Submission in the Baha'i Faith

cire perdue · 05-07-2011, 08:46 AM

"Abud'l-Baha explains that anyone who is self-indulgent will end in a state of despair. (footnote, "Despair, both here and hereafter, is all you will gain from self-indulgence..." from THE SECRET OF DIVINE CIVILIZATION p. 105)
Therefore when we are feeling despair, we must ask ourselves,"Are we permitting ourselves the kind of self-indulgence that leads to despair? Are we making excuses for our lack of will?" Chances are that we may be. What we must do is concentrate on turning our will over to Baha'u'llah, for He states that the purpose of the Manifestation is to summon all mankind to resignation and submissiveness to the will of God. He further states, "The source of all good is trust in God, submission unto His command and contentment in His holy will and pleasure."

It is submission which makes everything else come right. It can makie a difference in every aspect of our lives............."
THE MEANING OF DEEPENING, p. 34

I find this to be a particular problem for me. Self indulgence can occur at such a unexpected level rather than the obvious of drugs, sex, and rock and roll. It's doing nothing, but being on the computer all day, letting things go, not using my talents. I found this old material that is a precursor to the Ruhi program to be as relevent as ever.

arthra · 05-07-2011, 12:21 PM

"It's doing nothing, but being on the computer all day, letting things go, not using my talents..."

Maybe there's a way you can use your talents and creativity through the computer? So you would be doing "something"!

Nuck81 · 05-07-2011, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cire perdue

I find this to be a particular problem for me. Self indulgence can occur at such a unexpected level rather than the obvious of drugs, sex, and rock and roll. It's doing nothing, but being on the computer all day, letting things go, not using my talents. I found this old material that is a precursor to the Ruhi program to be as relevent as ever.

Very interesting and insightful statement!!

tonyfish58 · 05-07-2011, 11:07 PM

Yes - This can take many levels and we may all be guilty of it on one level or another

Link - Lights of Guidance/Work is Worship - Bahaitext, a library of books about the Bahá

"With reference to Bahá’u’lláh's command concerning the engagement of the believers in some sort of profession: The Teachings are most emphatic on this matter, particularly the statement in the 'Aqdas' to this effect which makes it quite clear that idle people who lack the desire to work can have no place in the new World Order. As a corollary of this principle, Bahá’u’lláh further states that mendicity should not only be discouraged but entirely wiped out from the face of society. It is the duty of those who are in charge of the organization of society to give every individual the opportunity of acquiring the necessary talent in some kind of profession, and also the means of utilizing such a talent, both for its own sake and for the sake of earning the means of his livelihood. Every individual, no matter how handicapped and limited he may be, is under the obligation of engaging in some work or profession, for work, specially when performed in the spirit of service, is according to Bahá’u’lláh a form of worship. It has not only a utilitarian purpose, but has a value in itself, because it draws us nearer to God, and enables us to better grasp His purpose for us in this world. It is obvious, therefore, that the inheritance of wealth cannot make anyone immune from daily work."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, March 22, 1937)

05-07-2011, 08:46 AM	#1
cire perdue Senior Member Joined: Sep 2010 From: Louisiana Posts: 1,619	Submission in the Baha'i Faith "Abud'l-Baha explains that anyone who is self-indulgent will end in a state of despair. (footnote, "Despair, both here and hereafter, is all you will gain from self-indulgence..." from THE SECRET OF DIVINE CIVILIZATION p. 105) Therefore when we are feeling despair, we must ask ourselves,"Are we permitting ourselves the kind of self-indulgence that leads to despair? Are we making excuses for our lack of will?" Chances are that we may be. What we must do is concentrate on turning our will over to Baha'u'llah, for He states that the purpose of the Manifestation is to summon all mankind to resignation and submissiveness to the will of God. He further states, "The source of all good is trust in God, submission unto His command and contentment in His holy will and pleasure." It is submission which makes everything else come right. It can makie a difference in every aspect of our lives............." THE MEANING OF DEEPENING, p. 34 I find this to be a particular problem for me. Self indulgence can occur at such a unexpected level rather than the obvious of drugs, sex, and rock and roll. It's doing nothing, but being on the computer all day, letting things go, not using my talents. I found this old material that is a precursor to the Ruhi program to be as relevent as ever. Last edited by cire perdue; 05-07-2011 at 11:36 AM.

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05-07-2011, 12:21 PM	#2
arthra Senior Member Joined: Jun 2006 From: California Posts: 3,063	"It's doing nothing, but being on the computer all day, letting things go, not using my talents..." Maybe there's a way you can use your talents and creativity through the computer? So you would be doing "something"!

05-07-2011, 11:07 PM	#4
tonyfish58 Senior Member Joined: Sep 2010 From: Australia Posts: 828	Yes - This can take many levels and we may all be guilty of it on one level or another Link - Lights of Guidance/Work is Worship - Bahaitext, a library of books about the Bahá "With reference to Bahá’u’lláh's command concerning the engagement of the believers in some sort of profession: The Teachings are most emphatic on this matter, particularly the statement in the 'Aqdas' to this effect which makes it quite clear that idle people who lack the desire to work can have no place in the new World Order. As a corollary of this principle, Bahá’u’lláh further states that mendicity should not only be discouraged but entirely wiped out from the face of society. It is the duty of those who are in charge of the organization of society to give every individual the opportunity of acquiring the necessary talent in some kind of profession, and also the means of utilizing such a talent, both for its own sake and for the sake of earning the means of his livelihood. Every individual, no matter how handicapped and limited he may be, is under the obligation of engaging in some work or profession, for work, specially when performed in the spirit of service, is according to Bahá’u’lláh a form of worship. It has not only a utilitarian purpose, but has a value in itself, because it draws us nearer to God, and enables us to better grasp His purpose for us in this world. It is obvious, therefore, that the inheritance of wealth cannot make anyone immune from daily work." (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, March 22, 1937)