This past weekend, nearly forty individuals gathered together for an exploration of participation in discourse. (See post, Discourse: Session at Bosch) The aim was to connect everyday conversations – those with neighbors, with friends, with co-workers, with family, with parents of children and junior youth – regarding society’s prevalent discourses with the conceptual framework described by the Universal House of Justice, in order to provide a context for continued reflection, action, and learning.
Among other documents, the letter dated 2 March 2013 from the Universal House of Justice was the main study. Both halfway through study of the message and at the end of the study – which was done in small groups – all participants got together as a large group, and each individual shared one advance in understanding regarding the conceptual framework provided by the Universal House of Justice in that message, one salient point that they wished to share with the large group. Capacity to articulate insights perceptibly increased from the first round of sharing to the second.
Below are some brief notes of each comment, grouped by concept. This list can serve both as inspiration for others to connect their experiences with the framework provided by the House of Justice, as well as a source of analysis and reflection. (Of course, these groups are my own categorization – many comments span multiple concepts).
ONENESS
– Oneness requires breaking of all us/them dichotomies, including an “us” that is more conscious of the oneness of humankind and a “them” that is less conscious.
– Relationships are reconceptualized based on the principle of oneness – including our relationship with nature.
– That the rational soul is the identity of a human being is a conviction of the oneness of humankind
– Concepts addressed by the House apply to all.
– All are working to advance one humanity, because all are one – this realization gives hope.
– Hallmark of age of maturity is oneness – this principle reconceptualizes relationships and structures of society.
– The new civilization won’t come through only the efforts of Baha’is, but is a process of organic change that all people contribute to.
– Humanity’s transformation will occur through the efforts of all people.
– The principle of oneness reconceptualizes all human relationships in a sustainable way.
– Peace will not come about through Baha’is alone, but all people – this reality is becoming more apparent.
– Association with others in a spirit of joy and radiance creates unity which actually advances humanity forward.
– The rational soul (our identity) has no gender – an empowering concept to women, as well as men.
– Unity is promoted through associating with joy.
THREE PROTAGONISTS
– The vision of the relationships between the three protagonists is completely new; there is no precedents to guide action, only a mode of learning.
– Each of the three protagonists affects the other – how can I, as an individual, strengthen community and institutions?
– The three protagonists are not just for the Plan, but actors on a stage of history that at this point need cooperative relations in order for humanity to mature.
HISTORY / FUTURE
– Humanity is on an evolutionary path and is at the threshold of maturity – our communities are similarly at this point.
– Humanity’s transition requires work and effort, and though it is difficult, we try and learn.
– Historical perspective is important to understand humanity’s current state.
– The House is opening and guiding the final frontier for humanity’s evolution – the building of a world civilization.
– Civilization is to the body of humanity as the soul is to the body of an individual, which elevates the building of civilization to the level of sacred.
– The analogy of the soul to the body as civilization to humankind gives a vision of spiritual, as well as material, prosperity.
TWO PROCESSES
– Linking together the process of disintegration and integration infuses hope into our outlooks.
– The process of disintegration is not discouraging, but hopeful; it sweeps away barriers and allows for more integration.
– Integration and disintegration go hand it hand – disintegration allows for integration.
– As the forces of disintegration are removing obstacles, integration proceeds; the House of Justice is now sending open letters to Iran, as an example.
LEARNING
– Diversity of thought has led to a rich conversation that allows investigation of truth.
– Our mode of operation is a process of learning, and all is on a continuum – there is no need to fear disintegration.
– Culture of learning allows adaptation.
– Decision-making in fact benefits from a diversity of opinions, because consultation is a form of collective investigation of reality. Diversity is a source of strength.
– The messages of the House of Justice become more accessible through a collective collaboration of diverse minds.
JUSTICE
– Consumerism is inherently unjust – it doesn’t allow justice, which is a faculty of the soul that allows one to distinguish truth from falsehood, to be exercised.
POWER
– Sources of power that can be harnessed include the power of unity, of truth, of pure deeds, of humble service, which represent a limitless capacity to transform humanity and allow each person to grow spiritually.
– Words associated with power include “release” and “enable”, not “seize”. How do we help release the power latent in others?
– Reconceptualizing power as having sources based in the human spirit, and the power of unity for example, is an empowering notion, something all can access.
TWO FOLD PURPOSE
– The two-fold moral purpose permeates all aspects of life and all three protagonists, including its appellation to the Baha’i community itself (its own development, and its involvement in society at large)
– Through an understanding of this coherent framework for action, how can I choose coherent goals in life, aligned with two-fold moral purpose?
– Two-fold moral purpose requires a coherence of words and deeds.
THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
– The language of the House is accessible to all, and phrases from it can touch hearts.
– The House is inviting us to engage with a deep vision of a just and prosperous world civilization.
– How empowering is language of the House of Justice.
– The House of Justice has been providing us guidance in unfolding layers – their vision is world-embracing.
– The House of Justice itself is a model of effective governance, for it seeks to empower.
– This message demonstrates the power of Baha’u’llah through the vision and compassion of the House of Justice – all are uplifted, even those chastised.
DISCOURSE
– Discourse is part of the growth of Baha’i community – people are gems of value, and all can contribute.
– My goal is to have better discourse each day through reflection on conversations.
– The language of the House of Justice affects hearts, and use of its phrases is powerful.
– This letter represents a force of integration, and is empowering to discuss and share.
– The House of Justice’s use of language raises standards of discourse, and it uses language in a way that is beyond dispute.
achieving coherence 