1863 UNITY ROAD

Update on Egypt

2008-01-29T22:36:00.000+02:00

From the Bahá'í World News Service 29 January 2008:

EGYPT COURT UPHOLDS BAHA'I PLEA IN RELIGIOUS FREEDOM CASES CAIRO

In a victory for religious freedom, a lower administrative court here today ruled in favor of two lawsuits that sought to resolve the government's contradictory policy on religious affiliation and identification papers.

The Court of Administrative Justice in Cairo upheld arguments made in two cases concerning Baha'is who have sought to restore their full citizenship rights by asking that they be allowed to leave the religious affiliation field blank on official documents.

"Given the degree to which issues of religious freedom stand at the heart of human rights issues in the Middle East, the world should cheer at the decision in these two cases today," said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations.

"The compromise offered by the Baha'is in these two cases opens the door to a way to reconcile a government policy that was clearly incompatible with international law -- as well as common sense," said Ms. Dugal.

"Our hope now is that the government will quickly implement the court's decision and allow Baha'is once again to enjoy the full rights of citizenship to which they are duly entitled," said Ms. Dugal.

The decisions today concerned two cases, both filed by Baha'is, over the issue of how they are to be identified on government documents.

The first case involves a lawsuit by the father of twin children, who is seeking to obtain proper birth certificates for them. The second concerns a college student, who needs a national identity card to re-enroll in university.

The government requires all identification papers to list religious affiliation but restricts the choice to the three officially recognized religions - Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Baha'is are thus unable to obtain identification papers because they refuse to lie about their religious affiliation.

Without national identify cards - or, as in the case of the twin children, birth certificates - Baha'is and others caught in the law's contradictory requirements are deprived of a wide range of citizenship rights, such as access to employment, education, and medical and financial services.

These problems were highlighted in a report issued in November by Human Rights Watch and the Cairo-based Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR).

"Employers, both public and private, by law cannot hire someone without an ID, and academic institutions require IDs for admission," said the report. "Obtaining a marriage license or a passport requires a birth certificate; inheritance, pensions, and death benefits are contingent on death certificates. The Ministry of Health has even refused to provide immunizations to some Baha'i children because the Interior Ministry would not issue them birth certificates accurately listing their Baha'i religion."

The issuance of birth certificates is at the heart of the first case, which concerns 14-year-old twins Imad and Nancy Rauf Hindi. Their father, Rauf Hindi, obtained birth certificates that recognized their Baha'i affiliation when they were born.

But new policies require computer generated certificates, and the computer system locks out any religious affiliation but the three officially recognized religions. And without birth certificates, the children are unable to enroll in school in Egypt.

The second lawsuit was filed by the EIPR last February on behalf of 18-year-old Hussein Hosni Bakhit Abdel-Massih, who was suspended from the Suez Canal University's Higher Institute of Social Work in January 2006 due to his inability to obtain an identity card because of his refusal to falsely identify himself as either a Muslim, a Christian, or a Jew.

In both cases, lawyers representing the Baha'is have made it clear that they were willing to settle for cards or documents on which the religious affiliation field is left blank or filled in, perhaps, as "other."

This solution is what makes these two cases different from the lawsuit that was rejected by the Supreme Administrative Court last year. In that ruling, the Supreme Administrative Court rejected a decision by the lower that upheld the right of Baha'is to be properly identified on government documents.
________________________

For more information go to: BWNS

Family history research and unity

2008-01-02T21:31:00.000+02:00

Just recently I've been trying to research my family history. It is a long process of finding various pieces of information about a relative and verifying that it is correct against other pieces of information about other relatives, which leads to discovery of more family members. And on it goes.

What has become a source of pleasure to me through this research is the feeling of unity I get with all the names I'm researching. Even when it turns out that the family I'm researching does not fit into my family tree I feel sure that when I go further and further back I will find them linked to our family in the end.

This thought of family unity had me thinking of world unity again, and seeing as the world is really one big family I don't think that is surprising. So I'd like to share some passages from the Writings of the Bahá'í Faith that teach about unity.

So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth

Bahá'u'lláh, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 1

The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.

Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 217

All men are servants of the One God. One God reigns over all the nations of the world and has pleasure in all His children. All men are of one family; the crown of humanity rests on the head of every human being.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 138

Consider the harm which comes to a family through discord and dissension. Consider, too, what favors and blessings descend upon that family when unity exists among its various members. Likewise reflect what would descend upon the great human family, - upon humanity in general - if unity were established.

Bahá'í Scriptures, p. 347

Consider: Unity is necessary to existence. Love is the very cause of life; on the other hand, separation brings death. In the world of material creation, for instance, all things owe their actual life to unity. The elements which compose wood, mineral, or stone, are held together by the law of attraction. If this law should cease for one moment to operate these elements would not hold together, they would fall apart, and the object would in that particular form cease to exist. The law of attraction has brought together certain elements in the form of this beautiful flower, but when that attraction is withdrawn from this centre the flower will decompose, and, as a flower, cease to exist.

So it is with the great body of humanity. The wonderful Law of Attraction, Harmony and Unity, holds together this marvellous Creation.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 138

Negligent Mankind

2007-12-21T22:16:00.000+02:00

Is it not astonishing that although man has been created for the knowledge and love of God, for the virtues of the human world, for spirituality, heavenly illumination and life eternal, nevertheless he continues ignorant and negligent of all this?

Consider how he seeks knowledge of everything except knowledge of God. For instance, his utmost desire is to penetrate the mysteries of the lowest strata of the earth. Day by day he strives to know what can be found ten metres below the surface, what he can discover within the stone, what he can learn by archaeological research in the dust. He puts forth arduous labours to fathom terrestrial mysteries but is not at all concerned about knowing the mysteries of the Kingdom, traversing the illimitable fields of the eternal world, becoming informed of the divine realities, discovering the secrets of God, attaining the knowledge of God, witnessing the splendors of the Sun of Truth and realizing the glories of everlasting life. He is unmindful and thoughtless of these. How much he is attracted to the mysteries of matter and how completely unaware he is of the mysteries of divinity!

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Foundations of World Unity, p 64

Finnish TV talk show host finds success in unconventional approach

2007-12-11T06:41:00.000+02:00

A story from the Bahá'í World News Sewrvice

Television talk shows often use conflict as their formula to win viewers, but a young producer in Finland is making a go of it with a different model.

On his Monday night program, Aram Aflatuni presents a problem, then has a panel of experts try to solve it using consultation and cooperation.

"I don't believe in confrontational journalism," he says. "I do not think that it is an effective way of finding solutions."

His hour-long show - "Harkaa Sarvista," or "Grab the Bull by the Horns" - this week wraps up its first season of 15 episodes and has attracted as many as 345,000 viewers. Average viewership was 220,000 - 20 percent of the TV audience for its time period.

In Finland, TV shows often look for confrontation and "sometimes quite aggressive debate," said Juho-Pekka Rantala, a television executive who works on this show and others. "'Harkaa Sarvista' is different. It is looking for solutions."

Viewers are invited to submit an issue for consultation. If chosen, the person goes on the air and presents the problem to the panel.

Mr. Aflatuni, 31, is a member of the Baha'i Faith and said he tries to use part of a consultation model used by Baha'is as the starting point for his show.

It is a model that asks participants to remain personally detached from the ideas presented as everyone seeks a single truth or best outcome. No one "owns" or takes credit or blame for any idea offered during the consultation.

"It's a brave show because it is different," said Laura Jansson, a psychologist and human relations specialist who has appeared on the program.

"In principle, the consultative model is a key to the show's success," said Mrs. Jansson, who is a Baha'i. But viewers and even participants generally are unaware of the principles behind what is going on. More obvious, she said, is the skill of the host in guiding the conversation.

"People in the world today are very egotistical," she said. "They try and push everything through themselves and make themselves look good.... Aram keeps people focused on the issue and not themselves."

Immigration, asylum, schizophrenia, boss-employee relations, intercultural communication, and health care issues are among the subjects that have been addressed.

One week, a young refugee from Eritrea who was facing deportation appeared on the program and outlined his predicament. To weigh solutions, Mr. Aflatuni had gathered a lawyer, a clergyman, a psychologist, the head of a nongovernmental agency, a politician, and another refugee.

The discussion revealed some facts and produced some ideas, including a suggestion from the other refugee that the young man could go underground and thus avoid deportation. Not surprisingly, other panel members didn't feel that was the best idea - going underground is illegal and also psychologically harmful.

The panel suggested ways that the man might be able to stay in Finland legally and also talked about how he could prepare himself for the possibility of deportation.

It turned out that although the young immigrant had been working, his employment had not been deemed full-time and had not satisfied the authorities.

It wasn't anything that a good lawyer couldn't fix by talking to the various parties, and several attorneys indeed came forward after the show and offered their services free of charge. The young man no longer faces imminent deportation, and his case is being reconsidered by the authorities, Mr. Aflatuni said.

Still, Mr. Aflatuni's goal with the program is to go beyond resolving the dilemma of one individual and shed a broader light on society.

"One aspect of the show is to raise awareness of humanitarian issues," he said, noting that sometimes this means "putting pressure on the system" by informing the public of difficult situations or outright injustices.

"People have an inflated idea of the human rights situation in Finland," he said.

One unusual program addressed the subject of triplets, and the difficulties of parents of modest means trying to cope with three newborn babies.

"A woman from the Triplets' Association came on the show and said you really cannot do it without help," Mr. Aflatuni related. Also invited to speak was the father of a set of young triplets, and some 30-year-old triplets who described the experience of their family.

As a result of the program, one Finnish city changed its policy for public aid and will provide a helper five days a week for one family with three new babies, Mr. Aflatuni said.

Future TV plans

Mr. Aflatuni is determined to continue exploring the use of consultation on television as a way to resolve problems, but he says the challenges are stiff.

"There is pressure on me to change the show and make it more confrontational," he acknowledges. "But I think this will kill the spirit of the show. If you bring negative elements in, you destroy this consultative model that we are developing."

He remembers one show where he invited doctors and nurses to discuss a health-care crisis, but tempers were short and people indeed became confrontational.

"It is too hard to find a solution under those circumstances," he said.

He said he had better success with a program that featured a 32-year-old convict who was being released from prison after 10 years. The man seemed serious about going straight but felt overwhelmed by a large debt that he owed.

On the program, the panel of experts counseled him to dismiss thoughts of the debt for the time-being and concentrate on getting a job. They also coached him about the way he seemed to cultivate his "tough-guy" image rather than exhibiting the humility that would help him in the working world.

"He still has an attitude problem," Mr. Aflatuni said, recounting that the man had found a job but then lost it. "Harkaa Sarvista" might revisit the case for a discussion of where things had gone wrong and how they might be made aright.

The idea of following a problem, periodically evaluating how the supposed solutions are working, and changing course or adjusting details as needed, is part of Mr. Aflatuni's vision for the program.

He said his biggest challenge as producer stems from his program being based on an untried concept.

"We don't have examples of a show like this on TV," he said. "It would have been easier to use an older show as a model. But as it is, we are the people that are creating the model."

To read more stories from the Bahá'í World News Service click here

Look into everything with a searching eye

2007-11-21T19:30:00.000+02:00

Bahá'u'lláh said:

Look into everything with a searching eye.

Each individual human being should investigate spiritual truth for himself. His relationship to Almighty God is the responsibility of no one but himself. He can, and should, learn from the knowledge and experience of others, but he should not
accept their findings as the final truth for himself without a careful personal investigation.

That this search for spiritual truth would require constant effort we are told in the Bible. Deuteronomy says:

If from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all they heart and with all thy soul.
Deuteronomy 4:29

William Sears, Thief in the Night, p. 228

If, in the Day when all the peoples of the earth will be gathered together, any man should, whilst standing in the presence of God, be asked: "Wherefore hast thou disbelieved in My Beauty and turned away from My Self," and if such a man should reply and say: "Inasmuch as all men have erred, and none hath been found willing to turn his face to the Truth, I, too, following their example, have grievously failed to recognize the Beauty of the Eternal," such a plea will, assuredly, be rejected. For the faith of no man can be conditioned by any one except himself.

Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 143

Beautiful new Bahá'í website launched

2007-11-07T23:31:00.000+02:00

A beautiful new website has just been launched by the Baha'i International Community.

The site follows a timeline of the life of Bahá'u'lláh from His early life in Tehran to His ascension at Bahji, near Akka in the Holy Land, through narrative and a series of photographs of places, artifacts and relics associated directly with Him, including some that have not been published before.

The launch of this website comes just before the Bahá'í holy day on 12 November that marks the anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah.

View the website at www.bahaullah.org

Another Bahá'í resource page

2007-10-28T22:36:00.000+02:00

I recently found a very good resource page for things Baha'i which includes a list of links to many non-English Web pages that provide information on the Bahá'í Faith. The languages on this list run from from Afrikaans to Urdu, and even Welsh!

Check out the Bahá'í Association of the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.

Bahá'í Holy Day - the Birth of The Báb

2007-10-20T07:10:00.000+02:00

A short history of the Báb

Siyyid Ali-Muhammad was born on October 20, 1819 in Shiraz, Persia (now Iran). His father died when He was at a young age and He was raised by his uncle, Haji Mirza Siyyid Ali. As a young man He joined the family business in Bushehr as a merchant.

