Autumn Ruhi Youth Camp

The Autumn Initiative Camp offers study of courses from the Ruhi Institute over the intensive Easter break!

The Ruhi Training Institute develops our capacity to contribute to building more vibrant communities.
The nature of the Training Institute can be understood by imagining an ongoing conversation taking place among friends in thousands upon thousands of social spaces—neighbourhoods, villages, schools, universities, and workplaces—concerned with contributing to the advancement of civilisation through the application of the Baha’i teachings. As the number of participants in the conversation grows, processes to achieve collective spiritual and material goals in each space are set in motion.

The materials and courses produced by the Training Institute are studied by people all over the world. They offer a structure for participants to deepen their understanding of spiritual concepts explored in the Baha’i writings and to gain practice in the skills required to contribute to community building efforts.

A core component of the Ruhi Training Institute is a ‘study circle’: the gathering of a small group of people to study materials based on concepts relating to individual and collective spiritual development. Some of the main concepts explored are how to:

• foster a devotional character within a community through prayer and meditation
• strengthen bonds of friendship among all people
• make the education of children an integral part of community life
• maintain an environment that helps young people develop their intellectual and spiritual capacities

Study circles are conducted in informal settings and are facilitated by a tutor whose primary role is to guide discussion between the participants and ensure the environment fostered by the group is one of inclusion, respect and unity.
In response to the materials they study, participants in study circles arise to carry out specific acts of service relating to the themes discussed, including organising devotional gatherings, spiritual education classes for children and youth groups.

Anyone aged fifteen to thirty are welcome to take part in the Ruhi Institute.

Books offered:
- Ruhi Book 1 - Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
- Ruhi Book 2 - Arising to Serve

Location: TBC - Melbourne
Cost: $100 including food, accomodation. Financial Assistance if offered.

About Ruhi Book 1
The first book in the sequence of courses is largely concerned with the question of identity. What is the real identity of the “I” in the sentence “I walk a path of service”? Three aspects of individual identity are explored in the book: “The reality of my existence is my soul which passes through this world to acquire the attributes it needs for an eternal and glorious journey towards God. My most cherished moments are those spent in communion with God, for prayer is the daily nourishment that my soul must receive if it is to accomplish its exalted purpose. One of my principal concerns in this life is to study the Holy Writings, strive to increase my understanding of the divine teachings, and learn to apply them to my own daily life and to the life of the community.” The book consists of the units “Understanding the Bahá’í Writings”, “Prayer”, and “Life and Death”. It encourages those who study it to take a first step on the path of service by hosting a meeting for prayer and worship in their home.

About Book 2
Book 2 of the main sequence considers what it means to walk a path of service. It consists of three units. The first explores the nature of the joy one derives from serving others, while the next two focus on the knowledge, abilities and qualities needed to enter into conversations that are uplifting to the mind and spirit. The ability to elevate day-to-day conversations by introducing spiritual principles, when the occasion calls for it, is addressed in the second unit. The third, then, turns to community life. Visiting friends and neighbors in their homes to discuss themes central to spiritual and social existence—the second act of service encouraged in the main sequence—strengthens ties of unity and fellowship, so essential to collective life. The three units are entitled: “The Joy of Teaching”, “Uplifting Conversations”, and “Deepening Themes”.