture of civilization. In fact, science may be likened to a mirror wherein the infinite forms and images of existing things are revealed and reflected. It is the very foundation of all individual and national development. Without this basis of investigation, development is impos- �[Page 66]66 EDUCATION

sible. Therefore, seek with diligent endeavor the knowl- edge and attainment of all that lies within the power of this wonderful bestowal.

‘Abdu'l-Bahd, The Promulgation of Universal Peace 50

28. Consider carefully: all these highly varied phenomena, these concepts, this knowledge, these technical proce- dures and philosophical systems, these sciences, arts, industries and inventions—all are emanations of the human mind. Whatever people has ventured deeper into this shoreless sea, has come to excel the rest. The happi- ness and pride of a nation consist in this, that it should shine out like the sun in the high heaven of knowledge. ... And the honor and distinction of the individual con- sist in this, that he among all the world’s multitudes should become a source of social good. Is any larger bounty conceivable than this, that an individual, looking within himself, should find that by the confirming grace of God he has become the cause of peace and well-being, of happi- ness and advantage to his fellow men? No, by the one true God, there is no greater bliss, no more complete delight. ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, The Secret of Divine Civilization 2—3

Studying disciplines that will benefit humanity

29. Knowledge is as wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be ac- quired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with words and end with words. Great indeed is the claim of scientists and craftsmen on the peoples of the world. .. . In truth, knowledge is a veritable treasure for man, and a source of glory, of bounty, of joy, of exaltation, of cheer and gladness unto him. Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah 51—52

30. O My Servant! The best of men are they that earn a livelihood by their calling and spend upon themselves and �[Page 67]Studying beneficial disciplines 67

upon their kindred for the love of God, the Lord of all worlds. Baha'u'llah, The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah 51

31. It is enjoined upon every one of you to engage in some form of occupation, such as crafts, trades and the like. We have graciously exalted your engagement in such work to the rank of worship unto God, the True One.

Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah 26

32. I hope that you will use your understanding to promote the unity and tranquillity of mankind, to give enlightenment and civilization to the people, to produce love in all around you, and to bring about the universal peace.

Study the sciences, acquire more and more knowledge. Assuredly one may learn to the end of one’s life! Use your knowledge always for the benefit of others; so may war cease on the face of this beautiful earth, and a glorious edifice of peace and concord be raised. Strive that your high ideals may be realized in the Kingdom of God on earth, as they will be in Heaven.

‘Abdu 'l-Bahd, Paris Talks 43

33. The individual should, prior to engaging in the study of any subject, ask himself what its uses are and what fruit and result will derive from it. If it is a useful branch of knowledge, that is, if society will gain important benefits from it, then he should certainly pursue it with all his heart. If not, if it consists in empty, profitless debates and in a vain concatenation of imaginings that lead to no result except acrimony, why devote one’s life to such useless hairsplittings and disputes. ‘Abdu 'l-Bahd, The Secret of Divine Civilization 106

34. Thy letter was received. Praise be to God it imparted the good news of thy health and safety and indicated that thou art ready to enter an agricultural school. This is highly suitable. Strive as much as possible to become proficient in the science of agriculture, for in accordance �[Page 68]68 EDUCATION

with the divine teachings the acquisition of sciences and the perfection of arts are considered acts of worship. Ifa man engageth with all his power in the acquisition of a science or in the perfection of an art, it is as if he has been worshiping God in churches and temples. Thus as thou enterest a school of agriculture and strivest in the acquisi- tion of that science thou art day and night engaged in acts of worship—acts that are accepted at the threshold of the Almighty. What bounty greater than this that science should be considered as an act of worship and art as service to the Kingdom of God. Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha 144—45

35. The Guardian . . . was gratified to learn of the progress of your academic studies, and of your future plans for the study and the teaching of the Cause. The spirit which is moving and sustaining you in the service of the Faith is, indeed, remarkable, and through it you will undoubtedly be moved to render great and imperishable services to the Cause of Baha'u'llah. The university training which you are receiving at present will be of immense help to you in your efforts to present the Message in intellectual circles. In these days when people are so skeptical about religion and look with so much contempt towards religious organizations and movements, there seems to be more need than ever for our young Baha'is to be well-equipped intellectually, so that they may be in a position to present the Message in a befitting way, and in a manner that would convince every unbiased observer of the effectiveness and power of the teachings.