On May 23, 1844, in an upper room of His home in Shiraz, the Báb declared to a young man, Mulla Husayn, that He was the Promised One foretold in Islamic and Bible scripture. The word Báb means Gate or Door and the Báb declared that He was the gate to One greater than Himself who was to follow Him. He called this great One, "Him whom God shall make manifest." Mulla Husayn was the first to believe in Him.

Seventeen others found the Báb independently and they became His first disciples whom He called The Letters of the Living.

He sent out His disciples to spread His message. The news that the Báb had declared that He was the Promised One crossed the land of Persia like wildfire and thousands of people embraced the new Faith. This caused fear and anger in the government and clergy and they arose to wipe out the Faith and all its followers.

After having made a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina where He openly declared His Mission, he was arrested and taken to the Governor of Shiraz who publicly vilified and humiliated Him and then placed Him under house arrest in His uncle's house.

He was then forced to leave Shiraz and made His way to Isfahan. As he neared the city of Isfahan, the Báb wrote a letter to the Governor of the city asking him to appoint the place where He should live. The Governor was so moved by the courtesy of the Báb's letter that he instructed the highest religious official of the province to receive Him at his home and gave him a warm and generous reception.

Mosque in Isfahan

Again the Báb's fame spread through the city and people came to see Him every day and listen to His wisdom. This aroused the wrath of the clergy who secretly plotted to have the Him killed. The Governor, aware of their plans moved Him into his own home for His safely. During their conversations the Governor came to understand the greatness of the Báb's Revelation.

The Governor died just three months later. His successor did not know what to do with the Báb so sent a message to the Shah informing him that He was in his home. The Báb was invited by Muhammad Shah, the king of Persia to Tehran to meet him so he could learn of the new Revelation.

But the Shah’s Prime Minister was scared that if the Báb met with the Shah he would lose his position and his wealth so he convinced the Shah to change his orders and have the Báb taken to the mountain fortess of Mah Ku by the way of the city of Tabriz.

The Báb was in Mah Ku from July, 1847 to April, 1848. The Prime Minster had thought that by sending the Báb to this remote and inhospitable region His influence would wane and His Faith would be forgotten.

Through His majesty and loving kindness though, the Báb soon won the love and respect of both the official in charge of the fortress and the people in the region. The severe discipline placed upon Him was relaxed and the doors of the fortress were opened to His followers who came from far and wide to visit Him.

It was in Mah Ku that the Báb wrote the most important of all His Works, the Persian Bayan, which contained the laws of His Dispensation and clearly announced the coming of another Revelation greater than His Own, and urged His followers to seek and find "Him whom God shall make manifest."

Learning of the popularity of the prisoner of Mah Ku, the Prime Minister ordered Him to be taken to another prison, the fortress of Chihriq, in an even more remote region than before. Soon, here too, the people of the surrounding towns and the official of the fortress were attracted to the Báb's magnetic personality. Some of the most distinguished clergy of the region even accepted the new Faith and gave up their privileged positions to follow Him.

When the Prime Minister heard of the Báb's growing popularity he had Him sent to Tabriz where he was interrogated by the religious authorities in the hope of finding an effective way to put an end to His influence. At this meeting the clergy and government officials tried to humiliate Him but were overpowered by His majesty and greatness. His enemies were now convinced that as long as He was alive it would be impossible to stop His influence growing.

A few days later he was taken back to Chihriq where he stayed until in 1850, when a new Prime Minister, more bloodthirsty than the previous one, ordered His execution. From Chihriq, The Báb was taken back to Tabriz where, on July 9, 1850, in the barracks square, He was martyred with a companion.

Today the remains of the Báb and His companion are laid to rest in a beautiful Shrine on the slopes of Mt Carmel in Israel, brought there by the command of Bahá'u'lláh, the Glory of God, Him whom God did, indeed, make manifest.

The Shrine of the Báb on Mt Carmel, Haifa, Israel

Spiritual Springtime

2007-10-17T20:42:00.000+02:00

Do ye know in what cycle ye are created and in what age ye exist?
This is the age of the Blessed Perfection
and this is the time of the Greatest Name!
This is the century of the Manifestation,
the age of the Sun of the Horizons
and the beautiful springtime of His Holiness the Eternal One!

The earth is in motion and growth;
the mountains, hills and prairies are green and pleasant;
the bounty is overflowing;
the mercy universal;
the rain is descending from the cloud of mercy;
the brilliant Sun is shining;
the full moon is ornamenting the horizon of ether;
the great ocean-tide is flooding every little stream;
the gifts are successive;
the favours consecutive;
and the refreshing breeze is blowing,
wafting the fragrant perfume of the blossoms.
Boundless treasure is in the hand of the King of Kings!
Lift the hem of thy garment in order to receive it.

If we are not happy and joyous at this season,
for what other season shall we wait
and for what other time shall we look?
This is the time for growing;
the season for joyous gathering!
Take the cup of the Testament in thy hand;
leap and dance with ecstasy
in the triumphal procession of the Covenant!
Lay your confidence in the everlasting bounty,
turn to the presence of the generous God;
ask assistance from the Kingdom. . .;
seek confirmation from the Supreme World;
turn thy vision to the horizon of eternal wealth;
and pray for help from the Source of Mercy!

Soon the whole world, as in springtime, will change its garb.
The turning and falling of the autumn leaves is past;
the bleakness of the winter time is over.
The new year hath appeared and the spiritual springtime is at hand.
The black earth is becoming a verdant garden;
the deserts and mountains are teeming with red flowers;
from the borders of the wilderness the tall grasses are standing
like advance guards before the cypress and jessamine trees;
while the birds are singing among the rose branches
like the angels in the highest heavens,
announcing the glad-tidings of the approach of that spiritual spring,
and the sweet music of their voices
is causing the real essence of all things to move and quiver.

‘Abdu'l Bahá, Bahá’í World Faith p 351

In this Day deeds rather than words are necessary

2007-10-05T19:57:00.000+02:00

O SON OF MY HANDMAID!
Guidance hath ever been given by words, and now it is given by deeds. Everyone must show forth deeds that are pure and holy, for words are the property of all alike, whereas such deeds as these belong only to Our loved ones. Strive then with heart and soul to distinguish yourselves by your deeds. In this wise We counsel you in this holy and resplendent tablet.

Bahá'u'lláh, The Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh, Persian No. 76

O SON OF DUST!
Verily I say unto thee: Of all men the most negligent is he that disputeth idly and seeketh to advance himself over his brother. Say, O brethren! Let deeds, not words, be your adorning.

Bahá'u'lláh, The Hidden Words, Persian No 5

What profit is there in agreeing that universal friendship is good, and talking of the solidarity of the human race as a grand ideal? Unless these thoughts are translated into the world of action, they are useless.

'Abdu'l Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 16

If you desire with all your heart, friendship with every race on earth, your thought, spiritual and positive, will spread; it will become the desire of others, growing stronger and stronger, until it reaches the minds of all men.

Do not despair! Work steadily. Sincerity and love will conquer hate. How many seemingly impossible events are coming to pass in these days! Set your faces steadily towards the Light of the World. Show love to all; 'Love is the breath of the Holy Spirit in the heart of Man'. Take courage! God never forsakes His children who strive and work and pray! Let your hearts be filled with the strenuous desire that tranquillity and harmony may encircle all this warring world. So will success crown your efforts, and with the universal brotherhood will come the Kingdom of God in peace and goodwill."

'Abdu'l Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 29

BAHA'I WORLD LOSES MOST DISTINGUISHED MEMBER

2007-09-25T06:44:00.000+02:00

HAIFA, Israel, 24 September 2007

The worldwide Baha'i community has lost its most distinguished member with the death of Dr. Ali-Muhammad Varqa.

He passed away on the evening of 22 September 2007 at his home in Haifa.

In 1955, Dr. Varqa was appointed to the high rank of "Hand of the Cause" by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Baha'i Faith. Dr. Varqa served in that capacity, on the international level, for 52 years until his passing. He was the last survivor of the 27 Hands of the Cause who were alive when Shoghi Effendi passed away in 1957.

Dr. Varqa came from a well-known Iranian family that has served the Baha'i Faith with distinction for generations. After obtaining a doctorate from the Sorbonne in Paris in 1950, he taught in Iran at the universities of Tabriz and Tehran and served the Baha'i community there in various administrative capacities. In 1979 he moved to Canada, and later established his residence in Haifa to serve at the Baha'i World Center.

He was born in 1912 in Tehran, Iran, and received his name from 'Abdu'l-Baha in memory of his grandfather, who had been killed for being a follower of Baha'u'llah.

Dr. Varqa traveled to many countries as a representative first of Shoghi Effendi, then of the Universal House of Justice, the international governing council of the Baha'i Faith. In that capacity, Dr. Varqa attended the first national conventions held in Belgium, Luxembourg, the Congo, Mauritania, Central Africa Republic, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Czechoslovakia and Greenland.

Dr. Varqa is survived by three daughters and six siblings. His funeral was to take place the morning of 24 September, with burial in the Baha'i cemetery in Haifa.

From the Baha'i World News Service

O My servants! Sorrow not if, in these days and on this earthly plane, things contrary to your wishes have been ordained and manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store for you. Worlds, holy and spiritually glorious, will be unveiled to your eyes. You are destined by Him, in this world and hereafter, to partake of their benefits, to share in their joys, and to obtain a portion of their sustaining grace. To each and every one of them you will, no doubt, attain.

Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 329

The prison of self

2007-09-19T07:23:00.000+02:00

O MY SERVANT!
Free thyself from the fetters of this world, and loose thy soul from the prison of self. Seize thy chance, for it will come to thee no more.

Baha'u'llah, The Hidden Words, Persian, no 40)

'Abdu'l-Bahá said: - "Luxuries cut off the freedom of communication. One who is imprisoned by desires is always unhappy; the children of the Kingdom have unchained themselves from their desires. Break all fetters and seek for spiritual joy and enlightenment; then, though you walk on this earth, you will perceive yourselves to be within the divine horizon. To man alone is this possible. When we look about us we see every other creature captive to his environment."

'Abdu'l Bahá, 'Abdu'l Bahá in London, p 87

Night hath succeeded day, and day hath succeeded night, and the hours and moments of your lives have come and gone, and yet none of you hath, for one instant, consented to detach himself from that which perisheth. Bestir yourselves, that the brief moments that are still yours may not be dissipated and lost. Even as the swiftness of lightning your days shall pass, and your bodies shall be laid to rest beneath a canopy of dust. What can ye then achieve? How can ye atone for your past failure?

Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 320

Mothers - trainers of children

2007-09-09T07:53:00.000+02:00

Although both parents share in the overall responsibility of educating the children, the mother is given recognition as the first educator of humanity, and she must be carefully prepared for this task. Her education, in fact, from the Bahá'í point of view, is more necessary and important than that of man, for woman is the trainer of the child from its infancy. If she be defective and imperfect herself the child will necessarily be deficient; therefore imperfection of woman implies a condition of imperfection in all mankind, for it is the mother who rears, nurtures and guides the growth of the child.

Baha'i International Community, Equality of Men and Women A New Reality, 5 Apr, 1993

Our work is worship to God

2007-08-28T06:27:00.000+02:00

It is incumbent upon each one of you to engage in some occupation - such as a craft, a trade or the like. We have exalted your engagement in such work to the rank of worship of the one true God. Reflect, O people, on the grace and blessings of your Lord, and yield Him thanks at eventide and dawn. Waste not your hours in idleness and sloth, but occupy yourselves with what will profit you and others. Thus hath it been decreed in this Tablet from whose horizon hath shone the day-star of wisdom and utterance.

Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 30

It is enjoined upon every one of you to engage in some form of occupation, such as crafts, trades and the like. We have graciously exalted your engagement in such work to the rank of worship unto God, the True One. Ponder ye in your hearts the grace and the blessings of God and render thanks unto Him at eventide and at dawn. Waste not your time in idleness and sloth. Occupy yourselves with that which profiteth yourselves and others. Thus hath it been decreed in this Tablet from whose horizon the day-star of wisdom and utterance shineth resplendent.

Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 26 [Tablet of Bisharat (Glad Tidings)]

South African film shows faith in action

2007-08-19T18:51:00.000+02:00

A new documantary programme about the Bahá'í Faith aired today (19th August) on South African television. This is what the Bahá'í World News Service reported about it.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 19 August 2007 (BWNS)

Two professional filmmakers have finished an hourlong documentary about three Bahá'ís and how they practice their faith, and the film is being aired on television in South Africa and neighboring countries.

"Bahá'í Faith: A Way Forward" was produced by Ryan and Leyla Haidarian at the request of the South African Broadcasting Corporation, which has licensed rights to the documentary for two years.

"We created this film to show what the Bahá'í Faith has to offer on a practical level for the world," Mrs. Haidarian said.

The film gives an introduction to the Bahá'í Faith and focuses on three individuals in South Africa and how their faith is reflected in service to others:

- Eunice Mabaso turned her home into an orphanage after her brother and his wife died and she took in their four children. Over the years, hundreds of other orphans - many of them living in poverty in the streets - came to her home for shelter, love, and protection. "We can change the poverty and crime of this earth," she says. "The future of South Africa will become brighter."

