Ruhi Institute
Encyclopedia
The Ruhi Institute is an educational institution, operating under the guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'í Faith
in Colombia. The general idea of an institute in Bahá'í terms originates with the beginning of the Nine Year Plan (starting in 1964) designated by the Universal House of Justice
. The institute or training institute was especially for countries where large-scale expansion was taking place to meet the needs of the thousands who were entering the Faith. At that time, the emphasis was on acquiring a physical facility to which group after group of newly enrolled believers would be invited to attend deepening courses. Over the years, in conjunction with these institutes as well as independent of them, a number of courses— referred to, for example, as weekend institutes, five-day institutes, and nine-day institutes— were developed for the purpose of promulgating the fundamental verities of the religion and how to serve it. The Ruhi Institute developed in Colombia after the 1970s from the general form and eventually was organized under the guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bahá'í Faith in Colombia
, and dedicates its efforts to the development of human resources for the spiritual, social, and cultural development of the Colombian people
. Although its center is in the town of Puerto Tejada in the department of Cauca
, its area of influence extends throughout the entire country. Especially in recent years, its educational programs have been adopted by an increasing number of agencies worldwide.
Like any other institution involved in the process of education
for development, the Ruhi Institute has formulated its strategies within a special framework and a philosophy of social change, development and education. In this case, that understanding has emerged from a consistent effort to apply Bahá'í teachings
to the analysis of social conditions.
Each study circle using the Ruhi Institute's materials involves at least one tutor, with generally 3-10 participants. Except as mentioned below, the format is not rigid, so each gathering may be different from the next, or different between countries and cities.
The materials prepared by the Ruhi Institute focus on the Bahá'í writings
by assisting participants to understand the texts on three different levels. The first level is that of basic comprehension--understanding the meanings of the words and sentences. Towards this end, participants formulate questions whose answers are direct quotes from the texts, in order to gain a literal understanding of the meanings and context of various quotes. The second level relates to the application of the texts to various real-world situations. For example, this would entail examining simple daily acts (lying about one's taxes, cheating on an exam) in light of the Bahá'í emphasis on truthfulness. Finally, the third level deals with the implications of the various quotations on other aspects of Bahá'í belief.
There are currently eight books in the Institute's main sequence of courses, with more courses in development. Each book is broken up into three units each with many sections. Tutors are encouraged to apply the arts, using music, games, crafts, and such during the training. Each book has one or more practices that can be done outside of the training. For example, the third book helps people to become teachers of children's classes, and the practice is to give an actual class. Also encouraged throughout the books is the practice of memorizing passages and prayers.
It is suggested to take the books in their numbered order.
This first and shortest book of the sequence is divided into three units with different themes:
This book can be used as an introduction to people investigating the Faith, or as a study of fundamental principles by people already familiar with the teachings.
One practice for this book is to visit two people, and study a prayer with them.
This book aims at developing specific acts of service. Providing tools to raise up human resources capable of fostering the growth of the Bahá'í Community with efficiency and love.
One practice for this book is to visit a few people and practice one of the deepening themes learned in the second unit.
This book reviews the importance of education
, and gives tools for teachers. The classes include games, songs, and various arts and crafts. The practice for this book is to offer a children's class.
Branch courses:
Teaching Children's Classes, Grade 2
Teaching Children's Classes, Grade 3
and Bahá'u'lláh
.
This book reviews the importance of the Bahá'í revelation, and retells many of the famous stories of the two founding prophets of the Bahá'í Faith.
One practice is to visit a friend, and share a story from the book.
Several of these courses are being developed around the world:
Series 1: Continuation of Bahá'í Education (6 titles planned)
Series 2: Language (6 titles planned)
Series 3: Science and mathematics (6 titles planned)
Series 4: Living in society (6 titles planned)
Many of these books do not make direct references to Bahá'í texts, and thus serve as a "Baha'i Inspired" source of moral education and character development for young people.
This book is intended to enhance the participants' understanding of the spiritual significance of teaching, and the attributes that a teacher of the Cause should strive to acquire.
One practice is to participate in a teaching campaign.
This book teaches of the spiritual dynamics of service. It gives tools and practice to those people interested in becoming tutors.
The practice of this book is to tutor a study circle.
Bahá'í Faith
The Bahá'í Faith is a monotheistic religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh in 19th-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. There are an estimated five to six million Bahá'ís around the world in more than 200 countries and territories....
in Colombia. The general idea of an institute in Bahá'í terms originates with the beginning of the Nine Year Plan (starting in 1964) designated by the Universal House of Justice
Universal House of Justice
The Universal House of Justice is the supreme governing institution of the Bahá'í Faith. It is a legislative institution with the authority to supplement and apply the laws of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, and exercises a judicial function as the highest appellate institution in the...
