The three basic spiritual foundation units of the Ruhi Institute: Understanding the Bahá’í Writings, Prayer, and Life and Death.
As part of its mandate to assess institute curricula that are available in the Baha'i world, the International Teaching Centre has found the Ruhi Institute materials to be particularly appropriate. Many national communities are using the Ruhi Institute curriculum either as the focus of their training institute or as one of its tracks of study.
The Ruhi Institute curriculum had been tested and adapted over many years. It has enabled the friends in different countries to get the institute system up and running in a short time. Rather than having the participants be passive listeners to a wide array of unconnected talks, the Ruhi Institute materials seek to engage the friends fully in the process of learning. Baha'is with diverse cultural and educational backgrounds have found the curriculum's deceptively simple approach, based heavily on connecting the believers to the Creative Word, both appealing and empowering.
Even in those countries where the Ruhi Institute materials have been chosen as the main curriculum or as one of the institute tracks, modifications and adaptations for local conditions have occasionally been made. In a few countries a beginning course has been developed for new believers which precedes Book 1. In some areas the Ruhi Institute books have been supplemented with other materials to suit the local requirements. Over time, through systematic educational experience, other sequential curricula will be developed in various parts of the world that display the same coherence that the Ruhi Institute materials have achieved but are derived from the experience of different national communities.
(International Teaching Centre, 2000 Feb, Training Institutes and Systematic Growth, p. 6)
This book prepares new teachers of the Faith to take their first steps in the arena of service. Includes the units "The Joy of Teaching, Deepening Themes, and Introducing Bahá’í Beliefs."
Book 4 -The Twin Manifestations
Presents Bahá’í history and preparation to share it with others. Includes "The Greatness of this Day, The Life of the Báb, and the Life of Bahá’u’lláh."
Book 3 -Teaching Children's Classes, Grade 1
This book is designed to develop the capabilities needed to conduct children’s classes, grade 1.
Book 5 - Teaching Children's Classes, Grade 2
Book 6 - Teaching the Cause
This book is designed to train effective teachers. The Spiritual Nature of Teaching, explores the spiritual dimensions of teaching. The Qualities and Attitudes of the Teacher, helps to develop the humility, courage, wisdom and other qualities and attitudes of a capable teacher. The Act of Teaching, examines how to teach, building skills necessary for individual teaching and participation in organized projects.
Book 7 Walking Together on a Path of Service
The main sequence of courses (Books 1-6) offered by the Ruhi Institute is designed to impart to the participants the knowledge, qualities and skills that would enable them to serve as tutors. The aim of Book 7 is to prepare tutors who can effectively introduce these books to others.
The first unit, "The Spiritual Path," raises awareness of the spiritual dynamics of advancing along a path of service to the Cause and increase understanding of the forces at work. The second unit, "Becoming a Tutor of Books 1-6," examines some of the concepts, attitudes, skills and abilities that contribute to the capability of helping a group of believers to go through the first six courses. The third unit, "Promoting the Arts at the Grassroots," is designed to create appreciation for the role of artistic endeavors in the activity of a study circle.
The Ruhi Institute curriculum had been tested and adapted over many years. It has enabled the friends in different countries to get the institute system up and running in a short time. Rather than having the participants be passive listeners to a wide array of unconnected talks, the Ruhi Institute materials seek to engage the friends fully in the process of learning. Baha'is with diverse cultural and educational backgrounds have found the curriculum's deceptively simple approach, based heavily on connecting the believers to the Creative Word, both appealing and empowering.