- Iraj Abedian, an economist and policy adviser to the government, tries to address problems resulting from extremes of wealth and poverty. One of his projects is a collective home-financing program that helps low-income working people save money and invest, but he is careful to emphasize that his work is based on principles from what he believes is a divine plan. He says you can look at the world as a construction site, "full of dust and mud and rubbish, and yet see in it the (new)
edifice that is rising.... To be at work on the construction site - it's exciting."

- Tahirih Matthee helps provide training programs for people with no experience using computers and the Internet. Her course includes education about gender equality - she points out that equality of women and men is an explicit teaching of the Baha'i Faith - and also information about HIV/AIDS prevention. "For something to be successful, you need vision," she says. "Every person can be happy when things are ideal, but our true nobility lies in the journey of being happy precisely when
things are not ideal."

The new film includes historical photos of the Baha'i community of South Africa, including its founding during the time of apartheid.

"In those days, the Baha'is stuck to the letter of the law, but they didn't really stick to the spirit of the law," says the film. A fundamental principle of the Baha'i Faith is the unity of the races and the elimination of prejudice.

Great precaution was taken for the first election of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of South Africa. It was held in a farmhouse, and whites entered through the front door, black Africans through the back door.

"If the security police approached, the African Bahá'ís began cleaning and cooking. The white Bahá'í played cards and socialized," the narrator relates.

The Haidarians produced and financed the documentary through their company, Race Productions, in South Africa.

Ryan Haidarian heads up development and production at the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa, the organization that produced the Academy Award-winning film "Tsotsi." A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin in the United States, Mr. Haidarian won numerous awards, including HBO's Peabody Award, for a documentary about famed American football coach Darrell Royal.

Leyla Haidarian has worked as a journalist, actress, and filmmaker in Europe, North America and Africa, and can currently be seen playing a supporting role in a South African drama series.

"Bahá'í Faith: A Way Forward" can be seen on the Web at www.doubletake.tv/cms/way-forward-english. The Web site also gives information for ordering a DVD.

A step in the right direction in Israel?

2007-08-05T11:13:00.000+02:00

Israeli religious leaders establish an unprecedented joint council

On 27 June 2007, a new forum called the Council of Religious Community Leaders in Israel convened in Jerusalem. The conference was the culmination of months of work by a steering committee, set up at the initiative of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Interior, for the purpose of improving inter-religious dialogue and promoting issues of common interest to all the religions in Israel.

Representatives from the Jewish, Muslim, Druze, Greek Orthodox and other Christian denominations, Bahá'í, Ahmadiyya and Samaritan faiths attended the conference.

At the conference, the religious leaders adopted a covenant wherein they make a commitment to the sanctity of human life and denounced violence against the innocent, especially violence in the name of religion. They state also that children must be educated in this respect. Relgious and cultural heritages should be preserved and free access for all believers to their holy sites should be guaranteed.

The full text of this convenant can be read on the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website.

Iranian Baha'i students shut out of vocational education

2007-08-01T22:58:00.000+02:00

Another story about Iran's ongoing persecution of the Baha'i community of Iran. From the Bahai World News Service.

NEW YORK, 31 July 2007
Iranian Baha'is seeking to enter Iran's technical and vocational institutes have been effectively barred from admission for the coming academic year, since the application to sit for the entrance examinations leaves them with no option but to deny their faith, which Baha'is refuse to be coerced into doing.

The Baha'i International Community learned recently that the 2007 form for the entrance examination for undergraduate courses under the technical and vocational education system indicates that only one box may be marked for religion.

The applicant is given three choices - Zoroastrian, Jewish, or Christian - and if none of the boxes is marked, the form explains, the applicant will be considered Muslim. This is unacceptable to Baha'is.

"Under this system, Baha'is cannot fill out the application without a de facto denial of their faith, which is against their religious principles," said Bani Dugal, the Baha'i International Community's principal representative to the United Nations.

"Accordingly, Iranian Baha'is will not be able to take this entrance examination, and so they are effectively blocked this year from obtaining technical and vocational education in Iran.

"Such a denial of access to education violates the internationally established right to education, to which the government of Iran has agreed, and reflects yet another facet of Iran's continuing persecution of the Baha'i community of Iran," said Ms. Dugal.

The Baha'i International Community decries the government's actions not only against Baha'i students - who are deprived of higher education solely for their religious beliefs - but also against any other Iranian students who are being denied access to higher education on clearly insupportable grounds, such as for giving voice to beliefs or opinions that are not officially endorsed, Ms. Dugal said.

Last autumn, after more than 25 years during which Iranian Baha'is were outright banned from attending public and private universities, several hundred Baha'i students were admitted to various educational institutions around the country. This came about after the government stated its position that the reference to religion on entrance examination papers to nonspecialized universities and colleges did not identify university applicants by their religion, but only gave the religious studies subject on which they had been examined. This clarification was accepted by
the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body of the Baha'i Faith.

The acceptance of Baha'i students at Iranian universities has, however, been short-lived, Ms. Dugal said.

According to the latest figures from Iran, of the Baha'i students who took the national entrance examination last year, ultimately some 200 were admitted and enrolled. Over the course of the school year, however, over half that number - at most recent count, at least 128 - have been expelled as school officials discovered they were Baha'is. This has led observers to conclude that Iran's statements last year were nothing more than a ruse intended to quell international protest over the
denial to Baha'i students of access to higher education.

"This latest news about the registration form for technical and vocational education only serves to further confirm that Iran continues to play games with Baha'i students in their country, and that its promises of access to higher education for them are hollow," said Ms. Dugal.

For other stories about the Baha'i Faith visit the Baha'i World News Service website.

The Bahá'í Faith and Christianity

2007-07-21T20:29:00.000+02:00

As to the position of Christianity, let it be stated without any hesitation or equivocation that its divine origin is unconditionally acknowledged, that the Sonship and Divinity of Jesus Christ are fearlessly asserted, that the divine inspiration of the Gospel is fully recognized, that the reality of the mystery of the Immaculacy of the Virgin Mary is confessed, and the primacy of Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, is upheld and defended.

Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is Come, p. 109

A friend asked how the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh contrasted with the teachings of Jesus Christ. "The teachings are the same." declared 'Abdu'l-Bahá; "It is the same foundation and the same temple. Truth is one, and without division. The teachings of Jesus are in a concentrated form. Men do not agree to this day as to the meaning of many of His sayings. His teachings are as a flower in the bud. Today, the bud is unfolding into a flower! Bahá'u'lláh has expanded and fulfilled the teachings, and has applied them in detail to the whole world.

'Abdu'l Bahá, 'Abdu'l Bahá in London, p. 92

Dynamics of prayer

2007-07-01T00:01:00.000+02:00

First a word on "pilgrims notes."

While on pilgrimage pilgrims often take down notes of talks and sayings they hear at the world centre to share with their friends when they go home. These notes are called "pilgrims notes" and although interesting are not considered part of the authentic writings of the Faith.

According to the Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh no authority can be attached to a mere hearsay, no matter through whom it may come. The Tablets that bear the seal or signature of Bahá'u'lláh and the Master are the only parts of the literature that have any authority and that constitute the basis of our belief. All other forms of literature may bear points of interest but they cannot be considered as authentic.

(Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 439)

While these notes taken down by the pilgrims do not constitute as official pronouncements made by the Guardian, and therefore should not be imposed on the friends, those who wish to share them with the members of the Community should, under no circumstances, be prevented from doing so. Though not strictly official, and in some instances inaccurate and misleading, these notes, as experience has shown, can be of tremendous help, guidance and inspiration to many individual believers, and their value as such should therefore be readily admitted."

(Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 439)

The following steps on the dynamics of prayer belong to the class of statement known as "pilgrim's notes" and as such have no authority but you may find them intersting.

While in Haifa, the beloved Guardian of the Cause gave to the writer (Mrs Ruth Moffat), the most concise, complete, and effective formula she has ever seen, for the Dynamics of Prayer. After saying to stress the need of more prayers and meditation among the friends, he said to use these five steps if we had a problem of any kind for which we desired a solution or wished help.

First Step. - Pray and meditate about it. Use the prayers of the Manifestations as they have the greatest power. Then remain in the silence of contemplation for a few minutes.

Second Step. - Arrive at a decision and hold this. This decision is usually born during the contemplation. It may seem almost impossible of accomplishment but if it seems to be as answer to a prayer or a way of solving the problem, then immediately take the next step.

Third Step. - Have determination to carry the decision through. Many fail here. The decision, budding into determination, is blighted and instead becomes a wish or a vague longing. When determination is born, immediately take the next step.

Fourth Step. - Have faith and confidence that the power will flow through you, the right way will appear, the door will open, the right thought, the right message, the right principle or the right book will be given you. Have confidence, and the right thing will come to your need. Then, as you rise from prayer, take at once the
fifth step.

Fifth Step. - Then, he said, lastly, ACT; Act as though it had all been answered. Then act with tireless, ceaseless energy. And as you act, you, yourself, will become a magnet, which will attract more power to your being, until you become an unobstructed channel for the Divine power to flow through you. Many pray but do not remain for the last half of the first step. Some who meditate arrive at a decision, but fail to hold it. Few have the determination to carry the decision through, still fewer have the confidence that the right thing will come to their need. But how many remember to act as though it had all been answered? How true are those words - "Greater than the prayer is the spirit in which it is uttered" and greater than the way it is uttered is the spirit in which it is carried out.

Compilation: Principles of Bahai Administration, p. 90

Please note that this blog won't be updated for the next two weeks as I'll be out of town for that time.

Religions change and alter

2007-06-26T20:10:00.000+02:00

...If religions did not change and alter, there would be no need of renewal. In the beginning the tree was in all its beauty, and full of blossoms and fruits, but at last it became old and entirely fruitless, and it withered and decayed. This is why the True Gardener plants again an incomparable young tree of the same kind and species, which grows and develops day by day, and spreads a wide shadow in the divine garden, and yields admirable fruit. So it is with religions; through the passing of time they change from their original foundation, the truth of the Religion of God entirely departs, and the spirit of it does not stay; heresies appear, and it becomes a body without a soul. That is why it is renewed.

'Abdu'l Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 166

Thinking globally

2007-06-17T20:40:00.000+02:00

... [the Bahá'í community] is a single social organism, representative of the diversity of the human family, conducting its affairs through a system of commonly accepted consultative principles, and cherishing equally all the great outpourings of divine guidance in human history. Its existence is yet another convincing proof of the practicality of its Founder's vision of a united world, another evidence that humanity can live as one global society, equal to whatever challenges its coming of age may entail. If the Bahá'í experience can contribute in whatever measure to reinforcing hope in the unity of the human race, we are happy to offer it as model for study.

Universal House of Justice, The Promise of World Peace - A Statement to the Peoples of the World, October 1985

Read The Promise of World Peace in its entirety or download a copy as a pdf file.

The missing link

2007-06-12T20:58:00.000+02:00

It has been brought to my attention that the link below for the Bahá'í Date software is broken or unavailable. Apologies for this, but the good news is that the software is now available through a new link. You can now download it here.

Baha'i Date software

2007-06-08T20:26:00.000+02:00

Install Baha'i Date and you can have the correct Baha'i date ready on your desktop at a moments notice. Also have the accurate location of Bahji from anywhere on the globe as an added feature.

Download the software here

True Bahá'í by definition

2007-06-01T20:54:00.000+02:00

He is a true Bahá'í who strives by day and by night to progress and advance along the path of human endeavour, whose most cherished desire is so to live and act as to enrich and illuminate the world, whose source of inspiration is the essence of divine virtue, whose aim in life is so to conduct himself as to be the cause of infinite progress. Only when he attains unto such perfect gifts can it be said of him that he is a true Bahá'í. For in this holy Dispensation, the crowning glory of bygone ages and cycles, true faith is no mere acknowledgement of the unity of God, but rather the living of a life that will manifest all the perfections and virtues implied in such belief.

'Abdu'l Bahá, translated by Shoghi Effendi and published in The Bahá'í World, vol. 2, "1925-1928"
The Compilation of Compilations vol II, p. 346)

The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh - Bahá'í Holy Day

2007-05-28T20:07:00.000+02:00

In the early hours of 29th May Bahá’ís around the world commemorate the passing of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith.

Although still a prisoner, during the last years of His life Bahá’u’lláh lived in the mansion of Bahji outside the walls of the prison city of Akka. It was here that He passed away in the early hours of 29th May 1892.

Nine months before His passing Bahá'u'lláh spoke of His desire to leave this world and it became increasingly clear that the time of His passing was nearing.

On the evening of May 8th 1892 Bahá'u'lláh developed a slight fever which, though it worsened the following day, then seemed to improve. He continued to meet friends and visitors but it was plain that He was not well.

Six days before Bahá'u'lláh passed away He called His followers assembled at Bahji to His bedside where He spoke gently and affectionately to them for the last time.

"I am well pleased with you all" He said "Ye have rendered many services, and been very assiduous in your labours. Ye have come here every morning and every evening. May God assist you to remain united. May He aid you to exalt the Cause of the Lord of being."

