Some QUOTES that might be useful

for consultation on SED scenarios.

(work in progress... not yet complete.  Please email suggestions)

 

God loves those who are working in groups:

“0 ye friends of God! Today is the day of union and this age is the age of harmony in the world of existence. ‘Verily, God loveth those who are working in His path in groups, for they are a solid foundation.’ Consider ye that he says ‘in groups,’ united and bound together, supporting one another.   ‘To work,’ mentioned in this holy verse, does not mean, in this greatest age, to perform it with swords, spears, shafts and arrows, but rather with sincere intentions, good designs, useful advices, divine moralities, beautiful actions, spiritual qualities, educating the public, guiding the souls of mankind, diffusing spiritual fragrances, explaining divine illustrations, showing convincing proofs and doing charitable deeds. When the holy souls, through the angelic power, will arise to show forth these celestial characteristics, establishing a band of harmony, each of these souls shall be regarded as one thousand persons and the waves of this greatest ocean shall be considered as the army of the hosts of the Supreme Concourse.  What a great blessing it is that when the torrents, streams, currents, tides and drops are all gathered in one place, they will form a great ocean and the real harmony shall overcome and reign in such a manner that all the rules, laws, distinctions and differences of the imaginations of these souls shall disappear and vanish like little drops and shall be submerged in the ocean of spiritual unity.” - (Star of the West, Vol. 7, p. 36 and Baha'i World Faith, p. 401-402)

 

Attitudes towards “other” people:

"Show forbearance and benevolence and love to one another. Should any one among you be incapable of grasping a certain truth, or be striving to comprehend it, show forth, when conversing with him, a spirit of extreme kindliness and good-will. Help him to see and recognize the truth, without esteeming yourself to be, in the least, superior to him, or to be possessed of greater endowments." (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p.8)

 

"The unsophisticated people of the world -- and they form the large majority of its population -- have the same right to know of the Cause of God as others. When the friends are teaching the Word of God they should be careful to give the Message the same simplicity as it is enunciated in our Teachings. In their contacts they must show genuine and divine love. The heart of an unlettered soul is extremely sensitive: and any trace of prejudice on the part of the pioneer or teacher is immediately sensed."  (The Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, July 13, 1964  -- Lights of Guidance, p. 595)

 

"At the outset, we believe that any declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples must emphasize four main principles: one, respect for indigenous communities and their cultures; two, appreciation for cultural diversity; three, full participation of indigenous peoples; and four, co-operation between indigenous peoples and their governments." ( Bahá'í International Community, Rights of Indigenous Populations)

 

“Therefore, it is made clear and evident that the superiority and inferiority of minds and comprehensions arises from education and cultivation, or from their lack and absence. A bent branch is straightened by training and the wild fruit of the jungle is made the product of the orchard. An ignorant man by learning becomes knowing, and the world of savagery, through the bounty of a wise educator, is changed into a civilized kingdom.”

(Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 397)

 

“The teacher should not consider himself as learned and others ignorant. Such a thought breedeth pride, and pride is not conducive to influence. The teacher should not see in himself any superiority; he should speak with the utmost kindliness, lowliness and humility, for such speech exerteth influence and educateth the souls.”  (Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 30)

 

“Ere long the Adored One of this providence will become the Beloved of the assemblages of the world and the rays of the Sun of Truth will illumine every house, every place and corner. At that time the greatness and superiority of the friends of God will become evident and demonstrated.”  (Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v3, p. 532)

 

“Show forbearance and benevolence and love to one another. Should any one among you be incapable of grasping a certain truth, or be striving to comprehend it, show forth, when conversing with him, a spirit of extreme kindliness and good-will. Help him to see and recognize the truth, without esteeming yourself to be, in the least, superior to him, or to be possessed of greater endowments.

