An Investigation into the Roles of the Baha'i Study Circle in Facilitating the Spiritual and Moral Development of the Participants and Social Transformation of the Community

• Main Author: Danesh Sams
• Other Authors: Jienwei Rau
• Format: Others
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/11405022865516814813

博士 === 國立東華大學 === 教育與潛能開發學系 === 105 === This study was conducted with the hope of observing some tangible evidences of development in the area of spiritual education and the role of Baha’i Study Circle in bringing about this development. Baha’i Study Circle (BSC) is a group of people who gather to learn about and/or deepen their understanding of the Baha'i Faith and to develop their spiritual capacity using the BI (Baha’i Institute) course sequence. This study investigated general characteristics of the BSC group process and showed that small group study sessions, as investigated in the context of Baha’i Study Circles, can be a very powerful means of promoting spirituality amongst the grassroots participants, hence facilitating individual and social transformation. The study also investigated the relationship between promotion of spirituality and its contribution to the well-being of the participants. . The study also investigated how the BSCs brought about a meaningful influence on the actual life of the participants or remained in the realm of good ideas. Individual transformation was observed in the areas of internal and external changes. The internal changes were brought about initially as a result of some internal needs and challenges on the part of participants leading them into better and happier human beings. External changes were manifested in the forms of relational improvements and services rendered to the community. Social transformation was specifically observed in improving the quality of family life as a basic unit of society and the promotion of a loving and inclusive community. The manner of conducting BSC showed good characteristics conducive to learning and growth, hence creating certain spiritual dynamics so specific to BSC.