SPIRITUAL PARENTING

Yea, certain persons shall in this divine dispensation
produce heavenly children... 

- Abdu'l-Baha -

Dear Parents,

In a fast changing world where traditional values are confused with a lost of liberty, the need is high for an enlightened guidance into parenting. Consider this: if children truly represent our future, then it is in our best interest to educate them well, wouldn’t you agree?

To support us in this invaluable mission and encourage thoughtful reflection, here presented are some Baha’i Writings:

Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, young plants of the Abhá Paradise, so that these children, fostered by grace in the way of salvation, growing like pearls of divine bounty in the shell of education , will one day bejewel the crown of abiding glory. It is, however, very difficult to undertake this service, even harder to succeed in it.

But are we fully aware of the significance of this responsibility? Do we understand that the spiritual development and potential of a child are not solely determined by their own abilities, and  also significantly depend on the skill and dedication of their parents or guardians?

The education and upbringing of children stand as some of the most commendable actions one can take, attracting the grace and favor of the All-Merciful. Education serves as the essential foundation for all human greatness, enabling individuals to reach the heights of enduring glory.

The aim of this journey goes even beyond the efforts of those who have preceded us.

The children who are trained in the world-embracing teachings of Bahá’u’lláh cannot but grow up to be a truly new race of men. He hopes these young people will prepare themselves for the great task which will face them in the future, that of helping to rebuild the world with the aid and inspiration of the Bahá’í teachings.

God's boundless wisdom shapes our lives with the intention of fostering our growth, guiding us toward embracing ideal values through the understanding and love of the divine.

That which is of paramount importance for the children, that which must precede all else, is to teach them the oneness of God and the laws of God. For lacking this, the fear of God cannot be inculcated, and lacking the fear of God an infinity of odious and abominable actions will spring up, and sentiments will be uttered that transgress all bounds…

The parents must exert every effort to rear their offspring to be religious, for should the children not attain this greatest of adornments, they will not obey their parents, which in a certain sense means that they will not obey God. Indeed, such children will show no consideration to anyone, and will do exactly as they please.

The importance of nurturing this understanding in our young ones is emphasized here: 

Children are like green and tender branches; if the early training is right they grow straight, and if it is wrong they grow crooked; and to the end of their lives they are affected by the training of their earliest years.

As we pursue this path, it is essential for our precious children to recognize the dual aspects of God's presence—Justice and Mercy. This is the reason why:

In explaining the fear of God to children... the child should be made to understand that we don’t fear God because He is cruel, but we fear Him because He is just, and, if we do wrong and deserve to be punished, then in His justice He may see fit to punish us. We must both love God and fear Him.

Man is even as steel, the essence of which is hidden: through admonition and explanation, good counsel and education, that essence will be brought to light. If, however, he be allowed to remain in his original condition, the corrosion of lusts and appetites will effectively destroy him.

The phrase "corrosion of lusts and appetites" speaks to a profound truth. When our human instincts overshadow our higher, more angelic nature, we risk becoming indifferent, relying solely on the Creator's generosity or succumbing to the dissonance of societal decline.

This also touches on our inherent individuality, along with the essential skills of training and decision-making that we must cultivate to truly shine.

Know thou that all men have been created in the nature made by God, the Guardian, the Self-Subsisting. Unto each one hath been prescribed a pre-ordained measure, as decreed in God's mighty and guarded Tablets. All that which ye potentially possess can, however, be manifested only as a result of your own volition. Your own acts testify to this truth.

Shall we embark on this journey together? The service is highly esteemed, and the approach is clearly outlined.

O ye loving mothers, know ye that in God’s sight, the best of all ways to worship Him is to educate the children and train them in all the perfections of humankind; and no nobler deed than this can be imagined. 

Let the mothers consider that whatever concerneth the education of children is of the first importance. Let them put forth every effort in this regard, for when the bough is green and tender it will grow in whatever way ye train it. Therefore is it incumbent upon the mothers to rear their little ones even as a gardener tendeth his young plants. Let them strive by day and by night to establish within their children faith and certitude, the fear of God, the love of the Beloved of the worlds, and all good qualities and traits. Whensoever a mother seeth that her child hath done well, let her praise and applaud him and cheer his heart; and if the slightest undesirable trait should manifest itself, let her counsel the child and punish him, and use means based on reason, even a slight verbal chastisement should this be necessary. It is not, however, permissible to strike a child, or vilify him, for the child’s character will be totally perverted if he be subjected to blows or verbal abuse.

As we conclude this exploration of Baha'i teachings on parenting, we can find the strength and resilience needed to navigate the challenges of spiritual parenting.

Necessarily there will be some who are defective amongst men, but it is our duty to enable them by kind methods of guidance and teaching to become perfected. Some will be found who are morally sick; they should be treated in order that they may be healed. Others are immature and like children; they must be trained and educated so that they may become wise and mature. Those who are asleep must be awakened; the indifferent must become mindful and attentive. But all this must be accomplished in the spirit of kindness and love and not by strife, antagonism nor in a spirit of hostility and hatred, for this is contrary to the good pleasure of God. That which is acceptable in the sight of God is love. Love is, in reality, the first effulgence of Divinity and the greatest splendor of God.

Dear little ones, your presence is invaluable! Let us commit to employing the right methods and RESOURCES, ensuring your continuous growth, as you remain devoted to God and to the nurturing, patient, and wise guardians who guide you.

Be wonderfully blessed!

Loesha

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