The fever returned, stronger than before, and Bahá'u'lláh's condition steadily worsened. Then at the hour of dawn on May 29th 1892 his spirit passed out of this world.

The news of Bahá’u’lláh's passing was telegraphed to the Sultan and the opening words of the message read "the sun of Bahá has set". A room was chosen close to the mansion and just before sunset on the very day of His passing Bahá’u’lláh’s body was laid to rest. His resting place is the most holy spot in the world for Bahá’ís and the place to which Bahá’ís turn towards in prayer and visit on pilgrimage.

Let not your hearts be perturbed, O people, when the glory of My Presence is withdrawn, and the ocean of My utterance is stilled. In My presence amongst you there is a wisdom, and in My absence there is yet another, inscrutable to all but God, the Incomparable, the All-Knowing. Verily, We behold you from Our realm of glory, and shall aid whosoever will arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Concourse on high and a company of Our favoured angels.

Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 139

Be not dismayed, O peoples of the world, when the day star of My beauty is set, and the heaven of My tabernacle is concealed from your eyes. Arise to further My Cause, and to exalt My Word amongst men. We are with you at all times, and shall strengthen you through the power of truth. We are truly almighty.

Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 137

Service to humanity is service to God

2007-05-26T19:35:00.000+02:00

That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens

Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 248

Briefly, all effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 176

Soon will your swiftly-passing days be over, and the fame and riches, the comforts, the joys provided by this rubbish-heap, the world, will be gone without a trace. Summon ye, then, the people to God, and invite humanity to follow the example of the Company on high. Be ye loving fathers to the orphan, and a refuge to the helpless, and a treasury for the poor, and a cure for the ailing. Be ye the helpers of every victim of oppression, the patrons of the disadvantaged. Think ye at all times of rendering some service to every member of the human race. Pay ye no heed to aversion and rejection, to disdain, hostility, injustice: act ye in the opposite way. Be ye sincerely kind, not in appearance only. Let each one of God's loved ones centre his attention on this: to be the Lord's mercy to man; to be the Lord's grace. Let him do some good to every person whose path he crosseth, and be of some benefit to him. Let him improve the character of each and all, and reorient the minds of men. In this way, the light of divine guidance will shine forth, and the blessings of God will cradle all mankind: for love is light, no matter in what abode it dwelleth; and hate is darkness, no matter where it may make its nest.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 2

Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, young plants of the Abhá Paradise, so that these children, fostered by grace in the way of salvation, growing like pearls of divine bounty in the shell of education, will one day bejewel the crown of abiding glory.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 133

With reference to Bahá'u'lláh's command concerning the engagement of the believers in some sort of profession: the Teachings are most emphatic on this matter, particularly the statement in the Aqdas to this effect which makes it quite clear that idle people who lack the desire to work can have no place in the new World Order. As a corollary of this principle, Bahá'u'lláh further states that mendicity should not only be discouraged but entirely wiped out from the face of society. It is the duty of those who are in charge of the organization of society to give every individual the opportunity of acquiring the necessary talent in some kind of profession, and also the means of utilizing such a talent, both for its own sake and for the sake of earning the means of his livelihood. Every individual, no matter how handicapped and limited he may be, is under the obligation of engaging in some work or profession, for work, especially when performed in the spirit of service, is according to Bahá'u'lláh a form of worship. It has not only a utilitarian purpose, but has a value in itself, because it draws us nearer to God, and enables us to better grasp His purpose for us in this world. It is obvious, therefore, that the inheritance of wealth cannot make anyone immune from daily work.

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas , (Notes) p. 192

They that are the chosen ones of God should at all times and under all conditions dedicate themselves assiduously to the service of His Cause.

Bahá’u'lláh, in Fire and Light, a compilation, p. 12

Service to humanity is service to God.

'Abdu'l Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 8

Teaching the children

2007-05-13T11:12:00.000+02:00

That which is of paramount importance for the children, that which must precede all else, is to teach them the oneness of God and the Laws of God. For lacking this, the fear of God cannot be inculcated, and lacking the fear of God an infinity of odious and abominable actions will spring up, and sentiments will be uttered that transgress all bounds. . . .

...parents must exert every effort to rear their offspring to be religious, for should the children not attain this greatest of adornments, they will not obey their parents, which in a certain sense means that they will not obey God. Indeed, such children will show no consideration to anyone, and will do exactly as they please.

Bahá'u'lláh, Bahá'í Education, a compilation of the Universal House of Justice

...Schools must first train the children in the principles of religion, so that the Promise and the Threat recorded in the Books of God may prevent them from the things forbidden and adorn them with the mantle of the commandments; but this in such a measure that it may not injure the children by resulting in ignorant fanaticism and bigotry.

Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 68

The Bahá'í Writings speak of three kinds of education: material, human, and spiritual. Material education concerns the improvement of physical well-being, which encompasses better nutrition and hygiene, better family health, and a greater capacity to earn and provide food, shelter, and clothing. Human education concerns civilization and progress in those activities which are essential to humankind, as distinct from the animal world, such as knowledge of commerce, sciences, and arts and an understanding of institutions and policy. Spiritual or moral education develops values and shapes character; it largely determines to what end an individual will use whatever knowledge he or she acquires. Bahá'ís see all three kinds of education as important.

The failure to educate the human spirit and the neglect of character development have contributed to a number of seemingly intractable social problems. As Bahá'ís are determined to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization, the worldwide Bahá'í community is systematically opening children's classes to provide for the spiritual education of all children.

Concepts that are taught in children's classes (often through use of arts such as song, drama, and visual arts) include the nobility of the human soul, the equality of women and men, love for all races of humanity, unity in diversity, love for God and His Messengers, love for one's parents, and service to humanity.

New Bahá'í portal

2007-05-06T10:39:00.000+02:00

Map of Bahá'í blogs from the Bahainine website.

From the Bahainine website:

The map you see on bahainine.com right now is only one small part of our overall project soon to be www.bahaitop9.com. The larger goal is a site where the newest and best Baha'i generated content - like blogs, podcasts, flickr pictures, and youtube videos - are dynamically collected and updated in a single portal.

It's so amazing to read blogs about Feast in Tanzania, see video of junior youth in Malaysia and pictures of study circles in El Salvador - and eventually this website will be a simple portal to see it all!

Take a look here.

International Reading Room

2007-05-02T21:00:00.000+02:00

For those around the world and those who don't speak English, the Planet Bahá'í web site offers a selection of materials on the Bahá'í Faith in other languages and pertaining to countries around the world in their International Reading Room. You'll also find resources to help you learn about different countries.

This reading room is continually being updated so you may want to bookmark it and return periodically to see what is new.

Without religion? - Chaos and confusion!

2007-04-25T22:30:00.000+02:00

...In truth, religion is a radiant light and an impregnable stronghold for the protection and welfare of the peoples of the world, for the fear of God impelleth man to hold fast to that which is good, and shun all evil. Should the lamp of religion be obscured, chaos and confusion will ensue, and the lights of fairness and justice, of tranquillity and peace cease to shine. Unto this will bear witness every man of true understanding.

Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah , p. 125

Joyous Ridván

2007-04-20T22:51:00.001+02:00

A young Persian merchant, known now to the world as the Báb, declared in 1844 that He was the herald of the Promised One of God who was expected by all the peoples of the world.

The story of Bahá’u’lláh is intertwined with that of the Báb. It is a story of abasement, persecution, torture, imprisonment and banishment. But it is also a story of Glory and Majesty and Victory.

On April 21st 1863, in a garden near Baghdad now known as the garden of Ridván Bahá’u’lláh openly claimed to His followers and to the world, that He was the Promised One whom the Báb had foretold and for whom the whole world was waiting.

Bahá’u’lláh and His companions stayed in the Garden of Ridván for a total of 12 days. These days are celebrated each year by Baha’is all over the world and are known as the Festival of Ridván. Of the 12 Days of this Festival, the first, the ninth and the twelfth day have a special significance and Bahá’ís treat them as special Holy days and celebrate them accordingly.

'Of the exact circumstances attending that epoch-making Declaration we, alas, are but scantily informed. The words Bahá'u'lláh actually uttered on that occasion, the manner of His Declaration, the reaction it produced, its impact on Mirza Yahya, the identity of those who were privileged to hear Him, are shrouded in an obscurity which future historians will find it difficult to penetrate. The fragmentary description left to posterity by His chronicler Nabil is one of the very few authentic records we possess of the memorable days He spent in that garden. "Every day," Nabil has related, "ere the hour of dawn, the gardeners would pick the roses which lined the four avenues of the garden, and would pile them in the center of the floor of His blessed tent. So great would be the heap that when His companions gathered to drink their morning tea in His presence, they would be unable to see each other across it. All these roses Bahá'u'lláh would, with His own hands, entrust to those whom He dismissed from His presence every morning to be delivered, on His behalf, to His Arab and Persian friends in the city."

"One night," he continues, "the ninth night of the waxing moon, I happened to be one of those who watched beside His blessed tent. As the hour of midnight approached, I saw Him issue from His tent, pass by the places where some of His companions were sleeping, and begin to pace up and down the moonlit, flower-bordered avenues of the garden. So loud was the singing of the nightingales on every side that only those who were near Him could hear distinctly His voice.

He continued to walk until, pausing in the midst of one of these avenues, He observed: 'Consider these nightingales. So great is their love for these roses, that sleepless from dusk till dawn, they warble their melodies and commune with burning passion with the object of their adoration. How then can those who claim to be afire with the rose-like beauty of the Beloved choose to sleep?' For three successive nights I watched and circled round His blessed tent. Every time I passed by the couch whereon He lay, I would find Him wakeful, and every day, from morn till eventide, I would see Him ceaselessly engaged in conversing with the stream of visitors who kept flowing in from Baghdad. Not once could I discover in the words He spoke any trace of dissimulation."'

H.M. Balyuzi, Baha'u'llah - The King of Glory, p. 173

What is a study circle?

2007-04-15T07:02:00.000+02:00

A number of people have recently asked me what a study circle is all about. The following will, I hope, explain a little about this fun way of learning some of the how's and why's of applying spiritual and moral principles to improve our lives and widen our commitment to personal and collective change.

A "study circle" is were Bahá'ís and our friends learn about spiritual and moral principles through an active, cooperative learning method, which includes study of the course materials, planning service projects together, and putting into practice the acts of service one has learned in the course. The use of the arts is encouraged in all activities and there is a strong social element too. Study circles are organized by the Bahá'í community and are open to everyone who wishes to join, not just Bahá'ís.

The course content of the first book of the curriculum currently being used, entitled Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, is divided into three units: "Understanding the Bahá'í Writings," "Prayer," and "Life and Death." Among other things, these units examine the reality and purpose of life and the relationship we have with the spiritual world and our Creator.

Pictured here are the participants of a recently held study circle held in Swellendam, South Africa.

For more information check out the article entitled Collaborative Study for Individual and Social Transformation on the Bahá'í World Centre website.

Study circles are spiritualy energising and a lot of fun and I hope you will join one being held near you.

Divine perfection is infinite

2007-03-31T09:20:00.000+02:00

I won't be posting for a couple of weeks as I'm going to be in Bloemfontein with a study circle. But I'll leave you with words from 'Abdu'l Bahá on divine perfection.

Divine perfection is infinite, therefore the progress of the soul is also infinite. From the very birth of a human being the soul progresses, the intellect grows and knowledge increases. when the body dies the soul lives on. All the differing degrees of creted physical beings are limited, but the soul is limitless!

'Abdu'l Bahá, Paris Talks

A trip to the Berg

2007-03-26T00:18:00.000+02:00

A friend of mine who has been serving at the South African National Bahá'í Centre for the last year will soon be leaving South Africa to return to Canada so we decided to go on a short trip to the Drakensberg mountains in Natal.

The highlight of the trip was a tour up the Sani Pass which links South Africa to the mountain kingdom of Lesotho on it's eastern side. This pass is a very steep climb of over 2000 metres in just 8 km over a narrow and stoney road and is very spectacular.

I've put up some photos of the pass which can be viewed from picasa.

While I was standing at the top of the pass, looking down at the magnificent view below and thinking how beautiful this world is, I remembered the following passage from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh and how He calls this world a dust heap. So if this world is a dust heap just think how unspeakably glorious must be the worlds to come.

O Brother! Not every sea hath pearls; not every branch will flower, nor will the nightingale sing thereon. Then, ere the nightingale of the mystic paradise repair to the garden of God, and the rays of the heavenly morning return to the Sun of Truth - make thou an effort, that haply in this dust heap of the mortal world thou mayest catch a fragrance from the everlasting garden, and live forever in the shadow of the peoples of this city. And when thou hast attained this highest station and come to this mightiest plane, then shalt thou gaze on the Beloved, and forget all else.

Bahá'u'lláh, The Seven Valleys, p. 38

Naw Rúz greetings from South Africa

2007-03-20T23:40:00.000+02:00

Praised be Thou, O my God, that Thou hast ordained Naw-Ruz as a festival unto those who have observed the fast for love of Thee and abstained from all that is abhorrent unto Thee

Bahá'u'lláh, Prayers and Meditations by Bahá'u'lláh, p. 67

Naw-Ruz itself was originally a Zoroastrian religious festival, but gradually its Zoroastrian connotation has almost been forgotten. Iranians, even after their conversion to Islam, have been observing it as a national festival. Now Naw-Ruz has become a Bahá'í Holy Day and is being observed throughout the world....

Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 553

It is a lovely day, the sun shines brightly upon the earth, giving light and warmth to all creatures. The Sun of Truth is also shining, giving light and warmth to the souls of men. The sun is the life-giver to the physical bodies of all creatures upon earth; without its warmth their growth would be stunted, their development would be arrested, they would decay and die. Even so do the souls of men need the Sun of Truth to shed its rays upon their souls, to develop them, to educate and encourage them. As the sun is to the body of a man so is the Sun of Truth to his soul.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 30

... This sacred day, when the sun illumines equally, is called the equinox, and the equinox is the symbol of the Manifestation of God. The Sun of Truth rises on the horizon of Divine Mercy and sends forth its rays. This day is consecrated to commemorate it...

Talk by 'Abdu'l Bahá, March 21, 1913: Star of the West, Vol. 5, No. 1, p. 4
Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 301

Bahá'í pages of interest

2007-03-18T23:30:00.000+02:00

1. Bahá'í Faith Index - over 3000 links to all things Bahá'í

2. Bahá'í Internet Services

3. The most comprehensive list of Academic Bahá'í Schools and Tertiary Institutions

Mankind's twin duties

2007-03-14T19:20:00.000+02:00

The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. Whoso achieveth this duty hath attained unto all good; and whoso is deprived thereof hath gone astray, though he be the author of every righteous deed. It behoveth every one who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine inspiration.

They whom God hath endued with insight will readily recognize that the precepts laid down by God constitute the highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the security of its peoples. He that turneth away from them is accounted among the abject and foolish. We, verily, have commanded you to refuse the dictates of your evil passions and corrupt desires, and not to transgress the bounds which the Pen of the Most High hath fixed, for these are the breath of life unto all created things. The seas of Divine wisdom and Divine utterance have risen under the breath of the breeze of the All-Merciful. Hasten to drink your fill, O men of understanding! They that have violated the Covenant of God by breaking His commandments, and have turned back on their heels, these have erred grievously in the sight of God, the All-Possessing, the Most High.

Baha'u'llah, The Kitáb-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book), p. 19

Bahá'u'lláh - Bound with Chains

2007-03-09T00:51:00.000+02:00

The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains that mankind may be released from its bondage, and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty Stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty. He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow, that all the peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy, and be filled with gladness. This is of the mercy of your Lord, the Compassionate, the Most Merciful. We have accepted to be abased, O believers in the Unity of God, that ye may be exalted, and have suffered manifold afflictions, that ye might prosper and flourish. He Who hath come to build anew the whole world, behold, how they that have joined partners with God have forced Him to dwell within the most desolate of cities!

Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 99

You can view or download a flash presentation of the quotation. Please note that this presentation could take 10-15 minutes to download on a 56.6 modem.

All are dependent upon the Divine Bounty

2007-03-04T21:35:00.000+02:00

All creatures that exist are dependent upon the Divine Bounty. Divine Mercy gives life itself. As the light of the sun shines on the whole world, so the Mercy of the infinite God is shed on all creatures. As the sun ripens the fruits of the earth, and gives life and warmth to all living beings, so shines the Sun of Truth on all souls, filling them with the fire of Divine love and understanding.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 25

The Bahá'í Fast begins

2007-03-01T22:25:00.000+02:00

One who performeth neither good deeds nor acts of worship is like unto a tree which beareth no fruit, and an action which leaveth no trace. Whosoever experienceth the holy ecstasy of worship will refuse to barter such an act or any praise of God for all that existeth in the world. Fasting and obligatory prayer are as two wings to man's life. Blessed be the one who soareth with their aid in the heaven of the love of God, the Lord of all worlds.

Bahá'u'lláh, The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting, (compilation)

The Bahá'í Fast takes place from 2nd to 20th March and is a period of cleansing and renewal. During this time Bahá'ís do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. Turning away from food and drink reminds man that he is a spiritual as well as a physical being.

It is not enough to just abstain from food and drink though, it is the spirit in which one approaces the Fast that is important. One should spend time in prayer and meditation and consider how to improve our lives. This spiritual preparation helps us begin the new year, which starts immediately after the Fast, strengthened and invigorated.

Well is it with you, as you have followed the Law of God and arisen to observe the Fast during these blessed days, for this physical fast is a symbol of the spiritual fast. This Fast leadeth to the cleansing of the soul from all selfish desires, the acquisition of spiritual attributes, attraction to the breezes of the All-Merciful, and enkindlement with the fire of divine love.

'Abdu'l Bahá, The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting (compilation)

Baha'i Writings - delivered to your inbox each day

2007-02-26T21:25:00.000+02:00

The Baha'i Writings Service brings to your email inbox a daily selection from the Holy Scriptures and related writings of the Baha'i Faith. This is a free service that has been operating since the mid-1990's.

To join just click here to go to the Baha'i Writings page and then click on the E-Mail icon to send an email request to the list manager.

There is also a Baha'i Writings Discussion Forum, where ongoing discussions of the daily selections are encouraged.

Stars of understanding

2007-02-23T21:43:00.000+02:00

O friends! Be not careless of the virtues with which ye have been endowed, neither be neglectful of your high destiny. Suffer not your labours to be wasted through the vain imaginations which certain hearts have devised. Ye are the stars of the heaven of understanding, the breeze that stirreth at the break of day, the soft-flowing waters upon which must depend the very life of all men, the letters inscribed upon His sacred scroll. With the utmost unity, and in a spirit of perfect fellowship, exert yourselves, that ye may be enabled to achieve that which beseemeth this Day of God.

Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 196)

Bahá'í Glossary

2007-02-23T21:40:00.000+02:00

Like every other group, Bahá'ís use some terms that may not be familiar to everyone. Here's a glossary to help you.

The purpose of God's Prophets

2007-02-19T21:25:00.000+02:00

God's purpose in sending His Prophets unto men is twofold. The first is to liberate the children of men from the darkness of ignorance, and guide them to the light of true understanding. The second is to ensure the peace and tranquillity of mankind, and provide all the means by which they can be established.

Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 79

Unity in the family

2007-02-19T20:45:00.000+02:00

... the unity of the family must be sustained. The injury of one shall be considered the injury of all; the comfort of each, the comfort of all; the honour of one, the honour of all.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 168

Pilgrimage photos

2007-02-13T02:35:00.000+02:00

I've finally managed to sort some of my photos and put them up for viewing.
They can be found here. Just click on the Shrine to get to the album.

Holy war is finally abolished

2007-02-12T19:33:00.000+02:00

O people of the earth! The first Glad-Tidings which the Mother Book hath, in this Most Great Revelation, imparted unto all the peoples of the world is that the law of holy war hath been blotted out from the Book. Glorified be the All-Merciful, the Lord of grace abounding, through Whom the door of heavenly bounty hath been flung open in the face of all that are in heaven and on earth.

Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p 21

The Bahá'í Faith - mystic in character

2007-02-01T22:40:00.000+02:00

....for the core of religious faith is that mystic feeling which unites Man with God. This state of spiritual communion can be brought about and maintained by means of meditation and prayer. And this is the reason why Bahá'u'lláh has so much stressed the importance of worship. It is not sufficient for a believer merely to accept and observe the teachings. He should, in addition, cultivate the sense of spirituality which he can acquire chiefly by means of prayer. The Bahá'í Faith, like all other Divine Religions, is thus fundamentally mystic in character. Its chief goal is the development of the individual and society, through the acquisition of spiritual virtues and powers. It is the soul of man which has first to be fed. And this spiritual nourishment prayer can best provide.

Laws and institutions, as viewed by Bahá'u'lláh, can become really effective only when our inner spiritual life has been perfected and transformed. Otherwise religion will degenerate into a mere organization, and becomes a dead thing. The believers, particularly the young ones, should therefore fully realize the necessity of praying. For prayer is absolutely indispensable to their inner spiritual development, and this, as already stated, is the very foundation and purpose of the religion of God.

Shoghi Effendi, Directives from the Guardian, p. 86

To learn more about Shoghi Effendi and the Guardianship click here

The Pilgrim returns

2007-01-24T19:37:00.000+02:00

I'm back now from my beautiful pilgrimage with feelings of utmost joy and a just a tinge of sadness. The intense joy of actually being in the holy places surrounded by all that beauty, both spiritual and physical, and the sadness of having to leave them.

Right now though, I'm still trying to sort out all the photographs I took while I was there. I'll share some more when I can but just for a taste here are three, one of the Shrine of Báha'u'lláh and two of the Shrine of the Báb.

Above: The Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh - the most Holy place in the world for Bahá'ís

Below: Two views of the Shrine of the Báb

Bahá'u'lláh: A Statement by the Bahá’í International Community

2007-01-05T19:55:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow I'm taking the big silver bird to Tel Aviv, Israel as I'm going on pilgrimage to the Baha'i Holy places in Haifa and Akka. As you can imagine, I'm very excited and can hardly wait.

I'll be away for about 15 days so won't be posting anything during that time but I hope to be able to share some photos of my pilgrimage when I get back.

In the mean time if you'd like to learn something about the life and contributions of Bahá'u'lláh, you may read the Bahá'í International Community's Statement on Bahá'u'lláh

Prepared at the request of the Universal House of Justice, this statement offers a perspective on the feeling of confidence with which Bahá’ís the world over contemplate the future of our planet and our race.

Summer School in Natal - weaving the fabric of the New World Order

2007-01-01T13:00:00.000+02:00

I've just come back from our Summer school in Natal. Although there were two schools held in South Africa this year I chose to go to the one in Natal as I've been going there for a number of years and I like the atmosphere and surroundings of the place. It was so good to get together with people I've not seen for a long while and meet and make friends with some new faces.

There were about 110 people there, mostly from the local areas but some did come down from as far away as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Polokwane. We even had visitors from Botswana, Zimbabwe and, wait for it, Japan!!

This year the Summer school was dedicated to the memory of Hope Nomvete a local believer who had passed on this year, a real hero of the Faith.

Classes for children, junior youth, youth and adults kept the spirt high all through the five days we were there and there was lots of participation in various arts sessions.

One weaving project brought all 100+ participants together. Reflecting on the theme of weaving the fabric of the New World Order, we formed pairs or small groups and using looms made of styrofoam and brightly coloured materials we helped each other weave fabric squares.

The finished squares were then sewn together to form a very colourful quilt to represent each person playing their part in weaving the fabric of the New World Order.

On the final evening the quilt was presented to the three members of the National Spiritual Assembly present as the participant's gift to our National Spiritual Assembly. Hopefully if you visit the national centre soon you will see the quilt hanging there.

The photos above show most of the participants who travelled to the Summer school waiting for the official phot to be taken, two friends busy weaving one of the fabric squares for the quilt and some of the squares ready to be sewn into the finished project.

This was a great Summer school and I can hardly wait for the next one in 2007.

Women and Peace

2006-12-30T22:45:00.000+02:00

Women have equal rights with men upon earth; in religion and society they are a very important element. As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities, so long will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirs.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 133

The world of humanity is possessed of two wings: the male and the female. So long as these two wings are not equivalent in strength, the bird will not fly. Until womankind reaches the same degree as man, until she enjoys the same arena of activity, extraordinary attainment for humanity will not be realized; humanity cannot wing its way to heights of real attainment. When the two wings or parts become equivalent in strength, enjoying the same prerogatives, the flight of man will be exceedingly lofty and extraordinary.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 374

The emancipation of women, the achievement of full equality between the sexes, is one of the most important, though less acknowledged prerequisites of peace. The denial of such equality perpetrates an injustice against one half of the world's population and promotes in men harmful attitudes and habits that are carried from the family to the workplace, to political life, and ultimately to international relations. There are no grounds, moral, practical, or biological, upon which such denial can be justified. Only as women are welcomed into full partnership in all fields of human endeavour will the moral and psychological climate be created in which international peace can emerge.

From a Letter written by The Universal House of Justice, October 1985

Read Two Wings of a Bird: A Statement on the Equality of Men and Women by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States.

This statement is also provided as a 1.87 Mb mp3 file by the Baha'i Services for the blind. Please note that the download for dial up subscribers could take some time.

Is there any way the world can live in peace?

2006-12-22T07:35:00.000+02:00

In October 1985 the Universal House of Justice at the Bahá'í World Centre issued a statement to The Peoples of the World that can answer this question. The statement is entitled The Promise of World Peace. Here is an extract:

"... The Bahá'í Faith regards the current world confusion and calamitous condition in human affairs as a natural phase in an organic process leading ultimately and irresistibly to the unification of the human race in a single social order whose boundaries are those of the planet. The human race, as a distinct, organic unit, has passed through evolutionary stages analogous to the stages of infancy and childhood in the lives of its individual members, and is now in the culminating period of its turbulent adolescence approaching its long-awaited coming of age.