            The whole duty of man in this Day is to attain that share of the flood of grace which God poureth forth for him. Let none, therefore, consider the largeness or smallness of the receptacle. The portion of some might lie in the palm of a man's hand, the portion of others might fill a cup, and of others even a gallon-measure.”  (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 8)

 

“Every human creature is the servant of God. All have been created and reared by the power and favor of God; all have been blessed with the bounties of the same Sun of divine truth; all have quaffed from the fountain of the infinite mercy of God; and all in His estimation and love are equal as servants. He is beneficent and kind to all.  Therefore, no one should glorify himself over another; no one should manifest pride or superiority toward another; no one should look upon another with scorn and contempt; and no one should deprive or oppress a fellow creature.”  (The PUP, p. 63)

 

Racism / Race unity:

“. . . the essential oneness of the human race is not restricted to the physical dimension; it extends to the social and spiritual aspects of human life. Through the nurturing and unfolding of man's transcendental potential, cultural diversity can begin to be viewed as the expression of this universal and basic truth. Only then can perceived racial barriers be overcome. In this regard, education is of paramount importance.

            The Special Rapporteur states that the theories of racial superiority predicated on biological grounds have been "utterly discredited," for "they fly in the face of scientific evidence" (E/CN.4/Sub.2/1989/8 and Add.1 and 2, para. 437). However, he acknowledges that, despite the significant contribution of biologists to the elimination of "the fallacious mythology of racial superiority," social scientists should be encouraged "to explore the hidden and subconscious elements of racism and ways in which it manifests itself" (ibid., para. 445, recommendation 5). The battle against pseudo-scientific racism having been largely won, emphasis on this element of racism is now imperative if greater recognition of the social and spiritual dimensions of humanity's fundamental unity is to occur. The Bahá'í International Community fully concurs with the recommendation of the report that this task be undertaken by UNESCO in co-operation with the Centre for Human Rights and that attempts to introduce these insights into the world's education system at all levels be intensified (ibid.). Moreover, efforts should be made to expedite the preparation by UNESCO of teaching materials and aids for the promotion of human rights education, with particular emphasis on the primary and secondary levels of education.

In addition to such measures, a more far-reaching effort may be necessary in order to provide the proper pedagogical tools for combating racism. The Bahá'í International Community therefore recommends, as indeed it has in the past, the development and implementation in individual countries of a universal, yet culturally adaptable, curriculum for teaching the organic oneness of humankind.”

(The Bahá'í International Community, 1990 Jan 26, Combating Racism.  Commends the activities of the United Nations during the period 1985-1989 with respect to the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.)

 

“Let the white make a supreme effort in their resolve to contribute their share to the solution of this problem, to abandon once for all their usually inherent and at times subconscious sense of superiority, to correct their tendency towards revealing a patronizing attitude towards the members of the other race, to persuade them through their intimate, spontaneous and informal association with them of the genuineness of their friendship and the sincerity of their intentions, and to master their impatience of any lack of responsiveness on the part of a people who have received, for so long a period, such grievous and slow-healing wounds. Let the Negroes, through a corresponding effort on their part, show by every means in their power the warmth of their response, their readiness to forget the past, and their ability to wipe out every trace of suspicion that may still linger in their hearts and minds. Let neither think that the solution of so vast a problem is a matter that exclusively concerns the other. Let neither think that such a problem can either easily or immediately be resolved. Let neither think that they can wait confidently for the solution of this problem until the initiative has been taken, and the favorable circumstances created, by agencies that stand outside the orbit of their Faith. Let neither think that anything short of genuine love, extreme patience, true humility, consummate tact, sound initiative, mature wisdom, and deliberate, persistent, and prayerful effort, can succeed in blotting out the stain which this patent evil has left on the fair name of their common country. Let them rather believe, and be firmly convinced,   that on their mutual understanding, their amity, and sustained cooperation, must depend, more than on any other force or organization operating outside the circle of their Faith, the deflection of that dangerous course so greatly feared by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and the materialization of the hopes He cherished for their joint contribution to the fulfillment of that country's glorious destiny.”  (Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 40)

