January 9, 2002
The session is one and one-half hours long to fit the format of the Rabbani Trust agenda, but a longer period of time is desirable. Most Baha’is are not familiar with the Writings on agriculture and become enthusiastic and very creative in their thinking when exposed to them. They want more time to explore their thoughts.
Facilitators: Rosemary Closson, Kitty Herriott, Winnie Merritt
This session looks, from a Bahá'í perspective, at the role of agriculture in achieving global prosperity Through a series of learning tasks the participant will have
§ Discovered the relationship between the advancement of mankind and Baha'u'llah's instruction to pay "special regard" to agriculture.
§ Articulated the role of agriculture in achieving global prosperity
§ Created a simple action plan to promote “special regard” for agriculture.
[Supplies for Welcome and Tasks 1 and 2.: Agenda poster of tasks, Poster of 3 Outcomes listed above. Reference books for ‘Abdu’l –Baha as a farmer. Chosen Highway p. 209, 214 and Abdu’l-Baha by Balyuzi pp. 118 – 119, pp. 418 – 419, 459]
10:30 AM The Drums Call (Sohnela Wiji Baha'i Drum) Total Time Welcome and Task 1 15 min
WELCOME:
Session is called Applying the Writings to Achieve Progress in Agriculture:
A Component of Global Prosperity". At end of session, three outcomes listed on the poster will have been accomplished
Introduction of the Drums
TASK 1 The Drums Speak for the Earth
a. Listen to the Sohnela Wiji Baha'i Drum . (3 – 4 minutes)
b. Listen to this introduction of the next activity:
Imagine that you are in the midst of natural surroundings
Listen and Meditate on the Quotation to be read as the Drums play.
You are invited to walk about the room as space allows or walk in place, if you wish.
c. Assigned Reader reads
(Quote is read several times and then only drums are heard.)
Quote #1. Every man of discernment, while walking upon the earth, feeleth indeed abashed, inasmuch as he is fully aware that the thing which is the source of his prosperity, his wealth, his might, his exaltation, his advancement and power is, as ordained by God, the very earth which is trodden beneath the feet of all men.
Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 44
a. Listen to this introduction.
Story of ‘Abdu’l Baha, the Farmer, who prevents famine and plants trees during dangerous times
Introduce Facilitators
Learning task method and agenda overview
(Facilitator’s Note: Included here should be an explanation of the learning task method which is time sensitive. The tasks are deliberately set to be short and impossible to do perfectly in order to release the most creativity in adults who are sometimes self-conscious in groups. A stop watch or some method of keeping time is essential to this fast paced method.)
b. Are there any questions?
c. We will now create 3 Breakout sessions for Tasks 3 through 6.
(Count off for groups. Assign Breakout rooms and Facilitators and let drummers decide
where they go individually with prayer rattles and small drums.)
We will reassemble here at 11:45 AM.
[Supplies for Breakout: sticky notes, pencils, markers, flip chart for Tasks 3, 4, 5 and Prosperity chart, handouts of Writings, masking tape]
10:55 AM
11:00 AM
(Drummers will decide when it is appropriate to accompany the reading of the Writings.)
TASK 3 Baha’ullah’s Principles for Advancement of Mankind (and the Reconstruction of the World)
Total Time 25 minutes
a. In the larger group,
Volunteer reads these words of Baha’u’llah addressed to the Shah of Iran regarding five fundamental principles for the administration of the affairs of men:
(drum or rattle)
Quote #2. Whilst in the Prison of 'Akka, We revealed in the Crimson Book that which is conducive to the advancement of mankind and to the reconstruction of the world. The utterances set forth therein by the Pen of the Lord of creation include the following which constitute the fundamental principles for the administration of the affairs of men:
First: It is incumbent upon the ministers of the House of Justice to promote the Lesser Peace so that the people of the earth may be relieved from the burden of exorbitant expenditures. This matter is imperative and absolutely essential, inasmuch as hostilities and conflict lie at the root of affliction and calamity.
Second: Languages must be reduced to one common language to be taught in all the schools of the world.
Third: It behoveth man to adhere tenaciously unto that which will promote fellowship, kindliness and unity.
Fourth: Everyone, whether man or woman, should hand over to a trusted person a portion of what he or she earneth through trade, agriculture or other occupation, for the training and education of children, to be spent for this purpose with the knowledge of the Trustees of the House of Justice.