In view of that Shoghi Effendi would urge you to perse- vere in your studies, and trusts that as a result you will be greatly assisted in your teaching activities.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 5/5/34 to individual believer, in The Importance of Deepening 37—38

36. ... it is the duty of the children to acquire knowledge of the arts and sciences and to learn a trade or a profession whereby they, in turn, can earn their living and support �[Page 69]Suggestions for courses of study 69 their families. This, for a Baha'i youth, is in itself a service to God, a service, moreover, which can be combined with teaching the Faith and often with pioneering. The Baha'i community will need men and women of many skills and qualifications; for, as it grows in size the sphere of its activities in the life of society will increase and diversify. Let Baha'i youth, therefore, consider the best ways in which they can use and develop their native abilities for the service of mankind and the Cause of God, whether this be as farmers, teachers, doctors, artisans, musicians, or any one. of the multitude of livelihoods that are open to them.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 6/10/66 to Baha’t youth in every land, in Wellspring of Guidance 95

Suggestions for studying specific Courses

37. The first attribute of perfection is learning and the cultural attainments of the mind, and this eminent station is achieved when the individual combines in himself a thorough knowledge of those complex and transcendental realities pertaining to God, of the fundamental truths of Qur’anic political and religious law, of the contents of the sacred Scriptures of other faiths, and of those regulations and procedures which would contribute to the progress and civilization of this distinguished country. He should in addition be informed as to the laws and principles, the customs, conditions and manners, and the material and moral virtues characterizing the statecraft of other nations, and should be well versed in all the useful branches of learning of the day, and study the historical records of bygone governments and peoples. For if a learned individual has no knowledge of the sacred Scriptures and the entire field of divine and natural science, of religious jurisprudence and the arts of government and the varied learning of the time and the great events of history, he might prove unequal to an emergency, and this is inconsistent with the necessary qualification of comprehensive knowledge. ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, The Secret of Divine Civilization 35-36 �[Page 70]70 EDUCATION

38. I hope thou wilt acquire great proficiency in writing literature, composition, eloquence of tongue and fluency of speech, .. . becoming an esteemed servant in the Thresh- old of Oneness and partaking of a share of the heavenly gifts, and progressing day by day until thou attain to the apex of the excellencies of this human world.

‘Abdu'l-Bahd, Tablets of Abdul-Baha Abbas 501-02

39. We had heard through various channels the wonderful way your children had grown to speak about the Cause in public. Shoghi Effendi’s hope is that they will, the three of them, become able and devoted speakers on the Cause and subjects akin to it. To do this properly they will need a firm foundation of scientific and literary training which fortu- nately they are obtaining. It is just as important for the Baha'i young boys and girls to become properly educated in colleges of high standing as it is to be spiritually developed. The mental as well as the spiritual side of the youth has to be developed before he can serve the Cause efficiently.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 1 1/28/26 to individual believer, in Baha‘i Education 59

40. Public speaking is undoubtedly very important for a person who desires to teach, but this should be learned in schools and classes especially arranged for such training. We should not permit an inferior presentation of the Cause to the public for the sole reason that we desire to learn to do it better in the future. The youth should be encouraged to train themselves in public speaking while they are still pursuing their studies in schools or colleges.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 12/25/31 to individual believer, in Baha'i News, no. 64 (July 1932) 4

41. Regarding the advice you requested from him concern- ing what studies you should specialize in with a view to teaching in the future: He would suggest either History, Economics or Sociology, as these are fields in which Baha'is not only take a great interest but also cover subjects which our teachings cast an entirely new light upon. Your �[Page 71]Balancing human and spiritual education 71

knowledge would be of use to the Cause in teaching it in the future, and you could also perhaps introduce the Baha’i ideas into your lectures as an educator.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 3/13/44 to individual believer, in Baha’i Youth 15

42. Philosophy, as you will study it and later teach it, is certainly not one of the sciences that begins and ends in words. Fruitless excursions into metaphysical hair- splitting is meant, not a sound branch of learning like philosophy....