 

Attitudes toward other Religions:

“Any variations in the splendor which each of these Manifestations of the Light of God has shed upon the world should be ascribed not to any inherent superiority involved in the essential character of any one of them, but rather to the progressive capacity, the ever-increasing spiritual receptiveness, which mankind, in its progress towards maturity, has invariably manifested.”   (Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 166)

 

“O My servants! Whoso hath tasted of this Fountain hath attained unto everlasting Life, and whoso hath refused to drink therefrom is even as the dead.”  (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 169)

 

“The Book of God is wide open, and His Word is summoning mankind unto Him. No more than a mere handful, however, hath been found willing to cleave to His Cause, or to become the instruments for its promotion. These few have been endued with the Divine Elixir that can, alone, transmute into purest gold the dross of the world, and have been empowered to administer the infallible remedy for all the ills that afflict the children of men. No man can obtain everlasting life, unless he embraceth the truth of this inestimable, this wondrous, and sublime Revelation.

            Incline your ears, O friends of God, to the voice of Him Whom the world hath wronged, and hold fast unto whatsoever will exalt His Cause. He, verily, guideth whomsoever He pleaseth unto His straight Path. This is a Revelation that infuseth strength into the feeble, and crowneth with wealth the destitute.

            With the utmost friendliness and in a spirit of perfect fellowship take ye counsel together, and dedicate the precious days of your lives to the betterment of the world and the promotion of the Cause of Him Who is the Ancient and Sovereign Lord of all. He, verily, enjoineth upon all men what is right, and forbiddeth whatsoever degradeth their station.”  (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 183)

 

“Throughout past centuries each system of religious belief has boasted of its own superiority and excellence, abasing and scorning the validity of all others. Each has proclaimed its own belief as the light and all others as darkness. Religionists have considered the world of humanity as two trees: one divine and merciful, the other satanic…”  (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 230)

 

“The Revelation, of which Bahá'u'lláh is the source and center, abrogates none of the religions that have preceded it, nor does it attempt, in the slightest degree, to distort their features or to belittle their value. It disclaims any intention of dwarfing any of the Prophets of the past, or of whittling down the eternal verity of their teachings. It can, in no wise, conflict with the spirit that animates their claims, nor does it seek to undermine the basis of any man's allegiance to their cause. Its declared, its primary purpose is to enable every adherent of these Faiths to obtain a fuller understanding of the religion with which he stands identified, and to acquire a clearer apprehension of its purpose.”  (Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 57-58  -- Also: purpose The Universal House of Justice, 1998 Mar 24, Abrogation of Past Dispensations, p. 2)

 

“The fundamental principle enunciated by Bahá'u'lláh ... is that religious truth is not absolute but relative, that Divine Revelation is a continuous and progressive process, that all the great religions of the world are divine in origin, that their basic principles are in complete harmony, that their aims and purposes are one and the same, that their teachings are but facets of one truth, that their functions are complementary, that they differ only in the nonessential aspects of their doctrines, and that their missions represent successive stages in the spiritual evolution of human society....”  (Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is Come, preface.)

 

". . . But for the leading of the peoples into the Promised Land, for the spiritualizing of mankind, for the attainment of the Most Great Peace the world awaits the arising of those whom the King of kings has summoned to the task -- the Christians and the Churches of the West.”   (Next to the last paragraph of the Introduction to "God Passes By" -- written by George Townshend, whom Shoghi Effendi called the greatest Baha'i scholar of the West. Shoghi Effendi asked him to write the Introduction and approved it.  Page x.)

