Baha’i
Writings
2. Human / Mental
2.1
Learning and Education (integrated approach)
2.1.1
Learning & Education – Supreme Talisman
Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however,
deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess.
(Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 161)
2.1.2
Learning & Education – A mine rich in gems
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 therefrom.
(Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 161)
2.1.3
Learning & Education – The source of learning
The source of all learning is the knowledge of God, exalted be His Glory, and
this cannot be attained save through the knowledge of His Divine Manifestation.
(Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 156)
2.1.4
Learning & Education – The signs of God
The signs of God shine as manifest and resplendent as the sun amidst the works
of His creatures. Whatsoever proceedeth from Him is apart, and will always
remain distinguished, from the inventions of men. From the Source of His
knowledge countless Luminaries of learning and wisdom have risen, and out of the
Paradise of His Pen the breath of the All-Merciful hath continually been wafted
to the hearts and souls of men. Happy are they that have recognized this truth.
(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 144)
2.1.5
Learning & Education – The gift of understanding
Know thou that, according to what thy Lord, the Lord of all men, hath decreed in
His Book, the favors vouchsafed by Him unto mankind have been, and will ever
remain, limitless in their range. First and foremost among these favors, which
the Almighty hath conferred upon man, is the gift of understanding. His purpose
in conferring such a gift is none other except to enable His creature to know
and recognize the one true God -- exalted be His glory. This gift giveth man the
power to discern the truth in all things, leadeth him to that which is right,
and helpeth him to discover the secrets of creation. Next in rank, is the power
of vision, the chief instrument whereby his understanding can function. The
senses of hearing, of the heart, and the like, are similarly to be reckoned
among the gifts with which the human body is endowed. Immeasurably exalted is
the Almighty Who hath created these powers, and revealed them in the body of
man.
(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 194)
2.1.6
Learning & Education – The essence of man
"Man is even as steel, the essence of which is hidden:
through admonition and explanation, good counsel and education, that
essence will be brought to light.
If, however, he be allowed to remain in his original condition, the corrosion of
lusts and appetites will effectively destroy him."
(Baha'u'llah: Baha'i
Education, A Compilation, p. 5)
2.1.7
Learning & Education - Intellect
God's greatest gift to man is that of intellect, or understanding.
The understanding is the power by which man acquires his knowledge of the
several kingdoms of creation, and of various stages of existence, as well as of
much which is invisible.
Possessing this gift, he is, in himself, the sum of earlier creations -- he is
able to get into touch with those kingdoms; and by this gift, he can frequently,
through his scientific knowledge, reach out with prophetic vision.
Intellect is, in truth, the most precious gift bestowed upon man by the Divine
Bounty. Man alone, among created beings, has this wonderful power.
(Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 41)
2.1.8
Learning & Education – Knowledge, resolve, fulfillment
This is a brilliant century. Eyes are now open to the beauty of the oneness of
humanity, of love and of brotherhood. The darkness of suppression will disappear
and the light of unity will shine. We cannot bring love and unity to pass merely
by talking of it. Knowledge is not enough. Wealth, science, education are good,
we know: but we must also work and study to bring to maturity the fruit of
knowledge.
Knowledge is the first step; resolve, the second step; action, its fulfillment,
is the third step. To construct a building one must first of all make a plan,
then one must have the power (money), then one can build. A society of Unity is
formed, that is good -- but meetings and discussions are not enough. In Egypt
these meetings take place but there is only talk and no result. These meetings
here in London are good, the knowledge and the intention are good, but how can
there be a result without action? Today the force for Unity is the Holy Spirit
of Bahá'u'lláh. He manifested this spirit of Unity. Bahá'u'lláh brings East and
West together. Go back, search history, you will not find a precedent for this.
(Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 54)
2.1.9
Learning & Education – The reality of man
The reality of man is his thought, not his material body. The thought force and
the animal force are partners. Although man is part of the animal creation, he
possesses a power of thought superior to all other created beings.
(Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 17)
2.1.10
Learning & Education – Three kinds of Education
But education is of three kinds:
material, human and spiritual.
Material education is concerned with the progress 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
inventions 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-Baha: Some Answered
Questions
Page 8
2.1.11
Learning & Education – Unity& spiritual education
I pray earnestly that the Light in this advanced age will so illumine the
world that all may rally under the banner of Unity and receive Spiritual
education.
Then those
problems which cause difference among the peoples of the earth will be seen no
more, for verily they are not. You
are all waves of
one sea, mirrors of one reflection.
`Abdu'l-Baha: Abdu'l-Baha in
London*
Pages 48-49
2.1.12
Learning & Education – Spiritual education and Christ’s disciples
Consider the wonderful effect of spiritual education and training.
By it the fisherman Peter was transformed into the greatest of
teachers. Spiritual education made
the disciples radiant lamps in
the darkness of the world and caused the Christians of the first and
second centuries to become renowned everywhere for their virtues.
Even philosophers bore testimony to this.
`Abdu'l-Baha: Promulgation of
Universal Peace* Page 331
2.1.13
Learning & Education – Man and the animal instincts
A man who has not had a spiritual education is a brute.
Like the savages of Africa, whose actions, habits and morals are purely
sensual, they act according to the demands of nature to such a degree that they
rend and eat one another. Thus it
is evident that the physical world of man is a world of sin.
In this physical world man is not distinguished from the animal.
`Abdu'l-Baha: Some Answered
Questions
Pages 119-120
2.1.14
Learning & Education – Branches of knowledge
Exert every effort to acquire the various branches of knowledge and
true understanding. Strain every
nerve to achieve both material and
spiritual accomplishments.
Encourage the
children from their earliest years to master every kind
of learning, and make them eager to become skilled in every art – the
aim being that through the favouring grace of God, the heart of each one
may become even as a mirror disclosing the secrets of the universe,
penetrating the innermost reality of all things; and that each may earn
world-wide fame in all branches of knowledge, science and the arts.
Certainly, certainly, neglect not the education of the children.
Rear
them to be possessed of spiritual qualities, and be assured of the gifts and
favours of the Lord.
`Abdu'l-Baha:
Education
Pages 267-268
(From a Tablet - translated from the Persian)
2.1.15
Learning & Education – Material and spiritual powers
Man has two powers, and his development two aspects. One power is connected with
the material world and by it he is capable of material advancement. The other
power is spiritual and through its development his inner, potential nature is
awakened. These powers are like two wings. Both must be developed, for flight is
impossible with one wing. Praise be to God! material advancement has been
evident in the world but there is need of spiritual advancement in like
proportion. We must strive unceasingly and without rest to accomplish the
development of the spiritual nature in man, and endeavor with tireless energy to
advance humanity toward the nobility of its true and intended station. For the
body of man is accidental; it is of no importance. The time of its
disintegration will inevitably come. But the spirit of man is essential and
therefore eternal. It is a divine bounty. It is the effulgence of the Sun of
Reality and therefore of greater importance than the physical body.
(Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 262)