Like thousands of others, in more than 180 countries, a large group of people all over the province of Quebec participate in trainings in small groups, also known as “study circles”, to study the spiritual principles that relate to their own lives and communities. Based on the Ruhi Institute materials and offered here by the Bahá’í Training Institute, this remarkable educational system for adults and youth is probably the largest educational program in the world, in terms of the number of countries in which it is offered.

Open to youth (starting from age 15) and adults of all backgrounds, these “study circles” use a method focused on participation and cooperation, and aim to promote individual and collective progress. In small groups, the participants study spiritual and moral principles and through discussions and service activities they see how putting them into action will improve their own lives and will increase their participation in their personal development and contribute to collective transformation.

These small study circles are based on the Bahá’í principles and on universal moral principles. The main purpose is to enable us to contribute to the betterment of our own lives and the world we live in.

The concept of the study circles draws on the talents of individuals who strive to implement the Institute program locally. In Quebec, it is the Bahá’í Training Institute who ensures the training of animators responsible for study circles. They can decide to meet in private homes or in public spaces. The learning process is characterized by the participatory tutorial learning settings; the participants become active agents of their own learning, which goes beyond the mere acquisition of skills. Everyone, Bahá’í or not, can participate in study circles.

The first book in the sequence of courses offered by the Bahá’í Training Institute is called “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit” and consists of three units: “Understanding the Bahá’í Writings”, “Prayer”, and “Life and Death”. These three units explore the reality of life, the purpose of existence and the relationship we have with the spiritual universe and our Creator. To learn more about the study circles taking place in your locality and to participate in them, please contact us.

To learn more about the material studied in these study circles, please visit the Ruhi Institute website.