A candid acknowledgement that prejudice, war and exploitation have been the expression of immature stages in a vast historical process and that the human race is today experiencing the unavoidable tumult which marks its collective coming of age is not a reason for despair but a prerequisite to undertaking the stupendous enterprise of building a peaceful world. That such an enterprise is possible, that the necessary constructive forces do exist, that unifying social structures can be erected, is the theme we urge you to examine.

Whatever suffering and turmoil the years immediately ahead may hold, however dark the immediate circumstances, the Bahá'í community believes that humanity can confront this supreme trial with confidence in its ultimate outcome. Far from signalizing the end of civilization, the convulsive changes towards which humanity is being ever more rapidly impelled will serve to release the "potentialities inherent in the station of man" and reveal "the full measure of his destiny on earth, the innate excellence of his reality".

You may read the full statement at the Bahá'í NYC website.

World's Bahá'í connect with past in Israel

2006-12-18T12:05:00.000+02:00

I've just come across this article from November 27 on the Reuters website about Bahá'í pilgrimage.

Egypt's Bahá'í Case: THE REAL ISSUES AND FACTS

2006-12-17T23:31:00.000+02:00

It should be understood precisely what is at issue in this case. Egyptian Bahá'ís must have in hand the new National ID Card before the deadline of 31 December 2006, on which all Egyptian citizens must carry the new ID Card at all times. The application form requires the applicant to state his or her religion. It also requires the applicant to declare "that all details in this application are correct and real; I accept responsibility for consequences, with the full knowledge that providing any incorrect information in this application is considered forgery of official documents and is legally punishable according to the articles of the penal code". This, of course, places the Bahá’ís in an untenable situation, since they have been told explicitly by government officials that they are not permitted to hold identification in which the space for religion specifies "other" and that they must "choose one of the three religions."

To find out the real issues and facts pertaining to this case read the full article posted on the Bahá'í Faith in Egypt blog and also an article from the Reuters South Africa website.

Egyptian court rules against Bahá'ís, upholding government policy of discrimination

2006-12-16T21:39:00.000+02:00

CAIRO, 16 December 2006 (BWNS) -- In a closely watched case that has become the focus of a national debate on religious freedom, Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court today ruled against the right of Bahá'ís to be properly identified on government documents.

The decision upholds current government policy, a policy which forces the Baha'is either to lie about their religious beliefs or give up their state identification cards. The policy effectively deprives Egyptian Bahá'ís of access to most rights of citizenship, including education, financial services, and even medical care.

Read more here.

Bahá'í video presentations

2006-12-09T20:42:00.000+02:00

There is beautiful selection of digital video presentations combining lovely music with incredible video footage/photos of Bahá'í Holy Places, offered by the Bahá'ís of New York City.

This collection can be either viewed online or downloaded here.

Death or Life?

2006-12-02T08:07:00.000+02:00

Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.

As to those that have tasted of the fruit of man's earthly existence, which is the recognition of the one true God, exalted be His glory, their life hereafter is such as We are unable to describe. The knowledge thereof is with God, alone, the Lord of all worlds.

Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 345

Bahá'í Prayers website

2006-11-28T20:06:00.000+02:00

Sponsored by the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Shoreline, Washington (USA) the Bahá'í Prayers web site was created as a celebration of the beauty of the Bahá'í scriptures.

Recent work has focused on serving both the English-speaking and international communities so there are links to many non-English versions of the Bahá'í Prayers.

Prayers for the English language version of the site are primarily taken from the 2002 edition of Bahá'í Prayers. Several other Bahá'í scriptures are also quoted, especially Prayers and Meditations by Bahá'u'lláh.

There are also links for those who would like to purchase a Bahá'í prayer book.

Ponder and reflect

2006-11-23T22:37:00.000+02:00

How ignorant, how inconsistent is humankind! If a man slays another man, we brand him as a murderer and criminal and sentence him to capital punishment, but if he kills one hundred thousand men, he is a military genius, a great celebrity, a Napoleon idolized by his nation. If a man steals one dollar, he is called a thief and put into prison; if he rapes and pillages an innocent country by military invasion, he is crowned a hero. How ignorant is humankind! Ferocity does not belong to the kingdom of man. It is the province of man to confer life, not death. It behooves him to be the cause of human welfare, but inasmuch as he glories in the savagery of animalism, it is an evidence that divine civilization has not been established in human society.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 103

How is it possible for men to fight from morning until evening, killing each other, shedding the blood of their fellow-men: And for what object? To gain possession of a part of the earth!... How terrible it is that men, who are of the higher kingdom, can descend to slaying and bringing misery to their fellow-beings, for the possession of a tract of land!

The highest of created beings fighting to obtain the lowest form of matter, earth! Land belongs not to one people, but to all people. This earth is not man's home, but his tomb. It is for their tombs these men are fighting. There is nothing so horrible in this world as the tomb, the abode of the decaying bodies of men.

Abdu'l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 28

Know thou of a certainty that Love is the secret of God's holy Dispensation, the manifestation of the All-Merciful, the fountain of spiritual outpourings.

Love is heaven's kindly light, the Holy Spirit's eternal breath that vivifieth the human soul.

Love is the cause of God's revelation unto man, the vital bond inherent, in accordance with the divine creation, in the realities of things.

Love is the one means that ensureth true felicity both in this world and the next.

Love is the light that guideth in darkness, the living link that uniteth God with man, that assureth the progress of every illumined soul.

Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly cycle, the unique power that bindeth together the divers elements of this material world, the supreme magnetic force that directeth the movements of the
spheres in the celestial realms.

Love revealeth with unfailing and limitless power the mysteries latent in the universe.

Love is the spirit of life unto the adorned body of mankind, the establisher of true civilization in this mortal world, and the shedder of imperishable glory upon every high-aiming race and nation.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 27

Majesty, Grandeur and Loving Kindness

2006-11-21T07:21:00.000+02:00

O SON OF MAN!
My majesty is My gift to thee, and My grandeur the token of My mercy unto thee. That which beseemeth Me none shall understand, nor can anyone recount. Verily, I have preserved it in My hidden storehouses and in the treasuries of My command, as a sign of My loving-kindness unto My servants and My mercy unto My people

The Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh, Arabic #65

Raising our standards - character

2006-11-17T21:50:00.000+02:00

The root cause of wrongdoing is ignorance, and we must therefore hold fast to the tools of perception and knowledge. Good character must be taught. Light must be spread afar, so that, in the school of humanity, all may acquire the heavenly characteristics of the spirit, and see for themselves beyond any doubt that there is no fiercer hell, no more fiery abyss, than to possess a character that is evil and unsound; no more darksome pit nor loathsome torment than to show forth qualities which deserve to be condemned.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 136

Each of us must improve himself, that he may attain nothing short of the best. When one stops, he descends. A bird, when it is flying, soars; but as soon as it stops, it falls. While man is directed upward, he develops. As soon as he stops, he descends. Therefore I wish the beloved
of God always to ascend and develop.

Words of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, as recorded in the diary of Juliet Thompson an early American Bahá'í

It is possible so to adjust oneself to the practise of nobility that its atmosphere surrounds and colours every act. When actions are habitually and conscientiously adjusted to noble standards, with no thought of the words that might herald them, then nobility becomes the accent of life. At such a degree of evolution one scarcely needs try any longer to be good - all acts are become the distinctive expression of nobility.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'í Scriptures, p. 450

Raising our standards - one example

2006-11-17T21:47:00.000+02:00

....I remember once when a pilgrim, sincerely and modestly remonstrated with the Guardian about the difficulty ordinary people in America had in understanding his writings and suggested he make them a little bit easier. The Guardian pointed out, firmly, that this was not the answer; the answer was for people to raise their standard of English....

Ruhiyyih Khanum, The Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, p. 182

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'í's of South Africa The First 50 Years - Video

2006-11-13T20:12:00.000+02:00

Racial and religious harmony were certainly not priorities of the apartheid government. However, it was during South Africa's darkest days that the light of unity was kindled. In the summer of 1956, Baha'is from all over Southern Africa gathered to form an interracial Assembly that promoted the oneness of mankind and religion.

Watch the video here. Both low and high bandwidth versions are available.

Wondrous Paradise

2006-11-02T22:01:00.000+02:00

There is no paradise more wondrous for any soul than
to be exposed to God's Manifestation in His Day, to hear
His verses and believe in them, to attain His presence,
which is naught but the presence of God, to sail upon the
sea of the heavenly Kingdom of His good-pleasure, and
to partake of the choice fruits of the paradise of His divine
Oneness.

The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 77

Religious truth is relative, Divine Revelation is progressive

2006-10-30T20:15:00.000+02:00

....The Revelation, of which Bahá'u'lláh is the source and center, abrogates none of the religions that have preceded it, nor does it attempt, in the slightest degree, to distort their features or to belittle their value. It disclaims any intention of dwarfing any of the Prophets of the past, or of whittling down the eternal verity of their teachings.

It can, in no wise, conflict with the spirit that animates their claims, nor does it seek to undermine the basis of any man's allegiance to their cause. Its declared, its primary purpose is to enable every adherent of these Faiths to obtain a fuller understanding of the religion with which he stands identified, and to acquire a clearer apprehension of its purpose. It is neither eclectic in the presentation of its truths, nor arrogant in the affirmation of its claims. Its teachings revolve around the fundamental principle that religious truth is not absolute but relative, that Divine Revelation is progressive, not final.

Unequivocally and without the least reservation it proclaims all established religions to be divine in origin, identical in their aims, complementary in their functions, continuous in their purpose, indispensable in their value to mankind.

Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 57

Dayspring - UK's Bahá'í magazine for children

2006-10-25T20:17:00.000+02:00

Dayspring is written for children between the ages of five and twelve, though it may be suited to some younger and older children as well.

It is available on subscription to anyone who would like copies. This site carries examples of some of the articles that have appeared over the last few years.

Dayspring Magazine On-line was created as a resource for those who are interested in the Bahá’í education of children.

Bahá'ís and "real" problems

2006-10-23T21:00:00.000+02:00

Bahá'ís are often accused of holding aloof from the "real problems" of their fellowmen. But when we hear this accusation let us not forget that those who make it are usually idealistic materialists to whom material good is the only "real" good, whereas we know that the working of the material world is merely a reflection of spiritual conditions and until the spiritual conditions can be changed there can be no lasting change for the better in material affairs.

The Universal House of Justice, Messages 1963 to 1986, p. 334

Bringing problems upon ourselves

2006-10-19T07:15:00.000+02:00

In considering the effect of obedience to the laws on individual lives, one must remember that the purpose of this life is to prepare the soul for the next. Here one must learn to control and direct one's animal impulses, not to be a slave to them. Life in this world is a succession of tests and achievements, of falling short and of making new spiritual advances. Sometimes the course may seem very hard, but one can witness, again and again, that the soul who steadfastly obeys the law of Bahá'u'lláh, however hard it may seem, grows spiritually, while the one who compromises with the law for the sake of his own apparent happiness is seen to have been following a chimera: he does not attain the happiness he sought, he retards his spiritual advance and often brings new problems upon himself.

Universal House of Justice 6 February 1973

New volume of Bahá'í sacred writings published

2006-10-17T20:29:00.000+02:00

A new volume of selected writings by Baha'u'llah, entitled "The Tabernacle of Unity," has been recently translated and published in English.

Find out more from the Bahá'í World News Service

The Great Challenge - Independent Investigation of Reality

2006-10-16T19:30:00.000+02:00

Verily I say, this is the Day in which mankind can behold the Face, and hear the Voice, of the Promised One. The Call of God hath been raised, and the light of His countenance hath been lifted up upon men. It behoveth every man to blot out the trace of every idle word from the tablet of his heart, and to gaze, with an open and unbiased mind, on the signs of His Revelation, the proofs of His Mission, and the tokens of His glory.

Great indeed is this Day! The allusions made to it in all the sacred Scriptures as the Day of God attest its greatness. The soul of every Prophet of God, of every Divine Messenger, hath thirsted for this wondrous Day. All the divers kindreds of the earth have, likewise, yearned to attain it.

Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 10

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

King James Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

King James Bible, Matthew 7:15-20

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.

King James Bible, Galatians 5

For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth

King James Bible, Ephesians 5:8

....is it not thy clear duty to investigate this Cause, to inform thyself of the things that have befallen Us, to judge with equity, and to cleave unto justice?

Bahá’u’lláh, The Summons of the Lord of Hosts, p. 192

The first principle Bahá'u'lláh urged was the independent investigation of truth. "Each individual," he said, "is following the faith of his ancestors who themselves are lost in the maze of tradition. Reality is steeped in dogmas and doctrines. If each investigate for himself, he will find that Reality is one; does not admit of multiplicity; is not divisible. All will find the same foundation and all will be at peace.

Bahá’í Scriptures, p. 276

The first teaching of Bahá'u'lláh is the duty incumbent upon all to investigate reality. What does it mean to investigate reality? It means that man must forget all hearsay and examine truth himself, for he does not know whether statements he hears are in accordance with reality or not. Wherever he finds truth or reality, he must hold to it, forsaking, discarding all else; for outside of reality there is naught but superstition and imagination.

Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 62

....it is our duty in this radiant century to investigate the essentials of divine religion, seek the realities underlying the oneness of the world of humanity and discover the source of fellowship and agreement which will unite mankind in the heavenly bond of love.

Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 144

Ponder a while. What is it that prompted, in every Dispensation, the peoples of the earth to shun the Manifestation of the All-Merciful? What could have impelled them to turn away from Him and to challenge His authority? Were men to meditate on these words which have flowed from the Pen of the Divine Ordainer, they would, one and all, hasten to embrace the truth of this God-given, and ever-enduring Revelation, and would testify to that which He Himself hath solemnly affirmed.

Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 82

O ye that have strayed and lost your way! The Divine Messenger, Who speaketh naught but the truth, hath announced unto you the coming of the Best-Beloved. Behold, He is now come. Wherefore are ye downcast and dejected? Why remain despondent when the Pure and Hidden One hath appeared unveiled amongst you? He Who is both the Beginning and the End, He Who is both Stillness and Motion, is now manifest before your eyes.

Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 168

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

The Warwick Leaflets for enquirers

2006-10-16T19:25:00.000+02:00

Over 40 information leaflets from the UK about the Baha'i Faith grouped under the following headings:

Basic facts
Baha'u'llah
Other religions and the Baha'i Faith
Spritiual concepts
The Baha'i life
A Baha'i View
Social issues
General interests

The Authors, Warwick Bahá'í Assembly, grants permission to print off single copies for personal use. They ask that you use the commercially available printed versions for general use.

Bahá'í in finals to design new emblem for Parliament

2006-10-10T15:27:00.000+02:00

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Amal Ma'ani-Hessari, Creative Director of www.dawntide.com, has been chosen, from over 2000 entrants, as a finalist in a competition to design a new emblem for the Parliament of South Africa. Amal (43) joined 19 other finalists in Cape Town at the Lanzerac Manor for an intensive four-day workshop.

Amal was immediately inspired after seeing an advert for search for a new emblem, to replace the old coat of arms in a drive to change Parliament's image.

"I focused on bringing about the representation of the Parliament as a source of unity," he said.

Amal sees "Parliament as the leading light in Africa; the goal of which he would love to see as bringing together a group of individuals who are elected for the quality of their character and varying talents in offering 'African Solutions to African Problems' and striving for equality and unity in diversity."

He chose the theme Unity in Diversity for his design.

The theme is "a perfect example to the rest of the world as well as our own local government representatives, of how a group of individuals' diverse colour, ethnicity, differing religious and cultural backgrounds and upbringing can successfully work together in bringing about the betterment of this beautiful, diverse and unique country that we all live in", he said.

The finalists are a representative mix of South Africa's racial and cultural make-up, but not without an exotic element. Representatives from almost all nine of the provinces were represented with Amal representing KwaZulu-Natal. Amal is a former religious refugee from Iran and was expected to add an international flavour to the design process. Amal was born in Iran and brought up in Tehran until the age of 14 when his family were forced to move to the United Kingdom because of the political turmoil in Iran.

Amal qualified as a Graphic Designer in 1986 and has considerable international xxperience in marketing, design and public relations. Three years ago he emigrated to South Africa with his wife and their four children. He has since become a permanent resident in the city of Pietermaritzburg and heads the creative team at www.dawntide.com, inspired publishing and www.logoshop.co.za; both under the One Circle International umbrella, a strategic management, branding and I.T. company.

Amal is a Fellow of the internationally-recognised Chartered Society of Designers (FCSD) as well as a member of the South African Association of Professional Designers.

Every aspect of Amal's life is inspired by his deep faith in God. He is a member of the Msunduzi Bahá'í Community - this is a faith which believes in a single world community believing in the oneness of God, the oneness of religion and the oneness of mankind regardless of our cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds. The Bahá'í Faith comprises what is very likely the most diverse and widespread organised body of people on earth. Bahá'í's believe in the unity of mankind - hence Amal's inspiration when he submitted his emblem design to the South African Parliament who were calling for the emblem to reflect "that Parliament is responsive to the needs of the people, and is driven by the ideal of realising a better quality of life for all the people of South Africa."

When not designing, Amal commits his leisure time to painting (he is also an internationally-recognised artist), producing music, relaxing with his wife, Sharon and their four children (Naseem, Shomaise, Daunya and Zarrin) and promoting the Bahá'í work within the Msunduzi Bahá'í Community. Amal has recently graduated as a qualified tutor of the Ruhi Institute. This process actively encourages social and economical development projects for adults, youth and children, around the world.

The new emblem for the South African Parliament will be revealed
early next year.

The Youth Enrichment Programme

2006-10-09T21:01:00.000+02:00

Hearing the news today of the tragic death of a learner at a school in Johannesburg, who was killed by another learner at the same school impressed upon me the urgent need for programmes in schools which will help develop moral values, social skills and spiritual virtues in the learners. One such programme is the Youth Enrichment Programme (YEP) which has been developed by the Bahá'í inspired Royal Falcon Education Initiative in South Africa. The following introduction is taken from RFEI's website.

School is the main frontline institution for most adolescents, at a time when they are making important moral and social choices in their lives. Spending between six and eight hours a day in school, they are exposed to the influence of their teachers, the school curriculum, and their schoolmates. Reports from many parts of the country however, reveal a disturbing picture of the school environment in which they spend so much of their time. Many schools have been affected by AIDS, alcohol and drug abuse, violence, theft, disruptive behaviour and other problems.

It is unfortunate that the schools, where noble characteristics, virtues, knowledge and good citizenship are to be learned, should face such serious challenges. Many parents and educators have now realised that teaching our young people academic subjects alone is not enough. Far too often, the teaching of moral values and life skills has been relegated to a secondary position. It needs to be considered as basic, along with the languages, sciences and other core subjects. It is often argued that moral education should permeate the curriculum, in different subjects, in all that is said and done in the school, rather than be confined to a narrow space in the curriculum. Realistically though, the pressing need now is for a model of developing virtues and social skills which can be readily implemented in schools, and indeed by a variety of youth groups, religious or otherwise.

The Youth Enrichment Programme has been specifically developed to respond to this need, in a way which complements the schools curriculum. YEP is designed to promote knowledge and understanding relevant to life in a multicultural society, and to empower the youth morally, socially and intellectually.

Presently YEP is being used in schools and other institutions in South Africa and neighbouring countries and it is hoped that it will become more widely used in other countries.

For further information about the Youth Enrichment Programme, its objectives and methods, implementation and facilitator training visit the Youth Enrichment Programme website or download the YEP information brochure or by email at info@yep.org.za

Bahá'í youth portal Australia

2006-10-07T23:29:00.000+02:00

I have recently become aware of a great website for youth (thanks Jennifer).

An initiative of the National Youth Committee of the Bahá'ís of Australia, THEHEYDAY.COM is a site for Bahá'í youth or young at heart and their friends. It is a site with a difference: It's a webmag, search engine, news source, shop, discussion forum, study and resource centre and more, all in one snazzy and funky space.

Statistics of the Bahá’í world community

2006-10-05T21:47:00.000+02:00

The most recent statistics including numbers of National Spiritual Assemblies, localities where Bahá’ís reside, languages into which Bahá’í Writings are translated etc.

A prayer for humanity

2006-10-01T23:10:00.000+02:00

O Thou kind Lord! Thou hast created all humanity from the same stock. Thou hast decreed that all shall belong to the same household. In Thy Holy Presence they are all Thy servants, and all mankind are sheltered beneath Thy Tabernacle; all have gathered together at Thy Table of Bounty; all are illumined through the light of Thy Providence.

O God! Thou art kind to all, Thou hast provided for all, dost shelter all, conferrest life upon all. Thou hast endowed each and all with talents and faculties, and all are submerged in the Ocean of Thy Mercy.

O Thou kind Lord! Unite all. Let the religions agree and make the nations one, so that they may see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home. May they all live together in perfect harmony.

O God! Raise aloft the banner of the oneness of mankind.

O God! Establish the Most Great Peace. Cement Thou, O God, the hearts together. O Thou kind Father, God! Gladden our hearts through the fragrance of Thy love. Brighten our eyes through the Light of Thy Guidance. Delight our ears with the melody of Thy Word, and shelter us all in the Stronghold of Thy Providence. Thou art the Mighty and Powerful, Thou art the Forgiving and Thou art the One Who overlooketh the shortcomings of all mankind.

'Abdu'l-Bahá

Online Bahá'í Library

2006-09-20T19:50:00.000+02:00

The Bahá'í online library contains 100s of books, essays, articles, poems, virtually every conceivable genre of writing for a study of the Bahá’í Faith.

Bahá'í Summer Festival in Germany

2006-09-16T16:56:00.000+02:00

The Baha’i House of Worship in Langenhain, Germany, is the site each year for the Sommerfest – a celebration of summer, sociability and spirituality.

The presence of automobile number plates from every region of Germany and many neighboring countries was but one of the signs of success at this year's Baha'i Sommerfest, which drew more than 2,500 people in June for a full day program of music, dance, food, and devotions.

Read the rest of the article from the Baha'i World News Service and view the slide show

The Unity of the Manifestations of God

2006-09-15T20:15:00.000+02:00

"The door of the knowledge of the Ancient Being hath ever been, and will continue for ever to be, closed in the face of men. No man's understanding shall ever gain access unto His holy court. As a token of His mercy, however, and as a proof of His loving-kindness, He hath manifested unto men the Day Stars of His divine guidance, the Symbols of His divine unity, and hath ordained the knowledge of these sanctified Beings to be identical with the knowledge of His own Self. Whoso recognizeth them hath recognized God. Whoso hearkeneth to their call, hath hearkened to the Voice of God, and whoso testifieth to the truth of their Revelation, hath testified to the truth of God Himself."

Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 49

"These Manifestations of God have each a twofold station. One is the station of pure abstraction and essential unity. In this respect, if thou callest them all by one name, and dost ascribe to them the same attributes, thou hast not erred from the truth…..

"The other station is the station of distinction, and pertaineth to the world of creation, and to the limitations thereof. In this respect, each Manifestation of God hath a distinct individuality, a definitely prescribed mission, a predestined revelation, and specially designated limitations. Each one of them is known by a different name, is characterized by a special attribute, fulfils a definite mission, and is entrusted with a particular Revelation…..

"It is because of this difference in their station and mission that the words and utterances flowing from these Well Springs of Divine knowledge appear to diverge and differ. Otherwise, in the eyes of them that are initiated into the mysteries of Divine wisdom, all their utterances are, in reality, but the expressions of one Truth. As most of the people have failed to appreciate those stations to which We have referred, they, therefore, feel perplexed and dismayed at the varying utterances pronounced by Manifestations that are essentially one and the same."

Bahá’u’lláh, Ibid, p. 50

"There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God."

Bahá’u’lláh, Ibid, p. 217

Website of interest

2006-09-11T22:40:00.000+02:00

Bahá’í International Community United Nations Office Statement Archive

The Bahá’í International Community is an NGO affiliated to the United Nations and issues statements on human rights, universal education, social and economic development, environmental preservation, global peace and stability, and the advancement of women.

‘Abdu’l Bahá on tests

2006-09-07T22:54:00.000+02:00

Tests are a means by which a soul is measured as to its fitness, and proven out by its own acts. God knows its fitness beforehand, and also his unpreparedness, but man, with an ego, would not believe himself unfit unless proof were given him. Consequently his susceptibility to evil is proven to him when he falls into the tests, and the tests are continued until the soul realizes its own unfitness, then remorse and regret tend to root out the weakness. The same test comes again in greater degree, until it is shown that a former weakness has become a strength, and the power to overcome evil has been established.

‘Abdu'l Bahá, in The Eternal Quest for God, p 131

Reflections in the botanical gardens

2006-09-04T21:45:00.000+02:00

Joy gives us wings!

2006-09-01T20:37:00.000+02:00

Joy gives us wings! In times of joy our strength is more vital, our intellect keener, and our understanding less clouded. We seem better able to cope with the world and to find our sphere of usefulness. But when sadness visits us we become weak, our strength leaves us, our comprehension is dim and our intelligence veiled. The actualities of life seem to elude our grasp, the eyes of our spirits fail to discover the sacred mysteries, and we become even as dead beings.

There is no human being untouched by these two influences; but all the sorrow and the grief that exist come from the world of matter – the spiritual world bestows only the joy!

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 109

Be in perfect unity

2006-08-28T20:26:00.000+02:00

Never become angry with one another. Let your eyes be directed toward the kingdom of truth and not toward the world of creation. Love the creatures for the sake of God and not for themselves. You will never become angry or impatient if you love them for the sake of God.

Humanity is not perfect. There are imperfections in every human being, and you will always become unhappy if you look toward the people themselves. But if you look toward God, you will love them and be kind to them, for the world of God is the world of perfection and complete mercy. Therefore, do not look at the shortcomings of anybody; see with the sight of forgiveness.

The imperfect eye beholds imperfections. The eye that covers faults looks toward the Creator of souls. He created them, trains and provides for them, endows them with capacity and life, sight and hearing; therefore, they are the signs of His grandeur.

You must love and be kind to everybody…..

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, pg 93

On prayer......

2006-08-26T08:40:00.000+02:00

Whensoever a company of people shall gather in a meeting place, shall engage in glorifying God, and shall speak with one another of the mysteries of God, beyond any doubt the breathings of the Holy Spirit will blow gently over them, and each shall receive a share thereof.

