Metaphors Galore - A Model for Teaching Literacy

Metaphor Door

In the Universal House of Justice's Letter to the National Spiritual Assemblies dated July 10, 1989, it was stated that: "The Holy Word has been extolled by the Prophets of God as the medium of celestial power and the wellspring of all spiritual, social and material progress. Access to it, constant study of it and daily use of it in our individual lives are vital to the inner personal transformation towards which we strive and whose ultimate outer manifestation will be the emergence of that divine civilization which is the promise of the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh."

In the series of The Power of Myth videos, world renowned scholar of universal myths, Joseph Campbell, pointed out that the power of world religions was in their metaphor, implying that without their metaphor they become as empty forms, such as would not inspire the hearts or touch the inner human spirit. In God's most recent Revelation to humanity through His Manifestation, Baha'u'llah (The Glory of God: 1816-1892), followed by His Successor, 'Abdu'l-Baha (The Servant of Glory: 1844-1921), the Word of God and the Divine Interpretations of that Word respectively are abundantly filled with the most beautiful and powerful metaphors imaginable, enough to inspire humanity for Ages upon Ages to come.

In that same Letter, the House pointed out: "the need for systematic attention to be given to eventually eliminating illiteracy from the Bahá'i community. This matter must assume its proper importance as a continuing objective of that community."

It would seem that using such metaphors in images such as "the ocean of My words" to teach literacy would be highly effective indeed. A metaphor, in the dictionary definition (Funk and Wagnalls College Dictionary - 1974 edition), is "A figure of speech in which one object is likened to another by speaking of it as if it were that other as He was a lion in battle: distinguished from simile by not employing any word of comparison, such as 'like' or 'as'." It goes on to say that a "mixed metaphor" is "a figurative expression in which two or more incongruous metaphors are used as He kept a tight rein on his boiling passions." The word metaphor comes from the "[Latin: metaphora and the Greek: metapherein < meta - beyond, over + pherein to carry]". Poets, prose and song-writers alike have used metaphors to express the deepest felt and most cherished human experiences to capture the imagination of hearts and souls. Also, there is no doubt that the importance of the arts will be understood more fully through the systematic study of metaphors. From this, artists themselves can enjoy sharing their new-found inspirations through their involvement in the Ruhi Book Series study circles, and then in service to their respective communities.

"The Word of God may be likened unto a sapling, whose roots have been implanted in the hearts of men. It is incumbent upon you to foster its growth through the living waters of wisdom, of sanctified and holy words, so that its root may become firmly fixed and its branches may spread out as high as the heavens and beyond."

(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 97 )

Other Baha'i Inspired Artistic Links (click here)

Disclaimer: The personal views on this web site are a sincere attempt by this author to accurately present the Baha'i teachings poetically and artistically. For an official Baha'i web site, click on special links above, and then on the Baha'i Community of Canada.

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