Fifth: Special regard must be paid to agriculture. Although it hath been mentioned in the fifth place, unquestionably it precedeth the others. Agriculture is highly developed in foreign lands, however in Persia it hath so far been grievously neglected. It is hoped that His Majesty the Shah--may God assist him by His grace--will turn his attention to this vital and important matter.
Baha’u’llah, TB, pp.89-90
b. Volunteer reads the bold type from the fifth principle again.
c. Discuss the implications of the fifth principle in relation to the prosperity of the world.
For instance:
Why is special regard for agriculture “conducive to the advancement of mankind and to the reconstruction of the world?”
Why would it be one of the “fundamental principles for the administration of the affairs of men?”
What could be the reason that it “unquestionably precedeth the others?”
11:10 AM
d. Write key words regarding agriculture’s role in global prosperity on sticky notes
Call them out as you post on Prosperity chart
e. In a small group of 3 or 4,
Create a two or three line chant or poem which captures some aspect of the group’s understanding of the quotation. You have four minutes.
(Facilitator’s Note: Reassure participants that this is just an exercise, not a contest. We are often amazed at the creativity that comes out of this brief task.)
f. Present the small group creation to the larger group.
11:25 AM
TASK 4. Individual Responsibility (for Craft, Trade or Agriculture) Total Time 5 minutes
In small group:
a. Imagine a one day trip from the place where you live to another place you know.
b. Read aloud the following quotation.
Quote #3. Thou hadst made reference in thy letter to agriculture. On this matter He hath laid down the following universal rule: that it is incumbent upon everyone, even should he be a resident in a particular land for no more than a single day, to become engaged in some craft or trade, or agriculture, and that the very pursuit of such a calling is, in the eyes of the one true God, identical with worship. This rule was exemplified by the Baha’i community at the time when they were facing exile from Iraq, for, while they were making arrangements for their journey, they occupied themselves in cultivating the land; and when they set out, instructions were given for the fruits of their labours to be distributed amongst the friends.
Baha’u’llah, from a Tablet to an individual believer.
Research Department;
Economics, Agriculture and Related Subjects, p.1
c. Individually read and meditate silently on the portion in bold type.
d. Briefly discuss the quotation:
What are the implications of cultivating land which the gardener will never be able to reap?
What qualities of character does that activity call forth? Explain your answer.
TASK 5. The Farmer Comes First Total time 10 minutes
In larger group,
a. Listen to these instructions.
Please come together in the larger group
Would anyone like to share a heartfelt finding from the task we just finished?
b. Listen to a quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá regarding Baha’u’llah’s instructions that concern the “question of
economics.”
Quote #4. His Holiness Baha'u'llah has given instructions regarding every one of the questions confronting humanity. He has given teachings and instructions with regard to every one of the problems with which man struggles. Among them are (the teachings) concerning the question of economics….
First and foremost is the principle that to all the members of the body politic shall be given the greatest achievements of the world of humanity. Each one shall have the utmost welfare and well-being. To solve this problem we must begin with the farmer; there will we lay a foundation for system and order because the peasant class and the agricultural class exceed other classes in the importance of their service.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Foundations of World Unity, p 39
c. Read and meditate silently on the portion in the bold type.
d. Discuss these questions:
What class exceeds others in importance of their service?
What would happen differently if society began with the farmer, recognizing that problems of economics will be solved when it begins with the farmer?
[Supplies: Paper, pencils, yellow and green ribbons to wear to show “special regard” for agriculture. Handouts of the Session Paper, Evaluation form]
TASK 6 Addressing the Challenges of Promoting Special Regard for Agriculture
Total time 10 minutes
a. In the large group,
Discuss:
What challenges do you forsee in changing the attitudes and behavior of the world in general regarding this key component of world prosperity?
b.Create a simple, personal action plan to promote a “special regard” for agriculture.
What content? Spiritual Insights? What outcomes?
(If time is short, omit Step C)
c. Listen to this invitation: Would anyone like to share an action plan ?
a. Listen to this:
Please take an evaluation form and fill out to help us improve the session
And pick up the Session Paper which has more quotations with comments for your consideration.
Thank Sohnela Wiji and participants
Suggest they wear a green and yellow ribbon to show “special regard” for agriculture
b. Listen to the Drums and this Invitation: (drums in background for closing)
You are invited to Stand and Mention a key word or phrase relating to agriculture and global prosperity.
(Facilitator’s Note: We did a Round Dance to the drums to close. The drums were integral to the spirit of the session. If you don’t have access to drums, other percussion instruments or some form of music will be important.)
Thank you for your participation in paying “special regard” to agriculture.
12.7.2001