Virtues and Attributes:  For Groups or Individuals

A "Food for the Spirit" Project

"Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth is a direct evidence of the revelation within it of the attributes and names of God, inasmuch as within every atom are enshrined the signs that bear eloquent testimony to the revelation of that Most Great Light. " --Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings, page 177

1. Virtues and Attributes:  Exercise for Groups or Individuals

   The goal of these activities is to practice recognizing in others the virtues and attributes of God.

   Step One:

   Have the class or group sit in a circle. Give each student a set of blank index cards (3"x5" or 3"x2-1/2") and an envelope to hold them. (The set should equal the number of total students minus one.) Ask them to write their name at the top of each card and on the front or back of the envelope. After all the students have done this, have them pass the cards around the circle, each student taking one of each name and passing the rest. When all the cards have been distributed, completed their trip around the circle, each student will now place the new full set of cards, one for each student, into their own envelope.

   Step Two:

   Instruct the class that over the rest of the week they should learn more about each other, and think deeply about an attribute or virtue that would describe each of the other students. As this attribute is discovered, they should write it on the card with that students name. They can write one word if they like, or a whole sentance or paragraph about their classmate. But, they need to write at least one word per person by the last day of the week. All comments should be kind and anonymous.

   Step Three:

   On the last day the empty envelopes should be placed (with names clearly visible) on a table, or circulated around the circle of students. Each completed card should be placed in the envelope for that student. Each envelope and all the cards it now contains should then be returned to the original student for them to take home and keep.

   Optional Activity:

   To extend this experience before the distributing the blank cards in the above process, spend some time on decoration of the envelopes. These can be distributed first (or the day before) and the students instructed that they should decorate them with photos, words,drawings, "collage poems" and any other way to indicate their personal interests and goals.

2. Virtues and Attributes:  Exercise for Individuals

   Supplies:

   Legal Pad or other lined paper, writing implement of choice.

   Step 1:

   In the margin of your paper or pad, in a list, write down the following names:

   1. your immediate family members;

   2. your friends;

   3. your co-workers or associates;

   4. your "enemies" (you know what I mean);

   5. anyone who has had an influence on your personality and/or life.

   Think separately (and deeply) about each person on your list. Say a prayer for them and/or send them a positive thought.

   Write down at least one positive attribute that each person posesses. Try to write a different word for each person if you can. And, write down a virtue or other thought that this person helps, or causes, you to work on. (For example your small child might display the virtue of "purity" and help you to learn more about "gentleness.")

   Optional: Date your paper, put it away, and try this exercise again in 6 months or a year. Compare the two completed lists and think about what may or may not have changed.

   Back to top.

"To a supreme degree is this true of man, who, among all created things, hath been invested with the robe of such gifts, and hath been singled out for the glory of such distinction. For in him are potentially revealed all the attributes and names of God to a degree that no other created being hath excelled or surpassed. All these names and attributes are applicable to him. Even as He hath said: "Man is My mystery, and I am his mystery." Manifold are the verses that have been repeatedly revealed in all the Heavenly Books and the Holy Scriptures, expressive of this most subtle and lofty theme. Even as He hath revealed: "We will surely show them Our signs in the world and within themselves." Again He saith: "And also in your own selves: will ye not, then, behold the signs of God?" And yet again He revealeth: "And be ye not like those who forget God, and whom He hath therefore caused to forget their own selves." In this connection, He Who is the eternal King - may the souls of all that dwell within the mystic Tabernacle be a sacrifice unto Him - hath spoken: "He hath known God who hath known himself." " --Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings, pages 177-178

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