. The institute or training institute was especially for countries where large-scale expansion was taking place to meet the needs of the thousands who were entering the Faith. At that time, the emphasis was on acquiring a physical facility to which group after group of newly enrolled believers would be invited to attend deepening courses. Over the years, in conjunction with these institutes as well as independent of them, a number of courses— referred to, for example, as weekend institutes, five-day institutes, and nine-day institutes— were developed for the purpose of promulgating the fundamental verities of the religion and how to serve it. The Ruhi Institute developed in Colombia after the 1970s from the general form and eventually was organized under the guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly
Spiritual Assembly
Spiritual Assembly is a term given by `Abdu'l-Bahá to refer to elected councils that govern the Bahá'í Faith. Because the Bahá'í Faith has no clergy, they carry out the affairs of the community...
of the Bahá'í Faith in Colombia
Bahá'í Faith in Colombia
The Bahá'í Faith in Colombia begins with references to the country in Bahá'í literature as early as 1916, with Bahá'ís visiting as early as 1927...
, and dedicates its efforts to the development of human resources for the spiritual, social, and cultural development of the Colombian people
Colombian people
Colombian people are from a multiethnic Spanish speaking nation in South America called Colombia. Colombians are predominantly Roman Catholic and are a mixture of Europeans, Africans, and Amerindians.-Demography:...
. Although its center is in the town of Puerto Tejada in the department of Cauca
Cauca Department
Cauca is a Department of Colombia. Located in the south-western part of the country, facing the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Valle del Cauca Department to the north, Tolima Department to the northeast, Huila Department to the east and the Nariño Department to the south, covering a total area of...
, its area of influence extends throughout the entire country. Especially in recent years, its educational programs have been adopted by an increasing number of agencies worldwide.
Like any other institution involved in the process of education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
for development, the Ruhi Institute has formulated its strategies within a special framework and a philosophy of social change, development and education. In this case, that understanding has emerged from a consistent effort to apply Bahá'í teachings
Bahá'í teachings
The Bahá'í teachings represent a considerable number of theological, social, and spiritual ideas that were established in the Bahá'í Faith by Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the religion, and clarified by successive leaders including `Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'u'lláh's son, and Shoghi Effendi, `Abdu'l-Bahá's...
to the analysis of social conditions.
Main Sequence of Courses
The Ruhi Institute's main sequence of courses aims, in its entirety, at achieving three overall objectives: providing insights into spiritual matters, imparting knowledge about the Bahá'í Faith, and helping to develop specific acts of service.Each study circle using the Ruhi Institute's materials involves at least one tutor, with generally 3-10 participants. Except as mentioned below, the format is not rigid, so each gathering may be different from the next, or different between countries and cities.
The materials prepared by the Ruhi Institute focus on the Bahá'í writings
Bahá'í literature
Bahá'í literature, like much religious text, covers a variety of topics and forms, including scripture and inspiration, interpretation, history and biography, introduction and study materials, and apologia...
by assisting participants to understand the texts on three different levels. The first level is that of basic comprehension--understanding the meanings of the words and sentences. Towards this end, participants formulate questions whose answers are direct quotes from the texts, in order to gain a literal understanding of the meanings and context of various quotes. The second level relates to the application of the texts to various real-world situations. For example, this would entail examining simple daily acts (lying about one's taxes, cheating on an exam) in light of the Bahá'í emphasis on truthfulness. Finally, the third level deals with the implications of the various quotations on other aspects of Bahá'í belief.
There are currently eight books in the Institute's main sequence of courses, with more courses in development. Each book is broken up into three units each with many sections. Tutors are encouraged to apply the arts, using music, games, crafts, and such during the training. Each book has one or more practices that can be done outside of the training. For example, the third book helps people to become teachers of children's classes, and the practice is to give an actual class. Also encouraged throughout the books is the practice of memorizing passages and prayers.
It is suggested to take the books in their numbered order.
Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
- Understanding the Bahá'í Writings
- Prayer
- Life and Death
This book can be used as an introduction to people investigating the Faith, or as a study of fundamental principles by people already familiar with the teachings.
One practice for this book is to visit two people, and study a prayer with them.
Book 2: Arising to Serve
The second book in the sequence involves community life and teaching. Units include:- The Joy of Teaching
- Deepening Themes
- Introducing Bahá'í Beliefs
This book aims at developing specific acts of service. Providing tools to raise up human resources capable of fostering the growth of the Bahá'í Community with efficiency and love.
