Study circles
A small group that meets weekly to read together, reflect, and try out practical themes — prayer, service, raising children, the nobility of the human spirit.
Open to anyone interested in their own spiritual growth — Bahá'í or not.
A study circle is a small group — usually six to ten people — that meets once a week for about two hours to study a sequence of practical books on themes that matter for a meaningful life: prayer, the soul, accompanying others, raising children in a spiritual environment.
The materials come from the Ruhi Institute, a Bahá'í-inspired educational programme used in over 200 countries. The first book, Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, is the usual starting point. There is no instructor at the front of the room — a 'tutor' simply helps the group read, reflect and discuss together.
What to expect
First 10 minutes
Tea and a prayer
Settle in with the others, share how the week has been, and begin with a short prayer.
About 90 minutes
Read, reflect, discuss, practise
The group reads short passages aloud, pauses to answer questions in the book (sometimes in writing, sometimes in conversation), and explores how the ideas connect to everyday life. Practice exercises — visiting a friend to share a prayer, memorising a passage — are part of every book.
Last 10 minutes
Plan for next week
Decide what page you'll start at next week, who is hosting, and any 'acts of service' to try in between.
Who comes
- Adults and youth aged 15 and up — younger teens often join with a parent.
- Bahá'ís and friends of every faith and none. About half of participants worldwide are not Bahá'í.
- First-time participants and people on their second or third book.
- Dress is casual; bring a pen if you have one.
What to do
- Read aloud when it's your turn — short passages, no pressure on accent or fluency.
- Share your honest reflections, even when they differ from others.
- Try the 'acts of service' between sessions — they are the heart of the experience.
- Borrow a copy of the book if you don't have one.
What you don't need to do
- You will not be tested, graded, or asked to memorise.
- There is no requirement to become Bahá'í to study the books.
- You can miss a week and pick up again the next.
- There is no charge — books are usually lent or gifted.
A sample programme
Every gathering has its own rhythm — this is one realistic outline.
- 7:00 pm
- Arrival, tea, catching up
- 7:10 pm
- Opening prayer
- 7:15 pm
- Read a passage from Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
- 7:25 pm
- Answer two or three questions in the book, individually
- 7:40 pm
- Share answers around the circle and discuss
- 8:15 pm
- A short break with refreshments
- 8:30 pm
- Continue with the next section and a practice exercise
- 8:55 pm
- Plan the week ahead and a closing prayer
Origins & meaning
The Ruhi Institute began in rural Colombia in the 1970s as a Bahá'í effort to build capacity for community service. Its sequence of books has since been adopted in nearly every country as the curriculum for Bahá'í study circles.
Each book builds practical capabilities — visiting people, teaching children, accompanying youth, hosting devotionals — alongside spiritual reflection. The aim is not academic study but a steady widening of what each person feels able to contribute to their neighbourhood.
- Ruhi
- An educational sequence of short books used worldwide for Bahá'í-inspired study circles. 'Ruhi' is Arabic for 'spiritual' or 'of the spirit'.
- Tutor
- Not a teacher or expert — simply a participant who has gone through the book before and helps the group read and reflect together.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be Bahá'í?+
No. Study circles are open to anyone — about half of all participants worldwide are not Bahá'í.
How long is the commitment?+
Book 1 usually takes 8–12 weekly sessions. After that, each person decides whether to continue with Book 2.
Is it religious instruction?+
It's a study of practical spiritual themes — prayer, the soul, service. The aim is reflection, not doctrine.
What if I miss a week?+
Pick up the next week. The group will catch you up in five minutes.
Do I need to buy the book?+
Almost never. Tutors usually lend copies or the host community gifts one.
Is it just reading, or is there homework?+
Between sessions, you're invited to try a small 'act of service' — visit a neighbour and share a prayer, memorise a passage, host a small devotional. These are gentle invitations, not assignments.
Can I bring my partner who isn't interested in religion?+
Yes. Many non-religious people find the discussions on virtues and service genuinely thought-provoking.
Are there study circles for youth?+
Yes — Book 5 of the Ruhi sequence specifically trains animators of junior youth groups, and youth gather in their own circles too.
Find one near you
The next upcoming study circles across Canada.
Loading upcoming gatherings…
Your first visit — a small checklist
- Confirm the meeting day, time and host
- Bring a pen and, if you have it, your copy of the book
- Block out 90 minutes — the time goes quickly
- Plan a small act of service to share next week
Other kinds of gatherings
Devotional
A simple, prayerful hour where neighbours of every background read sacred writings, share music, and reflect together.
Read the guide →
Junior youth group
Young people aged 11 to 14 meet weekly to read together, talk about the world they want to build, and carry out small acts of service in their neighbourhood.
Read the guide →
Reflection meeting
Periodic neighbourhood gatherings where friends look back on what they've learned, celebrate small victories, and plan what to do next.
Read the guide →