 

Advancement of Women and Men in Global Society:

“First and foremost, violence against women and girls, one of the most blatant and widespread abuses of human rights, must be eradicated. Violence has been a fact of life for many women throughout the world, regardless of race, class, or educational background. In many societies, traditional beliefs that women are inferior or a burden make them easy targets of anger and frustration. Even strong legal remedies and enforcement mechanisms will have little effect until they are supported by a transformation in the attitudes of men. Women will not be safe until a new social conscience takes hold, one which will make the mere expression of condescending attitudes towards women, let alone any form of physical violence, a cause for deep shame.”  (Baha'i International Community, 1995 Oct, Turning Point For All Nations)

 

"The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man has dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and aggressive qualities both of body and of mind. But the balance is already shifting - force is losing weight and mental alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and service, in which women are strong, are gaining ascendency. Hence the new age will be an age less masculine and more permeated with the feminine ideals, or, to speak more exactly, will be an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilization will be more evenly balanced. ('Abdu'l-Bahá: "Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era", 1976 U.S. edition, p. 156 -- Lights of Guidance, p. 615)

 

    "It is common knowledge that systematic discrimination against women has not only made women the main victims of a spreading poverty, but has promoted unhealthy attitudes in men. Denied education and technical training, constrained by family, work, and social structures which give preference to men, and excluded from decision-making at all levels, women must often work in the non-formal sector of the economy as traders and walking food vendors, unprotected by legislation and not benefiting from general improvements in working conditions. Meanwhile, men develop attitudes of superiority and habits of oppression that they carry from the family, to the workplace, to political life and ultimately to international relations.

 

    Studies conducted during the UN Decade for Women have shown, however, that the integration of women into existing development projects does not necessarily improve their living conditions. If the projects themselves do not take into account the real needs of women, participation may not be of much help. Indeed, effective solutions to local problems, while often requiring resources from governments and outside agencies, need to be found in consultation with those to be served -- men and women. Women, therefore, must be included not only as implementers and beneficiaries of development projects, but as designers and planners.”  (Baha'i International Community, 1988 Sept 27, Role of Women in Commerce in Caribbean)

 

“In some respects woman is superior to man. She is more tender-hearted, more receptive, her intuition is more intense.  It is not to be denied that in various directions woman at present is more backward than man, also that this temporary inferiority is due to the lack of educational opportunity. In the necessity of life, woman is more instinct with power than man, for to her he owes his very existence.  If the mother is educated then her children will be well taught. When the mother is wise, then will the children be led into the path of wisdom. If the mother be religious she will show her children how they should love God. If the mother is moral she guides her little ones into the ways of uprightness.  It is clear therefore that the future generation depends on the mothers of today.”  (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 161)

 

“In brief, the assumption of superiority by man will continue to be depressing to the ambition of woman, as if her attainment to equality was creationally impossible; woman's aspiration toward advancement will be checked by it, and she will gradually become hopeless. On the contrary, we must declare that her capacity is equal, even greater than man's. This will inspire her with hope and ambition, and her susceptibilities for advancement will continually increase. She must not be told and taught that she is weaker and inferior in capacity and qualification. If a pupil is told that his intelligence is less than his fellow pupils, it is a very great drawback and handicap to his progress. He must be encouraged to advance by the statement, ‘You are most capable, and if you endeavor, you will attain the highest degree.’"  (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 76)

 

“The House of Justice has stated previously, in response to a question from a believer, that use of the term ‘head’ ‘does not confer superiority upon the husband, nor does it give him special rights to undermine the rights of the other members of the family’. It has also stated that if agreement cannot be reached following loving consultation, ‘there are times ... when a wife should defer to her husband, and times when a husband should defer to his wife, but neither should ever unjustly dominate the other’; this is in marked contrast to the conventional usage of the term ‘head’ with which is associated, frequently, the unfettered right of making decisions when agreement cannot be reached between husband and wife.”  (The Universal House of Justice, 1996 Jun 27, Monogamy, Equality of Sexes)

 

Consultation:

“From the beginning of His stupendous mission, Bahá'u'lláh urged upon the attention of nations the necessity of ordering human affairs in such a way as to bring into being a world unified in all the essential aspects of its life. In unnumbered verses and tablets He repeatedly and variously declared the 'progress of the world' and the 'development of nations' as being among the ordinances of God for this day. The oneness of mankind, which is at once the operating principle and ultimate goal of His Revelation, implies the achievement of a dynamic coherence between the spiritual and practical requirements of life on earth….