One practice for this book is to visit a few people and practice one of the deepening themes learned in the second unit.
Book 3: Teaching Children's Classes, Grade 1
The third book in the sequence is designed to develop the capabilities needed to conduct children's classes. The units include:- Some Principles of Bahá'í Education
- Lessons for Children's Classes, Grade 1
- Conducting Classes for Children
This book reviews the importance of education
Bahá'í Faith and education
The theme of education in the Bahá'í Faith is given emphasis. Its literature gives a principle of universal and compulsory education, which is identified as one of key principles alongside monotheism and the unity of humanity....
, and gives tools for teachers. The classes include games, songs, and various arts and crafts. The practice for this book is to offer a children's class.
Branch courses:
Teaching Children's Classes, Grade 2
Teaching Children's Classes, Grade 3
Book 4: The Twin Manifestations
The fourth book in the sequence is taken to acquire a thorough understanding of the lives of the BábBáb
Siyyid `Alí Muḥammad Shírází was the founder of Bábism, and one of three central figures of the Bahá'í Faith. He was a merchant from Shíráz, Persia, who at the age of twenty-four claimed to be the promised Qá'im . After his declaration he took the title of Báb meaning "Gate"...
and Bahá'u'lláh
Bahá'u'lláh
Bahá'u'lláh , born ' , was the founder of the Bahá'í Faith. He claimed to be the prophetic fulfilment of Bábism, a 19th-century outgrowth of Shí‘ism, but in a broader sense claimed to be a messenger from God referring to the fulfilment of the eschatological expectations of Islam, Christianity, and...
.
- The Greatness of this Day
- The Life of the Báb
- The Life of Bahá'u'lláh
This book reviews the importance of the Bahá'í revelation, and retells many of the famous stories of the two founding prophets of the Bahá'í Faith.
One practice is to visit a friend, and share a story from the book.
Book 5: Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth
The fifth book in the sequence trains individuals to facilitate Junior Youth groups, which are for ages 12-15. Individuals who complete the book and go on to facilitate a Junior Youth group are called animators, thus named because they animate the endeavors of the junior youth. As of June 2006 the book only exists in a pre-publication edition while development of the material is still in progress. After completing book five, animators use a separate strand of books to work with the junior youth.Several of these courses are being developed around the world:
Series 1: Continuation of Bahá'í Education (6 titles planned)
- Spirit of Faith (age 12)
-
- Focus: the purpose of existence.
- The Power of the Holy Spirit
- Focus: the purpose of existence.
Series 2: Language (6 titles planned)
- Breezes of Confirmation (ages 11-12)
-
- Focus: developing the capacities of youth.
- Walking the Straight Path (ages 13-14)
- Focus: skills needed to express oneself, and translating high ideals into pure deeds.
- Drawing on the Power of the Word (age 14)
- Focus: the power of expression and its moral implications.
- Focus: developing the capacities of youth.
Series 3: Science and mathematics (6 titles planned)
- Thinking About Numbers
- Observation and Insight
- The Human Temple
-
- Focus: rational thinking.
Series 4: Living in society (6 titles planned)
- Glimmerings of Hope (ages 11-12)
-
- Focus: help youth to make difficult choices.
- Learning about Excellence (age 14)
- Focus: adapting to rapid social change.
- Focus: help youth to make difficult choices.
Many of these books do not make direct references to Bahá'í texts, and thus serve as a "Baha'i Inspired" source of moral education and character development for young people.
Book 6: Teaching the Cause
The sixth book in the sequence is a continuation of the theme of the second book, which is teaching.- The Spiritual Nature of Teaching
- The Qualities and Attitudes of the Teacher
- The Act of Teaching
This book is intended to enhance the participants' understanding of the spiritual significance of teaching, and the attributes that a teacher of the Cause should strive to acquire.
One practice is to participate in a teaching campaign.
Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service
The seventh book of the sequence is designed to give its participants the ability to tutor their own study circles for the first six books.- The Spiritual Path
- Becoming a Tutor of Books 1-6
- Promoting the Arts at the Grassroots
This book teaches of the spiritual dynamics of service. It gives tools and practice to those people interested in becoming tutors.
The practice of this book is to tutor a study circle.
Book 8: The Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh
The eighth book of the sequence is still in development.- The Center of the Covenant and His Will and Testament
- The Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith
- The Administrative Order
External links
- The Ruhi Institute The official website of the Ruhi Institute
- Ruhi Resources
- Memorization Tool
- Bahá'í Community of Colombia