Study Circles

An Invitation

You are warmly invited to join us in the study of the Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. One of the ways Bahá'ís and their friends are doing this is through participation in a study circle. A study circle is simply a small group of individuals coming together to learn, working with a study leader.

Course 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

This course, offered by the Bahá'í community, is intended to develop the spiritual capacity of the participant in his/her efforts to develop spiritually and to serve humanity in a tangible way. The course consists in three units:

• Understanding the Bahá'í Writings
• Prayer
• Life after death

In this course you will develop a deeper understanding of the answers to:

• What is the purpose of life?
• What is the nature of the soul?
• How does the soul progress?
• What is death?
• What are the significances and effects of our deeds?

For further information, please call:

Tahirih Naylor at 237-0724 or

Sahba Sabet-Rasekh at 234-6508

Background

Members of the Bahá'í community are encouraged to read and study continually in order to gain a more accurate and deeper understanding of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh and how it applies to the conditions of the world today.

From a Bahá'í point of view the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh, like that of all earlier Divine Messengers, is intended for the whole of humanity. As a result of this view, activities to study the Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh are open to all.

What are Study Circles?

Study Circles came about as a result of large numbers of people joining the ranks of the Bahá'í community in various parts of the world. A method was developed over many decades for a systematic study and application of the spiritual principles enunciated by Bahá'u'lláh. A simple methodology and curriculum were developed and are used around the world in an effort to assist large numbers of people to gain a deeper understanding of this Divine Message.

How do they work?

A small number of people (usually 6 to 12) come together and work with a leader, using the materials developed as part of the curriculum. The pace and frequency of the study is determined by the availability of the participants. Frequently these study groups meet once a week over a period of a few months. Some groups prefer to work faster and devote a few weekends or parts of weekends to the study of a book.

The purpose of the study is not simply the acquisition of knowledge. Each book contains exercises that facilitate the acquisition of skills that will benefit the community at large. Click here for pictures of a study circle.

Subjects covered

Book One for example is entitled "Reflections on the Life of the Spirit" and deals with three themes:

• Understanding the Bahá'í Writings
• Prayer
• Life and Death

Book Two is entitled "Arising to Serve" and is divided into three sections:

• The Joy of Teaching
• Deepening Themes
• Introducing Bahá'í Beliefs

Book Three is entitled "Teaching Children's Classes, Grade 1" and is divided into three sections:

• Some Principles of Bahá'í Education
• Lessons for Children's Classes, Grade 1
• Conducting Classes for Children

Book Four is entitled "The Twin Manifestations" and is divided into three sections:

• The Greatness of this Day
• The Life of the Báb
• The Life of Bahá'u'lláh

How to participate

Requirements

There are no pre-requisites to joining a book one study circle. But book one is a prerequisite for subsequent books

Contact

To take part in a study circle call one of the coordinators:

• Tahirih Naylor at 237-0724 or
• Sahba Sabet-Rasekh at 234-6508