To build a better world
requires an ever-growing pool of people
capable of contributing to the accomplishment
of the myriad tasks at hand.
“WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
LOVE FOR MANKIND, SINCERITY TOWARD ALL,
REFLECTING THE ONENESS OF THE WORLD OF HUMANITY,
PHILANTHROPY, BECOMING ENKINDLED WITH THE FIRE OF THE LOVE OF GOD,
ATTAINMENT TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND THAT WHICH IS CONDUCIVE TO HUMAN WELFARE.”
— ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ
Training Resources:
Study Groups, Materials, and Acts of Service
STUDY GROUPS
Study groups, which are multiplying rapidly throughout the world, are gatherings of people from all walks of life who are interested in an in-depth, systematic moral, intellectual and spiritual study. A study circle is a small group that meets at least once or twice a week for a few hours, usually in the home of one of its members, to study the course materials. Anyone aged fifteen or older, whether a Bahá’í or not, is welcome to take part. The group is brought together by a tutor associated with the training institute. Tutors do not hold any special status. They are simply those who are further along in their study of the materials. Everyone can potentially serve as a tutor on some occasions, while taking part as a member of a study circle on others. All those participating are seen as active agents of their own learning, and tutors strive to create an atmosphere that encourages individuals to assume ownership for the educational process in which they are engaged. A study circle should be a space that leads to the spiritual and moral empowerment of individuals.
THE MATERIALS
The materials include passages from the Bahá’í writings related to specific themes and acts of service. Together participants think about the application of these passages to their individual and collectives lives. Among the questions they explore are how to create environments that put people in contact with the spiritual forces released through prayer and devotion; how to strengthen bonds of friendship and establish meaningful patterns of communication among people of various backgrounds; how to make the education of children an integral part of their community life; how to maintain an environment that helps young people develop their intellectual and spiritual capacities; how to generate dynamics within the family unit that give rise to material and spiritual prosperity.
ACTS OF SERVICE
Participants arise to carry out specific acts of service. Men and women, young and old alike, come to recognize that they have the power in their hands to re-create the world around them. As more and more people become committed to the vision of individual and collective transformation fostered by the institute courses, capacity is gradually built in the community to reflect a pattern of life that places at its heart service and worship.
GET INVOLVED
Regardless of your ideas, views, beliefs, spirituality, religion, culture, or background everyone is welcome, as we are, after all, all members of one human family. There is no charge for attending these study groups. The frequency and duration of each study session are set by the group, and a facilitator serves to maintain the focus and pace. If you are interested to find out more about these study groups and want to meet to discuss how we can together make our community life a better place then why not contact us.
Get in touch
If you are interested in Study Classes or Acts of Service, please call or text (520) 393-9030 or complete the Get in Touch form.
You will receive a response from information@tucsonbahai.org.
You can read more on this subject on the Bahá’í World Centre site: Training Institute