Education

An Interfaith Devotional of Scriptural Passages on Education

Compiled by Darren Hiebert

Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

([Jewish] Proverbs 8:32-33)

In dark night of my soul I feel desolation. In my self-pity I see not the way of righteousness. I am thy disciple, come to thee in supplication: be a light unto me on the path of my duty.

([Hindu] Bhagavad Gita, 2:7)

I beseech you twain, O Mazda and the Right, to say what are the plans of your will, that we may discern how we might teach the Religion of such as you, O Ahura.

([Zoroastrian] The Zend-Avesta, Yasna 49:6)

What is thine ordinance? What willst thou? What of praise or what of worship? Proclaim it, Mazda, that we may hear what ordinances Destiny will apportion. Teach us by Right the paths of Good Thought that are blessed to go in.... O Mazda, make known to me the best teachings and actions, these O Good Thought and O Right the due of praise. Through your Dominion, O Ahura, assure us that mankind shall be capable according to (Thy) will.

([Zoroastrian] The Zend-Avesta, Yasna 34:12,15)

...that which hath streamed forth from the Most Exalted Pen is conducive to the glory, the advancement and education of all the peoples and kindreds of the earth.

([Bahá’í] Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 73)

All the Prophets of God, including Jesus Christ, appeared in the world for the education of humanity, to develop immature souls into maturity, to transform the ignorant of mankind into the knowing, thereby establishing love and unity through divine education and training.

([Bahá’í] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 40)

For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.

([Jewish] Job 33:14-17)

Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

([Jewish] Nehemiah 9:20)

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

For God hath sent down to thee the Book and wisdom and taught thee what thou Knewest not (before): And great is the Grace of God unto thee.

([Islámic] Qur’án, 4:113)

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

([Jewish] Psalms 32:8)

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

([Jewish] Proverbs 1:2-7)

God commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.

([Islámic] Qur’án, 16:90)

God has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of God’s praises. Such is the guidance of God: He guides therewith whom He pleases, but such as God leaves to stray, can have none to guide.

([Islámic] Qur’án, 39:23)

Do not treat God’s Signs as a jest, but solemnly rehearse God’s favours on you, and the fact that He sent down to you the Book and Wisdom, for your instruction. And fear God, and know that God is well acquainted with all things.

([Islámic] Qur’án, 2:232)

And We sent down the Book to thee for the express purpose, that thou shouldst make clear to them those things in which they differ, and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe. And God sends down rain from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth after its death: verily in this is a Sign for those who listen.

([Islámic] Qur’án, 16:64-65)

Verily We have revealed the Book to thee in Truth, for (instructing) mankind. He, then, that receives guidance benefits his own soul: but he that strays injures his own soul.

([Islámic] Qur’án, 39:41)

God did confer a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the Signs of God, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while, before that, they had been in manifest error.

([Islámic] Qur’án, 3:164)

God sends Prophets for the education of the people and the progress of mankind. Each such Manifestation of God has raised humanity. They serve the whole world by the bounty of God. The sure proof that they are the Manifestations of God is in the education and progress of the people.

([Bahá’í] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, p. 42)

Assured by you, O Mazda Ahura and Right, are the pointings of the hand - since you are well-disposed to your prophet - which shall bring us to bliss, together with visible manifest help. The prophet Zarathushtra, O Mazda, who lifts up his voice in worship, as friend of Asha - may the Creator of Wisdom teach me his ordinances through Good Thought, that my tongue may have a pathway.

([Zoroastrian] The Zend-Avesta, Yasna 50:5-6)

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

([Christian] John 14:26)

Teach me through the Right what the acquisition of Good Thought is. When, Mazda, shall the sunrisings come forth for the worlds winning of Right, through the powerful teachings of the wisdom of the future Deliverers? Who are they to whose help Good Thought shall come? I have faith that thou wilt thyself fulfill this for me, O Ahura.

([Zoroastrian] The Zend-Avesta, Yasna 46:2-3)

It is God Who alternates the Night and the Day: verily in these things is an instructive example for those who have vision!

([Islámic] Qur’án, 24:44)

Let me ask what is the purpose of prophethood? Why has God sent the prophets? It is self-evident that the prophets are the educators of men and the teachers of the human race. They come to bestow universal education upon humanity, to give humanity training, to uplift the human race from the abyss of despair and desolation and enable man to attain the apogee of advancement and glory. The people are in darkness; the prophets bring them into the realm of light. They are in a state of utter imperfection; the prophets imbue them with perfections. The purpose of the prophetic mission is no other than the education and guidance of the people.

