Meditation Two
(of Day Four)
The Kindness Heart
God has crowned you with honor and in your hearts has He set a radiant star; verily the light thereof shall brighten the whole world. ‘Abdu’l-Baha
Materials:
- Meditation table.
- A selection of Quotes from the Baha’i
- Writings which have a theme on kindness – along with a stand for each Quote.
- An example of a virtue kindness heart with ornament stand
The Meditation:
Introduction:
Begin in the meditation area.
Today we are going to continue to think about the quality of kindness.
To start, we have this Quote (place on stand) and this special heart ornament (place out) which will begin our meditation on kindness.
Read the Quote:
God has crowned you with honor and in your hearts has He set a radiant star; verily the light thereof shall brighten the whole world. ‘Abdu’l-Baha
Possible discussion points:
I wonder how this heart ornament might give us some insight into this Quotes meaning?
(Point out the similarities of the heart and the internal gem as the radiant star.)
I wonder how this Quote and art activity can help us think more about the quality of kindness?
(Note that the quality of kindness is like this gem and can become like a radiant star in our hearts – which radiates to others.)
Since we are meditating on kindness today, the gem within our virtue heart will be kindness. We will be making kindness heart ornaments.
God sends Prophets to teach us the spiritual virtues/qualities as kindness. So, while you are making your kindness heart you should be thinking more about what the Baha’i Writings say on kindness. To help you do this select a Quote from the Baha’i Writings and take it to the art table with you.
Here are some choices of Quotes.
Read and place on a stand.
Each child selects a Quote and then takes it (with stand) to the art area.
Directions for making a Virtue heart ornament follow.
Making a Virtue Heart Ornament
Material:
- Colored construction paper
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Any type of glue
- Needle
- Thread
- Any beautiful gem-like beads
- An ornament stand for each heart ornament
Directions:
The following YouTube video site gives clear directions in how to construct the heart ornament. The video lasts 6:12 minutes.
The site:
How to make quick and easy paper heart design -YouTube
A Sample of Possible Quotes to consider
Then strive ye with heart and soul to practice love and kindness to the world of humanity at large, …
Baha’i World Faith 412-413
Thus man must strive that his reality may manifest virtues and perfections, the light whereof may shine upon everyone.
Baha’i Administration 5-10
The language of kindness is the lodestone of hearts and the food of the soul; …
Traveler’s Narrative 41-60
In brief, all humanity must be looked upon with love, kindness and respect; for what we behold in them are none other than the signs and traces of God Himself. … … in His sight all are His servants.
The Promulgation of Universal Peace 228-235
Put into practice the Teaching of Bahá’u’lláh, that of kindness to all nations. Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.
Paris Talks 15-17
But to blessed animals the utmost kindness must be shown, the more the better.
‘Abdu’l-Baha 158-160