Study Circles are regular gatherings of people interested in an in-depth and systematic study of the Bahá'í Writings. The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the Holy Word, begin to comprehend the meanings and then find ways to apply the Word to our lives through spiritual transformation and service to humanity. Study Circles are open to everyone.
The frequency and duration of each study circle are set by the group, and a facilitator serves to maintain the focus and pace. Every participant in the group also makes a commitment to action or service.
[Excerpted from US Bahá'í
website on Bahá'í Study Circles]
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Book 1
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
This course has three main purposes for the participants:
 | understanding the Bahá'í Writings in order to fulfill the obligation of studying the Writings every day |
| developing the required attitudes toward prayer, and acquiring the habit of memorizing them |
| understanding that the true significance of life is to be found in the development of the soul
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Book 2
Arising to Serve
Focuses on skills and abilities for specific acts of service all related to expansion and consolidation, including:
| understanding that the joy of teaching is in the very act of sharing with others the Word of God |
| developing the capability of sharing a number of deepening themes, including giving presentations on Bahá'í themes |
| assisting participants to acquire the ability to introduce Bahá'í ideas into a conversation |
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Book 3
Teaching Children's Classes Grade 1
Helps individuals who wish to undertake the highly meritorious service of teaching regular classes for the spiritual education of children. The Ruhi book, Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, is a suggested prerequisite. Lessons are geared for preschool and elementary children.
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Book 3A
Teaching Children's Classes Grade
2
The second in a series of the Ruhi Books about the spiritual education
of children and youth, and in some ways, is a continuation of Book 3.
There are 30 lessons: first 15 focus on spiritual qualities, second 15 are
more challenging and evolve around a theme related to The Báb or
Baha'u'llah. |
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Book 4
Twin Manifestations
The three units in this Ruhi course are devoted to helping participants acquire a thorough and systematic knowledge of the lives of
The Báb and Baha'u'llah. There is an equal emphasis on the insights offered into spiritual matters as well as the knowledge conveyed about the history of the Faith. Importance is given to the ability to narrate the stories of
The Báb and Bahá'u'lláh in a way that touches the listener's heart.
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Book
5
Raising up Animators of Junior Youth Groups
There will shortly be a new Book 5: Raising up Animators of Junior
Youth Groups. The previous Book 5: Teaching Children's Classes,
Grade 2, will now become Book 3A and will be considered a course
"branching out from Book3". More info to come soon! |
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Book 6
Teaching the Cause
Embarks on an in-depth exploration of the subject of teaching including:
| understanding that teaching is an act of spiritual significance, involving attention to one's inner condition |
| reflecting on the qualities and attitudes of a teacher of the Cause and engaging in activity |
| becoming familiar with some approaches and methods of teaching endeavors and collective campaigns and designing and implementing their own personal teaching plan |
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Book 7
Walking Together on a Path of Service
Prepares individuals to function as tutors of Ruhi study circles. The purposes include: raising awareness of the spiritual dynamics of advancing along a path of service to the Cause and increasing understanding of the forces at work; examining some of the concepts, attitudes, skills and abilities that contribute to the capability of a tutor and appreciating the role of artistic endeavors in the activity of study circles.
Prerequisite: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. Books 2 & 6 also recommended. Note that in addition to tutor training, tutors must personally complete any given course in the sequence prior to offering it as a study circle.
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