Physical education

Praise of

Star of the West, vol. 9, issue 9, p. 97, section "CAMP SCHOOL IN MOUNTAINS APPROVED".

From Lights of Guidance (to categorize)

Material Education

"...education is of three kinds: material, human and spiritual. Material education is concerned with the progress and development of the body, through gaining its sustenance, its material comfort and ease."

('Abdu'l-Bahá: Some Answered Questions, 1981 ed., p. 8; cited in A Compilation of Extracts on Physical Education, p. 1, World Centre, in Lights of Guidance, no. 997)

The Essentiality of Taking Proper Care of Child from the Early Days of His Life

"Unless the child, in his earliest years, be carefully tended, whether in a material or a spiritual sense, whether as to his physical health or his education, it will prove extremely difficult to effect any changes later on. For example, if a child is not properly cared for at the beginning of life, so that he doth not develop a sound body and his constitution doth not flourish as it ought, his body will remain feeble, and whatever is done afterward will take little effect. This matter of protecting the health of the child is essential, for sound health leadeth to insights and sense perceptions, and then the child, as he learneth sciences, arts, skills, and the civilities of life, will duly develop his powers...."

(From a previously untranslated Tablet by Abdu'l-Bahá, Ibid., p. 1, in Lights of Guidance, no. 998)

Training and Development of Physical Body Ensures Strength and Growth

"...education is of various kinds. There is a training and development of the physical body which ensures strength and growth."

('Abdu'l-Bahá: Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 330: Ibid., p. 2, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1000)

There Should Be a Program for the Development of Youth All Over the World

"...Bahá'u'lláh considered education as one of the most fundamental factors of a true civilization. This education, however, in order to be adequate and fruitful, should be comprehensive in nature and should take into consideration not only the physical and the intellectual side of man but also his spiritual and ethical aspects. This should be the program of the Bahá'í youth all over the world."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, July 9, 1931: Ibid., p. 2, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1001)

Playing Games

"Playing games is not in the least forbidden. It should in fact be encouraged if they are of an athletic nature."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National Spiritual Assembly, December 27, 1932: Ibid., p. 2, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1002)

A Wise Schoolmaster

"A wise schoolmaster should send his scholars out to play or to practice gymnastics for an hour, so that their minds and bodies may be refreshed, and during the hour of the lesson they may learn it better. If the teacher proves that his scholars are advancing, no on-looker has a right to object to his system, or to question his wisdom and say he wastes the boys' time. If a wise father plays with his children, who has a right to say it is not good for them? He calls them to come to him as the hen calls her chicks; he knows that they are little and must be coaxed along--coaxed along because they are young and tiny."

(Words of Abdu'l-Bahá: Star of the West, Vol. IX, No. 8, p. 91, in Lights of Guidance, no. 491)

See also

• Exercise
• Sports
• Games
• Education