List of virtues

Note: This page needs to be majorly edited.

Obedience to Central Figures and Institutions[edit]

Bahá'í Institutions
- Turn to the infallible Bahá'u'lláh, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Guardianship (Shoghi Effendi), and Universal House of Justice and also the national and local institutions for guidance.
- Firmness in the Covenant (Obedience in spirit and action)
Non-Bahá'í Institutions

Reactive virtues[edit]

One may choose to adopt a reactive virtue proactively (or relatively proactively).

What we perceive as a negative prompt (from others, a situation, and/or oneself) is best often directed to the following:

One must have the goal of seeking to solve or inspire in a moral/emotional/intellectual/social/technical/medical/artistic, or physical sense for oneself, others, or a situation, using:
- consultation (with oneself internally or on paper or with others personally or on paper) (This must be done with compassion, empathy, etc. for those with whom one consults-see below.)
- reason/intellect/comprehension/understanding/wisdom//knowledge/science/insight

(One may determine to use either of these in the present or in the future, depending on the timeliness and the receptivity of hearer and the timeliness/readiness of oneself. For modifying future circumstances/behavior of oneself or others and for gaining the strength to carry out the solution, see proactive virtues below.)

This requires truth (as a means or end) in:
- giving unadulterated intellectual and spiritual truth to others (with love, see below)
  - truthfulness, honesty, candor, frankness, straightforwardness, genuineness, sincerity
  - Not calumny (slander)
- objectively assessing spiritual or intellectual truth (and while proceeding).
  - fair-mindedness, impartiality, independence, freedom (from undue influence), incorruptibility, discernment, perception, clearsightedness, intuition, discretion, justice, liberality (unprejudiced), knowledge of self
  - avoiding propaganda, etc. regarding specific protagonists, as judge/institution, individual, etc. (see protagonists)
  - Being trusting (giving the benefit of the doubt)
  - Vigilance (not being cheated, bullied, or lied to, however, by oneself, others, or a situation), cautiousness, watchfulness, attentiveness, carefulness, concentration, prudence (see also economy below)
  - humility, modesty (outward expression of humility), submissiveness, servitude, evanesence
    - Not proud
    - Not mutter verses in street before the public gaze, seeking public prestige
    - while upholding own (and encouraging due recognition in others of) dignity, nobility, integrity (for integrity, see also rectitude of conduct below)
      - Not Debasing Oneself Before Others
        Not confess sins to another
        
        Not kiss hands
        
        Not beg
      - Not Depriving Oneself
        Not asceticism, Not monasticism
        
        Not committing suicide
      - Not Allowing Others to be debased
        Not giving to beggars
- administering a fair solution for all parties. (see more below on actions) (concern for all)
  - fairness, justice, respect for the rights of others, equity
  - mercy as kindness and forgiveness by individuals and not vengeance by institutions charged with justice
To do this and carry it through, one must find (as a means or end), especially, but not limited to, finding the inspiration from within (through reliance on God, see below):
- vision, high-mindedness, clearsightedness, etc. (see truthfulness above)
  - One's proactive aims should be for oneself and above all others (all for God) (unless it is not sustainable due to inordinate demands on oneself) out of love of humanity/universal love/universality/good-will and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of God (having faith that one's soul will, as promised, progress as a result).
  - should include a sense of honor at being eager to demonstrate selfnessness, sacrifice/altruism with unselfishness, if called for (don't deprive others of dignity or fail to consult) especially self-sacrifice (but best to see this response to God genuinely as a pleasure and to do so not in a manner to draw undue attention).
    - obedience, piety, sense of shame, law-abiding
      - Pious/Courage: not embarassed to follow laws for coolness' sake
    - generosity, philanthropy, charitableness, liberality, piety
    - concern for others (manifested in attributes of 4. below)
      - Not wish for others what one doesn't for oneself
        Not prefer one's self to one's neighbour
        