It is indeed propitious that systematic attention be given to this vital sphere of Bahá'í endeavor. We are happy, therefore, to announce the establishment at the World Centre of the Office of Social and Economic Development, which is to assist the Universal House of Justice to promote and coordinate the activities of the friends throughout the world in this new field....

The International Teaching Centre and, through it, the Continental Boards of Counselors are poised for the special responsibilities which devolve upon them to be alert to possibilities for extending the development of social and economic life both within and outside the Bahá'í Community, and to advise and encourage the Assemblies and friends in their strivings….

Already in many areas the friends are witnessing the confirmations of their initiatives in such pursuits as the founding of tutorial and other schools, the promotion of literacy, the launching of rural development programs, the inception of educational radio stations, and the operation of agricultural and medical projects. As they enlarge the scope of their endeavors other modes of development will undoubtedly emerge. . .

Now, after all the years of constant teaching activity, the community of the Greatest Name has grown to the stage at which the processes of this development must be incorporated into its regular pursuits; particularly is action compelled by the expansion of the Faith in Third World countries where the vast majority of its adherents reside. The steps to be taken must necessarily begin in the Baha'i Community itself, with the friends endeavoring, through their application of spiritual principles, their rectitude of conduct and the practice of the art of consultation, to uplift themselves and thus become self-sufficient and self-reliant. Moreover, these exertions will conduce to the preservation of human honor, so desired by Baha'u'llah. In the process and as a consequence, the friends will undoubtedly extend the benefits of their efforts to society as a whole, until all mankind achieves the progress intended by the Lord of the Age.”  (The Universal House of Justice, A Wider Horizon, Selected Letters 1983-1992, p. 7, 8)

 

“Cooperation will emerge from a growing consciousness of the oneness of humanity and will be facilitated, Bahá'ís believe, through a process of consultation and deliberation. Such consultation must be frank and candid on the one hand, yet cooperative and open-minded on the other.

Constructive consultation is possible only when both minorities and majorities renounce their stubborn clinging to long-standing and misguided attitudes of superiority and condescension; to ancient grievances, however justifiable their origins; and to extreme parochial attachments that represent a perversion of the sane and intelligent pride that all groups rightfully feel towards their particular culture. Minorities and majorities must embrace an expansive view of world society that sees all human beings as members of one human family, united in their fundamental aspirations, yet enriched by the precious variation in human thought, language, religion and culture. The development of such a universal and unshakable consciousness of the oneness of mankind is essential if the rights of minorities are to be fully realized.”   (Baha'i International Community, 1992 Feb 07, Rights of Minorities)

 

" Bahá'u'lláh outlines an approach to consultation and stresses the importance of achieving unanimity in decision-making, failing which the majority decision must prevail. The Universal House of Justice has clarified that this guidance concerning consultation was revealed before Spiritual Assemblies had been established and was in answer to a question about the Bahá'í teachings on consultation. The House of Justice affirms that the emergence of Spiritual Assemblies, to which the friends may always turn for assistance, in no way prohibits them from following the procedure outlined in Questions and Answers. This approach may be used by the friends, should they wish, when they desire to consult on their personal problems." (The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 190)

 

