A Compilation on Bahai Education Part 1

A Compilation on Baha'i Education.

by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

"The newly born babe of that Day excels the wisest and most venerable men of..."

The newly born babe of that Day excels the wisest and most venerable men of this time, and the lowliest and most unlearned of that period shall surpa.s.s in understanding the most erudite and accomplished divines of this age....

(The Bab, quoted in "The Dawn-Breakers: Nabil's Narrative of the Early Days of the Baha'i Revelation", trans. and ed. Shoghi Effendi. (London: Baha'i Publis.h.i.+ng Trust, 1975), p. 65)

FROM THE WRITINGS OF BAHa'U'LLaH:

"1: The Prophets and Messengers of G.o.d have been sent down for the sole purpose of..."

The Prophets and Messengers of G.o.d have been sent down for the sole purpose of guiding mankind to the straight Path of Truth. The purpose underlying their revelation hath been to educate all men, that they may, at the hour of death, ascend, in the utmost purity and sanct.i.ty and with absolute detachment, to the throne of the Most High....

("Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Baha'i Publis.h.i.+ng Trust, 1984), Sec. 81, pp. 1567) [1]

"2: We have decreed, O people, that the highest and last end of all learning..."

We have decreed, O people, that the highest and last end of all learning be the recognition of Him Who is the Object of all knowledge...

("Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah", Sec. 98, p. 199) [2]

"3: Consider ... the revelation of the light of the Name of G.o.d, the Educator...."

Consider ... the revelation of the light of the Name of G.o.d, the Educator.

Behold, how in all things the evidences of such a revelation are manifest, how the betterment of all beings dependeth upon it. This education is of two kinds. The one is universal. Its influence pervadeth all things and sustaineth them. It is for this reason that G.o.d hath a.s.sumed the t.i.tle, "Lord of all worlds". The other is confined to them that have come under the shadow of this Name, and sought the shelter of this most mighty Revelation. They, however, that have failed to seek this shelter, have deprived themselves of this privilege, and are powerless to benefit from the spiritual sustenance that hath been sent down through the heavenly grace of this Most Great Name. How great the gulf fixed between the one and the other!...

("Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah", Sec. 93, pp. 18990) [3]

"4: Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however,..."

Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however, deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess. Through a word proceeding out of the mouth of G.o.d 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 therefrom....

("Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah", Sec.122, pp. 25960) [4]

"5: Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the..."

Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the earth, that haply the dissensions that divide it may, through the power of the Most Great Name, be blotted out from its face, and all mankind become the upholders of one Order, and the inhabitants of one City....

("Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah", Sec. 154, pp. 3334) [5]

"6: We prescribe unto all men that which will lead to the exaltation of the..."

We prescribe unto all men that which will lead to the exaltation of the Word of G.o.d amongst His servants, and likewise, to the advancement of the world of being and the uplift of souls. To this end, the greatest means is education of the child. To this must each and all hold fast. We have verily laid this charge upon you in manifold Tablets as well as in My Most Holy Book. Well is it with him who deferreth thereto.

We ask of G.o.d that He will a.s.sist each and every one to obey this inescapable command that hath appeared and been caused to descend through the Pen of the Ancient of Days.

(From a Tablet-translated from the Persian) [6]

"7: Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and..."

Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and daughter in the art of reading and writing and in all that hath been laid down in the Holy Tablet. He that putteth away that which is commanded unto him, the Trustees are then to take from him that which is required for their instruction, if he be wealthy, and if not the matter devolveth upon the House of Justice. Verily, have We made it a shelter for the poor and needy. He that bringeth up his son or the son of another, it is as though he hath brought up a son of Mine; upon him rest My Glory, My loving kindness, My Mercy, that have compa.s.sed the world.

("A Synopsis and Codification of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book of Baha'u'llah", 1st ed. (Haifa: Baha'i World Centre, 1973), pp. 1516) [7]

"8: ...Everyone, whether man or woman, should hand over to a trusted person a..."

...Everyone, whether man or woman, should hand over to a trusted person a portion of what he or she earneth through trade, agriculture or other occupation, for training and education of children, to be spent for this purpose with the knowledge of the Trustees of the House of Justice.

("Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas" [rev. ed.], (Haifa: Baha'i World Centre, 1982), p.90) [8]