This was our third night deepening on marriage.
Chapter 3--The purpose of Marriage.
My notes on this section involve mostly my highlighted sections on this chapter.
Notes:
The primary purpose of marriage is the procreation and education of children. Parenthood is the first and foremost duty of a husband and wife, and it is this aspect of marriage which is perhaps most closely linked with fulfilling God's purpose for man. Apprehending God's purpose for man should be at the heart of parenthood.
Quotes:
---to nurse them from the breast of knowledge and to rear them in the bosom of sciences and arts. Should they neglect this matter, they shall be held responsible and worthy of reproach in the presence of the stern Lord.--'Abdu'l-Baha.
God--hath ordained mothers to be the primary trainers of children and infants. This is a great and important affair and a high and exalted position, and it is not allowable to slacken therein at all!''
Know ye the value of these children for they are all my children.--'Abdu'l-Baha
"By providing their children with divine education and examples of spiritual men and women to emulate, parents help to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization, which depends on the raising up of succeeding generations who have acquired those virtues on which a spiritualized society depends."
Chapter 4--Baha'i Engagement
Knowing each other--knowing oneself
Of critical importance in preparation for marriage is becoming informed of the character of one's intended spouse.
The eternal bond must be made secure by a firm covenant.
Since the goal of the union of a man and woman is to serve God together, the best way to become informed of the character of the person with whom one is contemplating marriage is to engage in some form of work and service together.
If both share similar values and are deepened spiritually, the chances are that they will be able to build a successful marriage. A decision to become engaged before becoming informed of each other's character is premature and unwise.
If, for instance, one finds himself rationalizing, justifying, or ignoring behavior that is contrary to Baha'i law, this is a sign that the obscuring forces of attachment are at work. That there may be a powerful attraction between two sous contemplating marriage is not questioned; but if that attraction is based on romantic illusion or neurotic attachment, it will usually decrease one's capacity to assess readiness for marriage in light of the Baha'i teachings. It also frequently involved given up part of one's identity or permitting oneself to be manipulated into behavior inconsistent with one's spiritual reality and not in keeping with God's purpose for man.
Detachment
Detachment preserves one's identity; it also protects one from gullibility and blindness in assessing one's own motive as well as the motives o f others. it brings strength, independence, stability, and self-knowledge.
Detachment comes from turning towards God
and cultivating an awareness of His purpose for man.
Honesty and Trustworthiness
Miserliness and preoccupation with financial security are equally irresponsible characteristics and may poison the quality of family life. True reliance is for the servant to pursue his profession
and calling in this world, to hold fast onto the Lord,
to seek naught but His grace, inasmuch as in His hands
is the destiny of all His servants.
~Baha'u'llah
The best of men are they that earn a livelihood by their calling...
~Baha'u'llah
Meeting tests
Be not grieved if affairs become difficult and
troubles wax intense on all sides!Verily, thy Lord
changeth hardship into facility, troubles into
ease and afflictions into greatest composure.
~'Abdu'l-Baha
On characteristics that show readiness for marriage-
Be calm, be strong, be grateful, and become a lamp full of light, that the darkness of sorrows be annihilated, and that the sun of everlasting joy arise from the dawning-place of heart and soul, shining brightly.
~Abdu'l-Baha
The injury of one shall be considered the injury of all; the comfort of each the compofort of all; the honor of one the honor of all.
~Abdul'l-Baha
marriage