As regards your own studies: he would advise you not to devote too much of your time to the abstract side of philosophy, but rather to approach it from a more histori- cal angle. As to correlating philosophy with the Baha'i teaching; this is a tremendous work which scholars in the future can undertake. We must remember that not only are all the teachings not yet translated into English, but they are not even all collected yet. Many important Tablets may still come to light which are at present owned privately.

Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 2/15/47 to individual believer, in The Unfolding Destiny of the British Baha'i Community 445

43. When deciding what course of training to follow, youth can consider acquiring those skills and professions that will be of benefit in education, rural development, agricul- ture, economics, technology, health, radio and in many other areas of endeavor that are so urgently needed in the developing countries of the world. You can also devote time in the midst of your studies, or other activities, to travel teaching or service projects in the Third World.

The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 7/4/83 to European Youth Conference, Innsbruck, Austria

Balancing human and spiritual education

44. In this great dispensation, art (or a profession) is identical with an act of worship and this is a clear text of the Blessed Perfection. Therefore, extreme effort should be made in art and this will not prevent the teaching of the �[Page 72]72 EDUCATION

people in that region. Nay, rather each should assist the other in art and guidance. For instance, when the studying of art is with the intention of obeying the command of God this study will certainly be done easily and great progress will soon be made therein; and when others discover this fragrance of spirituality in the action itself, this same will cause their awakening. Likewise, managing art with pro- priety will become the means of sociability and affinity; and sociability and affinity themselves tend to guide others to the Truth. ‘Abdu'l-Baha, in Baha'i World Faith 377

45. Concerning the course of study you may follow: Shoghi Effendi prefers you to find what subject you like most and for which you are best fitted. .. . The Cause is such that we can serve it no matter what our profession may be. The only necessity is that we be spiritually minded and not be guided by purely material considerations. We should also not let our studies detain us from deepening our knowl- edge of the literature of the Cause.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 11/9/31 to individual believer, in The Importance of Deepening 30

46. The Guardian hopes that along with whatever other studies you take up, you will continually study the teach- ings and endeavor to acquire a profound knowledge of them. The importance of young Baha'is becoming thor- oughly steeped in every branch of the teachings cannot be over-emphasized, as they have great teaching tasks ahead of them to accomplish.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 12/24/43 to individual believer, in The Importance of Deepening 44—45

47. O thou true friend! Read, in the school of God, the lessons of the spirit, and learn from love’s Teacher the innermost truths. Seek out the secrets of Heaven, and tell of the overflowing grace and favor of God.

Although to acquire the sciences and arts is the great- est glory of mankind, this is so only on condition that �[Page 73]Balancing human and spiritual education 73

man’s river flow into the mighty sea, and draw from God’s ancient source His inspiration. When this cometh to pass, then every teacher is as a shoreless ocean, every pupil a prodigal fountain of knowledge. If, then, the pursuit of knowledge lead to the beauty of Him Who is the Object of all Knowledge, how excellent that goal; but if not, a mere drop will perhaps shut a man off from flooding grace, for with learning cometh arrogance and pride, and it bringeth on error and indifference to God.

The sciences of today are bridges to reality; if then they lead not to reality, naught remains but fruitless illusion. By the one true God! If learning be not a means of access to Him, the Most Manifest, it is nothing but evident loss.

It is incumbent upon thee to acquire the various branches of knowledge, and to turn thy face toward the beauty of the Manifest Beauty, that thou mayest be a sign of saving guidance amongst the peoples of the world, anda focal center of understanding in this sphere from which the wise and their wisdom are shut out, except for those who set foot in the Kingdom of lights and become informed of the veiled and hidden mystery, the well-guarded secret.

‘Abdu'l-Bahd, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha 110