Study circles are regular gatherings of people interested in a systematic study of the Bahá’í Writings with practical applications to our daily lives.

The purpose of this study is

• • • to gain a deeper understanding of the Holy Word,

    • to comprehend its meanings

    • to find ways to apply them to our lives through spiritual transformation and service to humanity.

The frequency and duration of each study circle are set by the group and a facilitator serves to maintain the focus and pace. Every participant in the group also makes a commitment to action or service. Anyone may attend.

Walking a Path of Service Together

Study circles bring together participants who undertake to walk together on a path of service to humanity. On this journey, they study a teaching aid with the assistance of a facilitator whose role is to facilitate discussion. From all backgrounds, they advance on equal footing and explore the application of religious teachings in their lives. The responsibility for learning is not based on a teacher but on the participants themselves. They accompany each other and confront their understanding in practice.

When members of a community all have access to the spiritual and scientific knowledge, they can learn together to practice them in their collective life. The change of culture they promote reveals how a new society emerges from the efforts of a growing number of people to practice the teachings of God for our time.

Each course involves systematic study of the Bahá’í Holy Writings in a group setting known as a study circle.

The first course is called Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. It explores spiritual matters such as prayer, meditation, life after death and the development of the soul.

The aim of these studies is also to develop our capacity for spiritual virtues and living a life of service – doing good deeds – for other people.

Study circles are open to all. They are held in an uplifting atmosphere which empowers each participant to take charge of their own learning.

A facilitator assists the group but he or she is not there to teach everyone else. All participants learn together through discussion, practice, and use of the arts.

These study circles help those who take part to develop the knowledge, spiritual insights and skills needed to start – and most importantly, to sustain – the activities that will help their community.

These include learning how to hold devotional meetings, children’s classes and junior youth groups all in our own neighborhoods.

Those who complete the entire series of courses are immediately able to tutor the courses themselves in study circles that they set up with their friends.