"... Their functions is not to dictate, but to consult, and consult not only among themselves, but as much as possible with the friends whom they represent. They must regard themselves in no other light but that of chosen instrument for a more efficient and dignified presentation of the Cause of God. They should never be led to suppose that they are the central ornaments of the body of the Cause, intrinsically superior to others in capacity or merit, and sole promoters of its teachings and principles. They should approach their task with extreme humility, and endeavor by their open-mindedness, their high sense of justice and duty, their candour, their modesty, their entire devotion to the welfare and interest of the friends, the Cause, and humanity, to win not only the confidence and the genuine support and respect of those who they should serve, but also their esteem and real affection. They must at all times avoid the spirit of exclusiveness, the atmosphere of secrecy, free themselves from a domineering attitude, and banish all forms of prejudice and passion from their deliberations."  (Shoghi Effendi, From a letter to the Bahá'ís of America, February 23, 1924: Bahá'í Administration, p. 64 -- Lights of Guidance, p. 32)

 

"...If it is a matter that affects the interests of the Faith he should consult with the appropriate Assembly or committee, but individuals have many problems which are purely personal and there is no obligation upon them to take such problems to the institutions of the Faith; indeed, when the needs of the teaching work are of such urgency it is better if the friends will not burden their assemblies with personal problems that they can solve by themselves. "A Bahá'í who has a problem may wish to make his own decision upon it after prayer and after weighing all the aspects of it in his own mind; he may prefer to seek the council of individual friends or of professional counsellors such as his doctor or lawyer so that he can consider such advice when making his decision; or in a case where several people are involved, such as a family situation, he may want to gather together those who are affected so that they may arrive at a collective decision. There is also no objection whatever to a Bahá'í asking a group of people to consult together on a problem facing him. "It should be borne in mind that all consultation is aimed at arriving at a solution to a problem and is quite different from the sort of group baring of the soul that is popular in some circles these days which borders on the kind of confession that is forbidden in the Faith." (Lights of Guidance, p. 179)

 

"Let us also bear in mind that the keynote of the Cause of god is not dictatorial authority but humble fellowship, not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving consultation. Nothing short of the spirit of a true Bahá'í can hope to reconcile the principles of mercy and justice, of freedom and submission, of the sanctity of the right of the individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance, discretion, and prudence on the one hand, and fellowship, candor, and courage on the other."  (Shoghi Effendi: Bahá'í Administration, pp. 63-64 -- Lights of Guidance, p. 34)

 

  "Thus, for that they move on these three differing planes, the understanding and the words of the wayfarers have differed; and hence the sign of conflict doth continually appear on earth.  For some there are who dwell upon the plane of oneness and speak of that world, and some inhabit the realms of limitation, and some the grades of self, while others are completely veiled.  Thus do the ignorant people of the day, who have no portion of the radiance of Divine Beauty, make certain claims, and in every age and cycle inflict on the people of the sea of oneness what they themselves deserve.  'Should God punish men for their perverse doings, He would not leave on earth a moving thing!  But to an appointed term doth He respite them....'  (Qur'an 16:63 -  SVFV 20-22)

 

    "The higher plane, however, understandeth the lower...notwithstanding the fact that all these entities co-exist in the phenomenal world, even so, no lower degree can ever comprehend a higher." (110 --  SWAB 47)

 

Urban versus rural development:

“Praised be Thou, O Lord my God! I implore Thee, by Thy Most Great Name through Which Thou didst stir up Thy servants and build up Thy cities, and by Thy most excellent titles, and Thy most august attributes, to assist Thy people to turn in the direction of Thy manifold bounties, and set their faces towards the Tabernacle of Thy wisdom.”  (Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah, p. 21)

 

“One day, after long years of rigid confinement, Baha'u'llah exclaimed: ‘I have not gazed on any green thing [verdure] for nine years. The country is the world of the soul, the city is the world of the body.’  When these words reached the ears of 'Abdu'l Baha He knew that the time for fulfillment of prophecy was at hand and that Baha'u'llah's days in the Most Great Prison were drawing to a close.”  - Star of the West, Vol. 20, p. 72.

 

[Questions to stimulate consultation:  Should Baha’i youth in the villages be encouraged to stay in the rural areas or go to the cities to find jobs?   Is urban living essentially evil?]