([Bahá’í] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Foundations of World Unity, p. 94)

As the holy one I recognized thee, Mazda Ahura, when Good Thought came to me, when first by your words I was instructed. Shall it bring me sorrow among men, my devotion, in doing that which ye tell me is the best.

([Zoroastrian] The Zend-Avesta, Yasna 43:11)

Before all, O Mazda Ahura, assure me the Dominion of your possession, O Right, and what is thine, O Piety. Your (Dominion) of blessing give through Good Thought to him that prays. Let your ears attend to those who in their deeds and utterances hold to your words, Ahura and Right, to those of Good Thought, for whom thou, Mazda, art the first teacher.

([Zoroastrian] The Zend-Avesta, Yasna 51:2-3)

When we consider existence, we see that the mineral, vegetable, animal and human worlds are all in need of an educator.

If the earth is not cultivated, it becomes a jungle where useless weeds grow; but if a cultivator comes and tills the ground, it produces crops which nourish living creatures. It is evident, therefore, that the soil needs the cultivation of the farmer. Consider the trees: if they remain without a cultivator, they will be fruitless, and without fruit they are useless; but if they receive the care of a gardener, these same barren trees become fruitful, and through cultivation, fertilization and engrafting the trees which had bitter fruits yield sweet fruits. These are rational proofs; in this age the peoples of the world need the arguments of reason.

The same is true with respect to animals: notice that when the animal is trained it becomes domestic, and also that man, if he is left without education, becomes bestial, and, moreover, if left under the rule of nature, becomes lower than an animal, whereas if he is educated he becomes an angel.

([Bahá’í] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 7)

Just as the elephant hunter drives a huge stake into the ground and chains the wild elephant to it by the neck, in order to drive out of him his wonted forest ways and wishes, his forest unruliness, obstinacy and violence, and to accustom him to the environment of the village, and to teach him such good behavior as is required amongst men: in like manner also has the noble disciple to fix his mind firmly to these four fundamentals of attentiveness, so that he may drive out of himself his wonted worldly ways and wishes, his wonted worldly unruliness, obstinacy and violence, and win to the True, and realize Nirvana.

([Buddhist] “the Word (The Eightfold Path)”)

May he attain to that which is better than the good, who would teach us the straight paths of blessedness in this life here of the body and in that of thought - true paths that lead to the world where Ahura Mazda dwells - a faithful man, well-knowing and holy like thee, O Mazda

([Zoroastrian] The Zend-Avesta, Yasna 43:3)

Many were the Ways of Life that have passed away before you: travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth. Here is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear God! So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are true in Faith.

([Islámic] Qur’án, 3:137-139)

Even if he does not quote appropriate texts much, if he follows the principles of the Teaching by getting rid of greed, hatred and delusion, deep of insight and with a mind free from attachment, not clinging to anything in this world or the next - that man is a partner in the Holy Life.

([Buddhist] “Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards)”)

By the holy spirit let Mazda Ahura hearken, in whose Adoration I have been instructed by Good Thought. By his wisdom let him teach me what is best,

([Zoroastrian] The Zend-Avesta, Yasna 45:6)

Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however, deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess. Through a word proceeding out of the mouth of God he was called into being; by one word more he was guided to recognize the Source of his education; by yet another word his station and destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.

([Bahá’í] Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 161-162)

Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

([Christian] Matthew 13:52)

Wars, religious, racial or political, have arisen from human ignorance, misunderstanding and lack of education.

([Bahá’í] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 116)

Address yourselves to the promotion of the well-being and tranquillity of the children of men. Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the earth, that haply the dissensions that divide it may, through the power of the Most Great Name, be blotted out from its face, and all mankind become the upholders of one Order, and the inhabitants of one City.

([Bahá’í] Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, CLVI)

... they who are the people of God must, with fixed resolve and perfect confidence, keep their eyes directed towards the Day Spring of Glory, and be busied in whatever may be conducive to the betterment of the world and the education of its peoples.

([Bahá’í] Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, CXXVI)

The glorious chariots of the kings wear out; the body also comes to old age; but the virtue of good people never ages; thus the good teach each other.

([Buddhist] “Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 2 (tr. J. Richards)”)

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you....