`’Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, para 56, pg 94

Many find a difficulty in believing in the efficacy of prayer because they think that answers to prayer would involve arbitrary interference with the laws of nature. An analogy may help to remove this difficulty. If a magnet be held over some iron filings the latter will fly upwards and cling to it, but this involves no interference with the law of gravitation. The force of gravity continues to act on the filings just as before. What has happened is that a superior force has been brought into play -- another force whose action is just as regular and calculable as that of gravity. The Bahá'í view is that prayer brings into action higher forces, as yet comparatively little known; but there seems no reason to believe that these forces are more arbitrary in their action than the physical forces. The difference is that they have not yet been fully studied and experimentally investigated, and their action appears mysterious and incalculable because of our ignorance.

Another difficulty which some find perplexing is that prayer seems too feeble a force to produce the great results often claimed to it. Analogy may serve to clear up this difficulty also. A small force, when applied to the sluice gate of a reservoir, may release and regulate an enormous flow of water-power, or, when applied to the steering gear of an ocean liner, may control the course of the huge vessel. In the Bahá'í view, the power that brings about answers to prayer is the inexhaustible Power of God. The part of the suppliant is only to exert the feeble force necessary to release the flow or determine the course of the Divine Bounty, which is ever ready to serve those who have learned how to draw upon it.

Dr. J.E. Esslemont, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, p. 96

Make haste to love

2006-08-21T20:10:00.000+02:00

Make haste to love! Make haste to trust! Make haste to give!
To guidance come!

Come ye for harmony! To behold the Star of Day!
Come here for kindliness, for ease!
Come here for amity and peace!

Come and cast down your weapons of wrath, till unity is won!
Come and in the Lord's true path each one help each one.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 273

The Central Figures and Institutions of the Bahá'í Faith

2006-08-17T20:42:00.000+02:00

Though confronted with persecution since its birth, the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh emerged from its first century of existence with its unity firmly established. Its message of unity and growing global influence is the great untold story of our time.

Here are links to articles about the Central Figures and Institutions of the Bahá'í Faith.

The Báb, the forerunner of Bahá’u'lláh

Bahá’u'lláh, the Manifestation of God

‘Abdu'l Bahá, the Centre of the Covenant

Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith

The Universal House of Justice

Historical context of the Bábi and Bahá’í Faiths.

They are all from the Official international Bahá'í website.

Bahá'u'lláh stressed the importance of:

2006-08-15T20:22:00.000+02:00

Unity

"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth."

Honesty

"Beautify your tongues, O people, with truthfulness, and adorn your souls with the ornament of honesty."

Chastity

"We, verily, have decreed in Our Book a goodly and bountiful reward to whosoever will turn away from wickedness and lead a chaste and godly life."

Generosity

"Be generous in prosperity and thankful in adversity, be worthy of the trust of thy neighbour and look upon him with a bright and friendly face...."

Trustworthiness

"Cling ye to the hem of virtue, and hold fast to the cord of trustworthiness and piety."

Purity of motive

".....whatsoever thing is arranged in harmony and with love and purity of motive, its result is light, and should the least trace of estrangement prevail the result shall be darkness upon darkness...."

Service to others

'Thy day of service is now come."

Deeds over words

"The essence of faith is fewness of words and abundance of deeds; he whose words exceed his deeds, know verily his death is better than his life."

Work as a form of worship

"We have graciously exalted your engagement in such work to the rank of worship unto God, the True One."

The Only Way

2006-08-07T21:21:00.000+02:00

ZOROASTRIANISM

There is only one religious way. This one way is that of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, the way of heaven, of light and of purity, of the infinite Creator.

The Teachings of the Magi, P.22

HINDUISM

Abandoning all duties, come to Me alone for shelter.

Bhagavad Gita 18:66

BUDDHISM

This is the path. There is no other that leads to vision.

Dhammapada 20:274

CHRISTIANITY

I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 14:6

ISLAM

Whoso seeks guidance elsewhere, God will lead him astray.

Imam'Ali, Hadith

BAHA'I

He that hath Me not is bereft of all things. Turn ye away from all that is on earth and seek none else but Me.

Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, P.169

Website of interest: THE VIRTUES PROJECT™

2006-08-06T13:32:00.000+02:00

The vision of the virtues project is to serve humanity by supporting the moral and spiritual development of people of all cultures, by helping them to remember who they really are and to live by their highest values.

Are you trying to find yourself ?

2006-08-03T20:15:00.000+02:00

"The more we search for ourselves, the less likely we are to find ourselves; and the more we search for God, and to serve our fellow-men, the more profoundly will we become acquainted with ourselves, and the more inwardly assured. This is one of the great spiritual laws of life."

From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, February 18, 1954

Work starts on the House of Worship in Chile

2006-07-31T19:48:00.000+02:00

The CBC.ca website has an interesting article on the work of Canadian based architect, Siamak Hariri, whose design was chosen for the new Baha'i House of Worship, the mother temple of South America, to be built near Santiago, Chile.

The winning design from a field of 185 contenders, Hariri’s blueprint will draw in much natural light through a two-layer sheath of shimmering white alabaster and cast-glass. The hillside site will absorb light during the day and emit it at night, like a lantern, framed dramatically by the Andean backdrop.

See an architectural rendering of this new temple and other Bahá'í Houses of Worship throughout the world.

Siamak Hariri was born in 1958 in Bonn, Germany, to Iranian parents who had been exiled from their predominantly Muslim homeland because of their belief in the Bahá’í Faith. His parents then moved to Canada.

The difference between material wealth and True wealth

2006-07-30T08:58:00.000+02:00

South Africans must defeat the tendency towards worshipping personal wealth, said President Thabo Mbeki on Saturday.
He was presenting the fourth Nelson Mandela annual lecture at Wits University in Johannesburg.

President Mbeki said:

"Every day, and during every hour of our time beyond sleep, the demons embedded in our society, that stalk us at every minute, seem always to beckon each one of us towards a realisable dream and nightmare”

In the Bahá'í Writings Bahá’u'lláh sees wealth as

“ …a mighty barrier between the seeker and his desire, the lover and his beloved. The rich, but for a few, shall in no wise attain the court of His presence nor enter the city of content and resignation. Well is it then with him, who, being rich, is not hindered by his riches from the eternal kingdom, nor deprived by them of imperishable dominion. By the Most Great Name! The splendour of such a wealthy man shall illuminate the dwellers of heaven even as the sun enlightens the people of the earth.”

The Hidden Words, Persian no 53

Bahá’u'lláh also shows us that

“Man's distinction lieth not in ornaments or wealth, but rather in virtuous behaviour and true understanding.”

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 57

And ‘Abdu'l Bahá further explains

“....the honour and exaltation of man must be something more than material riches. Material comforts are only a branch, but the root of the exaltation of man is the good attributes and virtues which are the adornments of his reality. These are the divine appearances, the heavenly bounties, the sublime emotions, the love and knowledge of God; universal wisdom, intellectual perception, scientific discoveries, justice, equity, truthfulness, benevolence, natural courage and innate fortitude; the respect for rights and the keeping of agreements and covenants; rectitude in all circumstances; serving the truth under all conditions; the sacrifice of one's life for the good of all people; kindness and esteem for all nations; obedience to the teachings of God; service in the Divine Kingdom; the guidance of the people, and the education of the nations and races. This is the prosperity of the human world! This is the exaltation of man in the world! This is eternal life and heavenly honour!”

Abdu'l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 79

Bahá'í Podcasts

2006-07-29T11:47:00.000+02:00

Just lately I've been listening to the podcasts of the Emerald Coast Bahá'ís in Florida, USA. A recent podcast talks about what the Bahá'í Writings have to say on the subject of healing.

They also have a new weblog where you can find information about all their podcasts and links to the materials used in them.

Emerald Coast Baha'i Podcast weblog

Emerald Coast Baha'i Podcast RSS feed

To download a podcast, you will need podcast receiving software. I use Juice which is easy to use and free.

HIV/AIDS & Gender Equality: Transforming Attitudes and Behaviours

2006-07-27T19:28:00.000+02:00

Here are three excepts from the Bahá'í International Community Statement on HIV/AIDS and gender equality which was prepared for the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS in June 2001.

"The relationship between the AIDS pandemic and gender inequality is gaining recognition globally."

"The denial of equality to women not only promotes in men harmful attitudes and habits that affect their families, the workplace, political decisions and international relations; it also contributes substantially to the spread of HIV/AIDS and retards the progress of society."

"Traditional gender roles that have gone unquestioned for generations must now be re-examined in the light of justice and compassion. Ultimately, nothing short of a spiritual transformation will move men--and women--to forego the behaviours that contribute to the spread of AIDS. Such a transformation is as important for men as it is for women, because “As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities, so long will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirs¹"

¹‘Abdu'l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 133

Find out more about this relationship between HIV/AIDS and gender equality. Read or download the complete statement here.

The basic principles of the Bahá’í Faith from the Writings of Bahá’u'lláh and 'Abdu'l Bahá

2006-07-25T20:19:00.000+02:00

The oneness of mankind

"It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens."

Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 250.

The oneness of religion

"All these divisions we see on all sides, all these disputes and opposition, are caused because men cling to ritual and outward observances, and forget the simple, underlying truth. It is the outward practices of religion that are so different, and it is they that cause disputes and enmity -- while the reality is always the same, and one. The Reality is the Truth, and truth has no division. Truth is God's guidance, it is the light of the world, it is love, it is mercy."

`Abdu'l-Bahá, Paris Talks, pp. 120-1.

Independent investigation of truth

"Furthermore, know ye that God has created in man the power of reason, whereby man is enabled to investigate reality. God has not intended man to imitate blindly his fathers and ancestors. He has endowed him with mind, or the faculty of reasoning, by the exercise of which he is to investigate and discover the truth, and that which he finds real and true he must accept."

`Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 291.

The elimination of all forms of prejudice

"...again, as to religious, racial, national and political bias: all these prejudices strike at the very root of human life; one and all they beget bloodshed, and the ruination of the world. So long as these prejudices survive, there will be continuous and fearsome wars."

‘Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá, p.249.

Universal education

"Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and daughter in the art of reading and writing and in all that hath been laid down in the Holy Tablet. ….. He that bringeth up his son or the son of another, it is as though he hath brought up a son of Mine; upon him rest My Glory, My Loving-Kindness, My Mercy, that have compassed the world."

Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p.37

The abolition of the extremes of wealth and poverty

"O Ye Rich Ones on Earth!
The poor in your midst are My trust; guard ye My trust, and be not intent only on your own ease."

Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, p.41.

Equality of men and women

"To accept and observe a distinction which God has not intended in creation is ignorance and superstition. The fact which is to be considered, however, is that woman, having formerly been deprived, must now be allowed equal opportunities with man for education and training. There must be no difference in their education. Until the reality of equality between man and woman is fully established and attained, the highest social development of mankind is not possible."

`Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p.76.

Harmony between science and religion

"Religion and science are the two wings upon which man's intelligence can soar into the heights, with which the human soul can progress. It is not possible to fly with one wing alone! Should a man try to fly with the wing of religion alone he would quickly fall into the quagmire of superstition, whilst on the other hand, with the wing of science alone he would also make no progress, but fall into the despairing slough of materialism."

`Abdu'l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p.143.

An international auxiliary language

"It behoveth the sovereigns of the world -- may God assist them -- or the ministers of the earth to take counsel together and to adopt one of the existing languages or a new one to be taught to children in schools throughout the world, and likewise one script. Thus the whole earth will come to be regarded as one country."

Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 22

Discover Bahá'u'lláh

2006-07-25T00:32:00.000+02:00

Basic facts about the Bahá'í Faith

All you really need to know to grasp the basic history and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith in 9 concise web pages. These best read in the order in which they are presented.

Ocean – a Bahá’í research and study tool

2006-07-24T21:32:00.000+02:00

"Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths."

Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 136)

Ocean is a simple to use research and study tool for the Bahá’í Writings. In addition, Ocean contains a searchable database of the sacred writings of many of the major faiths of the world.

Ocean's library can even be updated over the internet as new texts become available, and you can add your own texts.

The Violence-Free Family: Building Block of Peaceful Civilization by H. B. Danesh, M.D

2006-07-21T19:45:00.000+02:00

In this essay, which was the keynote address at the International Symposium on Strategies for Creating the Violence-Free Family, New York City 1994, Dr H B Danesh states:

"The view of the family as essential for the welfare of the individual and society is no longer universally and unhesitatingly accepted."

"One main concern about the family centres on the place of females in the family and the manner in which they are often unjustly and unequally treated by male family members."

"Another serious concern about the family relates to its vital role in parenting and rearing the next generation of children."

"Yet another area of concern is the frequent justification of violence and prejudice against non-family members in the name of family solidarity and "blood" relationships."

He then asks three important questions:

"Should the family as it now exists be abolished?
Can we live without the traditional family?
Is there a viable alternative to the traditional family?"

In answering these questions Dr Danesh puts forward the "main characteristics of the unity-based family as the most practical approach to creating the violence-free family."

Click here to read or download this thought provoking essay.