        See light of God in people
        
        compassion (can be proactive to find good qualities in others), humanity (like compassion), consideration of others, sensitivity or tolerance (responsive to overcome reactive self shortcoming prompted by perceived or real shortcoming of another or thoughtfulness used for tolerance, can be manifested in action, Consistent (Not be hypocritical)
  - [creative] and [enthusiastic] as virtues
    - "intelligence", "youthfulness" (See Advent of Divine Justice in praise for certain American qualities, etc.)
- hope/faith/certitude/confidence/assurance (in others, circumstances, or self, albeit with humility and not confidence in things contrary to God's will)
  - Confidence (in God)

"The Baha'i teacher must be all confidence. Therein lies his strength and the secret of his success. Though single-handed, and no matter how great the apathy of the people around you may be, you should have faith that the hosts of the Kingdom are on your side, and that through their help you are bound to overcome the forces of darkness that are facing the Cause of God. Persevere, be happy and confident, therefore." (Shoghi Effendi: The Power of Divine Assistance, Page: 221)

"Stop being conscious of your frailties, therefore; have a perfect reliance upon God; let your heart burn with the desire to serve His mission and proclaim His call; and you will observe how eloquence and the power to change human hearts will come as a matter of course." (Shoghi Effendi, The Power of Divine Assistance, pp. 219-220)

- thankfulness/gratitude/appreciation

To students: "Be always in a prayerful state and appreciate the value of everything." (`Abdu'l-Baha: Excellence in All Things, Page: 377)

- reverence
- detachment, composure, discipline, dignity, severance, patience (sign of love), (Patience is one virtue whose reward is infinite????)
  - Not lose one's temper
  - forbearance, concentration, imperturbability, long-suffering, calmness, serenity, tranquility, contentment, resignation (to external or internal circumstances or behavior of others' but not giving up or giving in), submissiveness, and peacefulness (inward and outward) of one's self.

not resenting gracefulness, beauty, etc.

- - - (amusement excess re: ADJ and UHJ)
    - Absolutely submissive to God's Will
    - Not lament in adversity
    - Thankful at all times (å frequent quality in Memorials of Faithful) (see thankfulness above)
      - (Reliance on God does not mean neglecting science and caution (see 'Abdu'l-Bahá's talk in The Promulgation of Universal Peace on the Titanic????))
- initiative, spontaneity (though see vigilance above and perseverance below)
- refinement, responsibility, deliberateness, self-reliance, independence, aspiration, thoroughness (but with humility, see below)
- resolution, devotion, determination, zealousness
- effort, work, energy, activity, strength; Not idleness and sloth; Not apathy, attachment to worldly pursuits, lethargy; followed by:
- perseverance/persistence/fortitude/steadfastness/endurance/stability/constancy (sign of love)
  - Steadfastness encompasses all the virtues????
    - Persevere through tests using the Word and examples, as of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the Persian friends (even today), etc.
This may require primarily self-oriented or occasionally other-oriented (e.g., children or close ones, especially with receptive souls, etc.-requiring firmness/righteousness/uprightness
- Not doubts, uncertainties, hesitations, (obstacles which can breed a sense of frustration or paralysis)
  - Not lack of courage and initiative
  - Not feelings of inferiority
    - Not waiting until feeling fully qualified to do any particular task as God will assist us if we do our share and sacrifice
This is usually used in connection with overcoming internal (or external) moral laxity
- (rectitude of conduct, integrity (see also dignity below) whether directly affecting another person or indirectly, through oneself or through another
- chastity, purity, holiness, freedom (from worldliness), sanctity, reverence, clean-minded, immaculacy of mind, temperance, sobriety, incorruptibility, fidelity, faithfulness, Guard one's eyes and ears
  - Not indulge one's passions
  - Not unhealthy/addictive habits
    - Not ingesting substances that induce torpor, opium, intoxicating drinks, alcohol
    - Not gambling
    - Not homosexuality or adultery
    - Avoid ungodly
    - Guard eyes
    - (amusement excess re: ADJ and UHJ) (though forbearance is separate, this virtue is connected, as a specific aspect of the challenge finding tolerance (mostly of others) and righteousness (mostly of ourselves))
    - economy, efficiency, simplicity, practicality, also can relate to generosity or self-reliance or other virtues too.
      - Bravery/valor/courage/strength is similar and is associated usually with overcoming internally active fears (prompted by external or other internal conditions). (including forethought and reflection)
- Seek to maintain and have cleanliness, spotlesslessness, beauty (inner and even outer) esp. to teach
The methods by which one must treat others, as a means and an end include, responsively or proactively:
- happiness, illumination, radiance, joyfulness, cheerfulness
- If related to an alternate opinion or bad history with the person, acquiescence, agreeable,concord, amenability, conciliation will apply
- If a severe test (deliberate or not) may require good-will (not offended by what the other perceives subconsciously or consciously as having been slighted), magnanimity (above resorting to retaliation or self-concern), forgiveness/clemency, mercifulness, pity, sympathy, (sin covering eye)and sacrifice/altruism with unselfishness, esp. self-sacrifice (but best to see this response-to God in oneself and to others genuinely as a pleasure)
  - Love one's neighbor
    - loving-kindness, kindheartedness, kindness, friendliness, benevolence, attraction, affection, sociability, (one must seek it not just when in others' presence)
      - Not Physically Injuring Person or Animal
        Not carrying arms (unless in a lawless land-not so in the U.S.A.–though potentially permissible for archery and marksmanship re: Aqdas)
        
