This is the second page in the “Online Introduction to Radiant Hearts” series. It covers the purpose and structure of the program.
Purpose of the Program
The guiding quotations for the program are:
“Teach ye your children the verses that have been divinely revealed, that they may recite them in most melodious voices. This is what hath been set down in His mighty Book.” (Baha’u’llah, From a Tablet – translated from the Arabic)
“As to thy question regarding the education of children: it behoveth thee to nurture them at the breast of the love of God, and urge them onward to the things of the spirit, that they may turn their faces unto God; that their ways may conform to the rules of good conduct and their character be second to none; that they make their own all the graces and praiseworthy qualities of humankind; acquire a sound knowledge of the various branches of learning, so that from the very beginning of life they may become spiritual beings, dwellers in the Kingdom, enamoured of the sweet breaths of holiness, and may receive an education religious, spiritual, and of the Heavenly Realm. Verily will I call upon God to grant them a happy outcome in this.” (Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 141)
The two main purposes for the program which are inspired by the selections above are:
- First and foremost, to help families memorize Baha’i prayers and passages from the Writings of Baha’u’llah.
- Second, to offer a practical set of simple resources for families with young children to learn about spiritual qualities in creative, age-appropriate ways.
Structure of the Program
There are 19 spiritual qualities covered in Radiant Hearts (each referred to as a “lesson”), one to use per Baha’i month. Lessons are not linked to any Baha’i month in particular and therefore can be used any time of the year and in any order. Some families may choose to study certain virtues according to various events in the year (for example, “Service” prior to Ayyam-i-Ha or “Obedience” during the month of Fasting).
Each lesson has three main components which will be described in detail on the following pages:
Online Lesson:Each Online Lesson contains the two documents to download (“Basic Lesson” and “Printables”) plus music and pictures to aid families in implementing the program.
Basic Lesson:The Basic Lesson is a 4-page document which can be downloaded from the Online Lesson. It begins with a page for parents to prepare themselves to teach about the spiritual quality. Next is a Baha’i prayer and short quotation from Baha’u’llah, a brief introduction to the virtue, lyrics for two songs, and 19 Daily Activities.
Printables:The Printables is a 5 to 8 page document which can be downloaded from the Online Lesson as well. It contains print-outs for the various activities outlined in the Daily Activities, plus a short Devotional Program based on the virtue.
Radiant Hearts was also designed to pave the way for three specific acts of service: teaching, hosting a Devotional Program, and sharing Radiant Hearts with other children. More details can be found on the Acts of Service page.
>>>>>> Go to the next page in the “Online Introduction to Radiant Hearts” series: Using the Program and What You Need
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