([Christian] Matthew 28:19-20)

And recite (and teach) what has been revealed to thee of the Book of thy Lord: none can change His Words, and none wilt thou find as a refuge other than Him.

([Islámic] Qur’án, 18:27)

By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.

([Islámic] Qur’án, 103.001-3)

First he should establish himself in what is right. Then if he teaches others, the wise man will not be corrupted.

([Buddhist] “Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards)”)

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

([Christian] Matthew 5:19)

One is not a bearer of the teaching by virtue of much speaking, but he who, even if he has only studied a little, has experienced the truth in person, he is indeed a bearer of the teaching, who has not forgotten the teaching.

([Buddhist] “Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards)”)

If one would only apply to oneself what one teaches others, when one was well disciplined oneself one could train others.

It is oneself who is hard to train.

([Buddhist] “Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards)”)

You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?

([Christian] Romans 2:21)

Whoso ariseth among you to teach the Cause of his Lord, let him, before all else, teach his own self, that his speech may attract the hearts of them that hear him. Unless he teacheth his own self, the words of his mouth will not influence the heart of the seeker. Take heed, O people, lest ye be of them that give good counsel to others but forget to follow it themselves.

([Bahá’í] Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, CXXVIII:6)

Show forbearance and benevolence and love to one another. Should any one among you be incapable of grasping a certain truth, or be striving to comprehend it, show forth, when conversing with him, a spirit of extreme kindliness and good-will. Help him to see and recognize the truth, without esteeming yourself to be, in the least, superior to him, or to be possessed of greater endowments.

([Bahá’í] Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, V)

O Mazda Ahura, might one like thee teach to a friend such as I am, and through friendly Right give us support, that Good Thought may come to us.

([Zoroastrian] The Zend-Avesta, Yasna 44:1)

Created beings must be instructed in (what concerns) their welfare without giving them pain, and sweet and gentle speech must be used by (a teacher) who desires (to abide by) the sacred law.

([Hindu] Laws of Manu 2:159)

Consort with all men, O people of Bahá, in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship. If ye be aware of a certain truth, if ye possess a jewel, of which others are deprived, share it with them in a language of utmost kindliness and good-will. If it be accepted, if it fulfil its purpose, your object is attained. If any one should refuse it, leave him unto himself, and beseech God to guide him. Beware lest ye deal unkindly with him. A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. It is the bread of the spirit, it clotheth the words with meaning, it is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding....

([Bahá’í] Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, CXXXII:5)

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle unto all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth....

(2 Timothy 2:24-25)

The aim is this: The intention of the teacher must be pure, his heart independent, his spirit attracted, his thought at peace, his resolution firm, his magnanimity exalted and in the love of God a shining torch. Should he become as such, his sanctified breath will even affect the rock; otherwise there will be no result whatsoever.

([Bahá’í] Tablets of the Divine Plan, #13)

Having attained the stage of fulfilment and reached his maturity, man standeth in need of wealth, and such wealth as he acquireth through crafts or professions is commendable and praiseworthy in the estimation of men of wisdom, and especially in the eyes of servants who dedicate themselves to the education of the world and to the edification of its peoples.

([Bahá’í] Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 35)

Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children....

([Bahá’í] Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, #106)

If a child is left in its natural state and deprived of education, there is no doubt that it will grow up in ignorance and illiteracy, its mental faculties dulled and dimmed; in fact, it will become like an animal.

([Bahá’í] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 311)

According to the explicit divine Text, teaching the children is indispensable and obligatory. It followeth that teachers are servants of the Lord God, since they have arisen to perform this task, which is the same as worship. You must therefore offer praise with every breath, for you are educating your spiritual children.

([Bahá’í] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “Bahá’i Education: A Compilation”, p. 33)

But the children of men are in need of education and civilization, and they require to be polished, till they become bright and shining.

Man and woman both should be educated equally and equally regarded.

([Bahá’í] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, p. 28)

Furthermore, the education of women is of greater importance than the education of men, for they are the mothers of the race, and mothers rear the children. The first teachers of children are the mothers. Therefore, they must be capably trained in order to educate both sons and daughters.

([Bahá’í] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 175)

The fact which is to be considered, however, is that woman, having formerly been deprived, must now be allowed equal opportunities with man for education and training. There must be no difference in their education. Until the reality of equality between man and woman is fully established and attained, the highest social development of mankind is not possible.

([Bahá’í] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 76)