        Not arson, not strike or wound someone, not murder
        
        Not cruelty to animals (may hunt animals, but not to excess nor by trapping and may perform operation on a living animal for research even if killed thereby, but it must be well anaesthetized, and the utmost care must be exercised that it does not suffer), "bruise not the serpent in the dust, much less a man unless ye must" though a certain respect for the danger of certain animals (as the wolf or serpent) must exist.
        
        Self-defense is, however, permitted if resort to law is not available and it is not an organized religious attack of the Faith
    - Not backbite or listen to backbiting (ask instead what purpose it would serve (or speak up for them?))
      - Not contend with one's neighbor
      - Not stir up mischief
      - Not Violating Property or Property Rights
        Not theft
        
        Not enter owner's house without permission
    - express/demonstrate gratitude/thankfulness/appreciation to the person (or God), gentleness, tenderness, courtesy ((courtesy is prince of all virtues- Not anger one's neighbor), tact, delicacy, refinement, gentleness, discretion, prudence, decency, mildness, meekness, eloquence
    - Teach (and do anything) with moderation (Not be fanatical) (detachment as well as piety)
Virtues which imply another party practicing it with you (though much can be done by individuals to ensure it can happen (using the virtues above)) include:
- Be united
  - mutual amity, fellowship
  - Not contention and conflict
- Refer to the Writings upon differences arising
- would be responsibility in reference to accepting blame.
- would be trustworthiness, trustfulness, reliability, sanctity, obedience, loyalty
  - Trustworthiness is the greatest adornment of people of Bahá
  - in reference to fulfilling promises/debts (including to God) made or implied.
  - Regarding money, economy, efficiency, simplicity, practicality, prudence (see vigilance above) are required for oneself
  - Have lost property announced, await for claim to return, then one may appropriate and scrupulousness, thoroughness, rectitude of conduct in reference to others' money. Incorruptibility would also be relevant (not being influenced by money).
  - Respond to invitations (with joy)
  - Be punctual
  - Fulfilling one's pledges, redeeming one's debts, and paying the Right of God are among the attributes of the inmates of all-highest Paradise
- would be scrupulousness, thoroughness, rectitude of conduct in reference to others' money.
  - Have lost property announced, await for claim to return, then one may appropriate
- Any perceived problems, however, may best be seen with gratitude/thankfulness/appreciation to demonstrate one's virtue to God and humbly to others as well as highlight an area of character, circumstance (material, social, financial, intellectual, political, etc.) that is really to a positive end.
- Not backbite or listen to backbiting (ask instead what purpose it would serve (or speak up for them?))

Proactive or Reactive Virtues Which Apply to Teaching and Everyday Life[edit]

Distinguish self through good deeds
- Psychological/Spiritual Influences and Behavior:
  - Hospitable (esp. for people visiting one's home-lead to door, etc.) (see Fireside/Feast, Domestic Life)
Fear God
- Not follow one's idle fancies and vain imaginations;
Regarding social issues as freedom from prejudice, equality of women and men, see the section on protagonists.