Among the biggest learnings in this global endeavor is that merely going through the motions of Ruhi has no apparent positive effect. In fact it drives away some folks, as evidenced in this thread. The positive effects only occur if the friends apply the skills that study circles are intended to develop (hosting devotional gatherings; teaching children's classes; animating junior youth groups; visiting friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers; giving firesides; etc.)

And of course, the secret ingredient is the light of the spirit. Any pattern of human affairs is doomed to failure unless the hearts of the participants are joyful and enkindled. (Which is not to say that it guarantees growth, just that you can't have success without it.)

I got to spend some time in the Phoenix community recently (which is growing at a redonkulous pace) and I can testify that the spirit of love for each other and for the greater community is palpable. These are not automatons. These are loving Baha'is, like us, doing what has been asked of them and receiving many blessings in return.

Its a systematic way of deepening and learning to develop one´s capacities and skills. Period. I will not go on cause its pointless. Have fun retards [/quote]

lolololol, Sevenraindrops, there is a lovely little university in Afghanistan called OBL university, that would be ideal for person of soaring intelligence such as yourself. Your career would be quite explosive, messy, and mercifully brief, but you’d need to change religions to get the 40 virgins feeding you grapes in the afterlife. I think you’d be ideally suited. Would you like us to write a recommendation for you?

As I continue to compile material for my projected blog series, I’ve been wondering what to call it. Several rather exotic titles have been suggested to me, but none of them seemed to embody the essence of what I wish to blog about.

Now, however, and from a Baha’i source, nonetheless (and presumably a BIGS), I’ve finally found it:

“Have Fun Retards: A Blog About Baha’i Spirituality.”

Thank you so much! You’ve given me the inspiration I need to continue!

“You are quite retarded, all of you. Im sorry, its just true … Have fun retards.”

Abdu’l-Baha has said:

“I adjure you by the Ancient Beauty not to insult anyone or wish humiliation on any soul. Never repudiate anyone, who either specifically, or by allusion or by insinuation ascribes charges of heresy, blasphemy, atheism, loss, error or wickedness.”

Abdu’l-Baha was not Baha’i (in the modern sense of the word) but he was once the Head of something that was once known as the Bahaist Movement. Since, clearly, he practiced a very different religion, Baha’is are free to ignore his advice (as, it seems, they usually do), but they might find something of value in his words, from time to time.

On the other hand, “have fun retards” seems to reflect the current articulation of the mainstream Baha’i Faith very well indeed. Thank you for continuing to enlighten the world with the splendor of the Faith.

7raindrops, thanks for stopping by and gracing us with your charm. It seems that Ruhi definitely worked for you. Your capacity for empathy and unity seem to be at a bursting point.