A Compilation on Bahai Education Part 6

"45: My wish is that these children should receive a Baha'i education, so..."

My wish is that these children should receive a Baha'i education, so that they may progress both here and in the Kingdom, and rejoice thy heart.

In a time to come, morals will degenerate to an extreme degree. It is essential that children be reared in the Baha'i way, that they may find happiness both in this world and the next. If not, they shall be beset by sorrows and troubles, for human happiness is founded upon spiritual behaviour.

("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", Sec. 100, p. 127) [45]

"46: Child education is a matter of the utmost importance. The infant, while..."

Child education is a matter of the utmost importance. The infant, while yet a suckling, must receive Baha'i training, and the loving spirit of Christ and Baha'u'llah must be breathed into him, that he may be reared in accord with the verities of the Gospel and the Most Holy Book.

(From a Tablet-translated from the Persian) [46]

"47: O thou who gazest upon the Kingdom of G.o.d!..."

O thou who gazest upon the Kingdom of G.o.d!

Thy letter was received and we note that thou art engaged in teaching the children of the believers, that these tender little ones have been learning the Hidden Words and the prayers and what it meaneth to be a Baha'i.

The instruction of these children is even as the work of a loving gardener who tendeth his young plants in the flowering fields of the All-Glorious.

There is no doubt that it will yield the desired results; especially is this true of instruction as to Baha'i obligations and Baha'i conduct, for the little children must needs be made aware in their very heart and soul that "Baha'i" is not just a name but a truth. Every child must be trained in the things of the spirit, so that he may embody all the virtues and become a source of glory to the Cause of G.o.d. Otherwise, the mere word "Baha'i", if it yield no fruit, will come to nothing.

Strive then to the best of thine ability to let these children know that a Baha'i is one who embodieth all the perfections, that he must s.h.i.+ne out like a lighted taper-not be darkness upon darkness and yet bear the name "Baha'i".

Name thou this school the Baha'i Sunday School.

(From a Tablet-translated from the Persian) [47]

"48: We have previously written and sent out a detailed letter regarding the..."

We have previously written and sent out a detailed letter regarding the education of children in faith, cert.i.tude, learning and spiritual knowledge, and their being taught to call upon the Heavenly Kingdom with suppliant hearts.

It is certain that ye will exert every effort toward this end.

(From a Tablet-translated from the Persian) [48]

"49: As to thy question regarding the education of children: It behoveth thee..."

As to thy question regarding the education of children: It behoveth thee to nurture them at the breast of the love of G.o.d, and urge them onward to the things of the spirit-that they may turn their faces unto G.o.d; that their ways may conform to the rules of good conduct and their character be second to none; that they make their own all the graces and praiseworthy qualities of humankind; that they acquire a sound knowledge of the various branches of learning-so that from the very beginning of life they may become spiritual beings, dwellers in the Kingdom, enamoured of the sweet breaths of holiness, and may receive an education religious, spiritual, and of the Heavenly Realm. Verily will I call upon G.o.d to grant them a happy outcome in this.

("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", Sec. 122, p. 142) [49]

"50: Exert every effort to acquire the various branches of knowledge and true..."

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 G.o.d, 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 a.s.sured of the gifts and favours of the Lord.

(From a Tablet-translated from the Persian) [50]

"51: O ye two servants at the Holy Threshold!..."

O ye two servants at the Holy Threshold!

We have been greatly cheered and refreshed to know that ye have organized meetings for the education of children. Whoso is active in those meetings whether as a teacher of the children or a sponsor, will certainly become the recipient of confirmations from the invisible Realm, and endless bounties will compa.s.s him about.

With great joy, therefore, encouragement is offered for this highly laudable endeavour that ye may witness an exceeding great reward.

Await ye the sure and certain confirmations of the All-Merciful.

(From a Tablet-translated from the Persian) [51]

"52: O ye two well-loved handmaids of G.o.d! Whatever a man's tongue speaketh,..."

O ye two well-loved handmaids of G.o.d! Whatever a man's tongue speaketh, that let him prove by his deeds. If he claimeth to be a believer, then let him act in accordance with the precepts of the Abha Kingdom.

Praised be G.o.d, ye two have demonstrated the truth of your words by your deeds, and have won the confirmations of the Lord G.o.d. Every day at first light, ye gather the Baha'i children together and teach them the communes and prayers. This is a most praiseworthy act, and bringeth joy to the children's hearts: that they should, at every morn, turn their faces toward the Kingdom and make mention of the Lord and praise His Name, and in the sweetest of voices, chant and recite.