Bahá'í study circle
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The term study circle has become common terminology in the Bahá'í Faith to describe a specific type of gathering for the study of the Bahá'í teachings, with an emphasis on "promoting the well-being of humanity."[1]
Study circles are a form of distance learning designed to systematically bring education about spiritual concepts to the grassroots level. Because they are intended to be sustainable and reproducible on a large scale, study circles shy away from formally taught classes, opting instead for participatory methods. They are usually led by a tutor whose role is not to act as an expert but rather to facilitate the rhythm and pace of the study circle. In this way, attendees of study circles are expected to become active participants in their own learning process.
Another foundational principle of study circles is a heavy emphasis on the Bahá'í Writings as a means of finding unity of vision and action by focusing on the essentials of Bahá'í belief.
The most common curriculum used in study circles was originally developed at the Ruhi Institute in Colombia but is now used in Bahá'í communities all over the world. (Because of its origin, most Bahá'ís refer to this curriculum as the Ruhi sequence or Ruhi materials.) Additional courses used by study circles vary from country to country and include the "Fundamental Verities" and "Core Curriculum" materials developed in the United States, among others.
[edit] Ruhi Institute materials
The curriculum of the Ruhi Institute aims, in its entirety, at achieving three overall objectives: providing insights into spiritual matters, imparting knowledge about the Bahá'í Faith, and helping to develop specific acts of service.
Each study circle using the Ruhi method involves at least one tutor, with generally 3-10 participants. Except as mentioned below, the format is not rigid, so each gathering may be different from the next, or different between countries and cities.
The materials prepared by the Ruhi Institute focus on the Bahá'í Writings by assisting participants to understand the Texts on three different levels. The first level is that of basic comprehension--understanding the meanings of the words and sentences. Towards this end, participants formulate questions whose answers are direct quotes from the Texts, in order to gain a literal understanding of the meanings and context of various quotes. The second level relates to the application of the Texts to various real-world situations. For example, this would entail examining simple daily acts (lying about one's taxes, cheating on an exam) in light of the Bahá'í emphasis on truthfulness. Finally, the third level deals with the implications of the various quotations on other aspects of Bahá'í belief.
There are currently seven books in the first sequence of courses, with two more in development. Each book is broken up into 3 units comprised of many sections. Tutors are encouraged to apply the arts, using music, games, crafts, and such during the training. Each book has one or more practices that can be done outside of the training. For example, the third book trains people to give children's classes, and the practice is to give an actual class. Also encouraged throughout the books is the practice of memorizing passages and prayers.
It is suggested, but not necessary, to take the books in their numbered order. The requirements vary between countries on which books are required before becoming a facilitator.
[edit] Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
- See course outline.
This first and shortest book of the sequence is divided into three units with different themes:
- Understanding the Bahá'í Writings
- Prayer
- Life and Death
This book can be used as an introduction to people investigating the Faith, or as a study of fundamental principles by people already familiar with the teachings.
One practice for this book is to visit two people, and study a prayer with them.
[edit] Book 2: Arising to Serve
- See course outline.
The second book in the sequence involves community life and teaching. Units include:
- The Joy of Teaching
- Deepening Themes
- Introducing Bahá'í Beliefs
This book aims at developing specific acts of service. Providing tools to raise up human resources capable of fostering the growth of the Bahá'í Community with efficiency and love.
One practice for this book is to visit a few people and practice one of the deepening themes learned in the second unit.
[edit] Book 3: Teaching Children's Classes, Grade 1
- See course outline.
The third book in the sequence is designed to develop the capabilities needed to conduct children's classes. The units include:
- Some Principles of Bahá'í Education
- Lessons for Children's Classes, Grade 1
- Conducting Classes for Children
This book reviews the importance of education, and gives tools for teachers. The classes include games, songs, and various arts and crafts. The practice for this book is to offer a children's class.
A second book, branching off of this subject, has been designated as book 3A. It adds material for children's classes, grade 2.
[edit] Book 4: The Twin Manifestations
- See course outline.
The fourth book in the sequence is taken to acquire a thorough understanding of the lives of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh.
- The Greatness of this Day
- The Life of the Báb
- The Life of Bahá'u'lláh
This book reviews the importance of the Bahá'í revelation, and retells many of the famous stories of the two founding prophets of the Bahá'í Faith.
One practice is to visit a friend, and share a story from the book.
[edit] Book 5: Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth
The fifth book in the sequence trains individuals to facilitate Junior Youth groups, which are for ages 11-14. As of June 2006 the book only exists in a pre-publication edition while development of the material is still in progress. After completing book five, people use a separate strand of books to work with the junior youth. Several of these courses are being developed around the world:
Series 1: Continuation of Bahá'í Children's classes (6 titles planned)
-
- Spirit of Faith (age 12)
- Focus: the purpose of existence.
Series 2: Language (6 titles planned))
-
- Breezes of Confirmation (ages 11-12)
- Focus: developing the capacities of youth.
- Walking the Straight Path (ages 13-14)
- Focus: skills needed to express oneself, and translating high ideals into pure deeds.
- Drawing on the Power of the Word (age 14)
- Focus: the power of expression and its moral implications.
Series 3: Science and mathematics (6 titles planned)
-
- This series still has to be developed. It focuses on rational thinking.
Series 4: Living in society (6 titles planned)
-
- Glimmerings of Hope (ages 11-12)
- Focus: help youth to make difficult choices.
- Learning about Excellence (age 14)
- Focus: adapting to rapid social change
Many of these books are not directly related to Bahá'í subjects, but rather serve as a source of moral education and character development for young people.
[edit] Book 6: Teaching the Cause
- See course outline.
The sixth book in the sequence is a continuation of the theme of the second book, which is teaching.
- The Spiritual Nature of Teaching
- The Qualities and Attitudes of the Teacher
- The Act of Teaching
This book is intended to enhance the participants' understanding of the spiritual significance of teaching, and the attributes that a teacher of the Cause should strive to acquire.
One practice is to participate in a teaching campaign.
[edit] Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service
- See course outline.
The seventh book of the sequence is designed to give its participants the ability to tutor their own study circles for the first six books.
- The Spiritual Path
- Becoming a Tutor of Books 1-6
- Promoting the Arts at the Grassroots
This book teaches of the spiritual dynamics of service. It gives tools and practice to those people interested in becoming tutors.
The practice of this book is to tutor a study circle.
[edit] Book 8: The Covenant
The eighth book of the sequence is still in development.
- The Covenant of God
- The Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh
- Bahá'í Administration
[edit] Book 9: Family Prosperity
The ninth book of the sequence is still in development.
- Bahá'í Family Life
- Giving: The Spiritual Basis of Prosperity
[edit] Notes
- ^ The introduction to 'Reflections on the Life of the Spirit' states that the Institute's purpose is "to use the courses as means of serving the Cause and promoting the well-being of humanity." (p. 1)
[edit] References
- Ruhi Foundation (reprinted 2003), written at Colombia, Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service, Ruhi Institute, West Palm Beach, Florida: Palabra Publications, ISBN 1890101079
