Archive for June, 2006

“Bahá’ís believe that the distinctive unity of the Bahá’í Faith stems from a promise from God to humanity that assures His continuing guidance after the passing of Bahá’u’lláh. This promise is referred to as the Covenant.” So begins the section on “The Covenant of Baha’u'llah” on baha’i.org, the Baha’i website. Baha’is remain unified precisely because of their obediance to this Convenant. Here is an excerpt from another article on the same site:

The Bahá’í Faith is thus the first religion in history that has survived its critical first century with its unity firmly established. “Were it not for the protecting power of the Covenant to guard the impregnable fort of the Cause of God,” said `Abdu’l-Bahá, “there would arise among the Bahá’ís, in one day, a thousand different sects as was the case in former ages.”5 But in this Revelation, Bahá’u'lláh’s Covenant is the magnet that draws the hearts of its followers together.

The Centre for the Study of the Texts, Haifa
While issues of succession and leadership within the Bahá’í Faith are addressed by Bahá’u'lláh in His Covenant, its significance is far more encompassing. As He wrote, “The aim of this Wronged One in sustaining woes and tribulations, in revealing the Holy Verses and in demonstrating proofs hath been naught but to quench the flame of hate and enmity, that the horizon of the hearts of men may be illumined with the light of concord and attain real peace and tranquillity.”6

Elaborating this theme, Bahá’u'lláh exhorted the people of the world to behave in a manner that will elevate their station; to “hold fast to the fear of God and firmly adhere to what is right”; to refrain from engaging in “slander, abuse and whatever causeth sadness”; to “hold fast to righteousness and truth”; to recognize that the “religion of God is for love and unity” and not to be made the “cause of enmity or dissension”; to respect those who have been invested with the power to rule or govern, and to “aid those daysprings of authority and sources of command who are adorned with the ornament of equity and justice”; “to serve all nations and to strive for the betterment of the world.”7

“Conflict and contention are categorically forbidden in His Book,” Bahá’u'lláh asserted, emphasizing the the importance of harmony in human relationships. And again He addressed these words to His followers: “O Servants! Let not the means of order be made the cause of confusion and the instrument of union an occasion for discord.”8

“The Covenant of Baha’u'llah,” The Baha’is: The International Website of the Baha’i Faith
~~~~~~~~~

The International Teaching Centre, Haifa

Other links regarding the Covenant of Baha’u'llah:

The Protection of Diversity in the Bahá’í Community
The keynote of the Bahá’í approach to social organization is not uniformity, but unity in diversity. Central to the Bahá’í Faith is a system of teachings and institutions that assure freedom of individual opinion, that protect individual rights irrespective of race, color, religion, nationality, class, or attitude toward the Faith, and that encourage the full participation of minorities in the life of the Bahá’í community. More >
From the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Selections from the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. More >
Covenant and the Foundations of Civil Society
An exploration of the religious origins of the organizing principles of civil society, their secularization in the modern era, and the prospect of an inclusive global moral order based on the enduring concept of covenant. More >
Message of the Universal House of Justice
Description of the Message of the UHJ to the NY Congress in 1992. More >
Hands of the Cause of God
An emphasis on group leadership, as opposed to individual power, runs throughout the Bahá’í administrative system. Individuals do not set policy or make rules in Bahá’í institutions—Spiritual Assemblies make the decisions, although they may delegate specific executive responsibilities. More >
The Book of the Covenant
Description of the Book of the Covenant More >

Here is an excerpt from another moving post by a Baha’i who has taken a stand against substance abuse and depression:

When I found the Baha’i faith, that saved my life…. You can read the article I wrote for a Baha’i youth publication called Fertile Field. Baha’i is the ONLY thing that keeps me sober.

I’ve been doing better than I ever had in my life right now. I’m still picking up all those pieces. I am in therapy. I just got put on medication.

This blog only shows you the very tip of the iceberg of all I have been through. I have no idea how I have held up throughout the years. Nowadays the Baha’i Faith is what gets me through the day. It is the most important thing in my life.

Renee, “Sometimes I am amazed that I am still here,” MySpace

From Renee’s “About Me”: I try to treat people how I want to be treated. I also keep in mind that behind every text that is written on Myspace.com, there is a real person with real feelings that can be hurt. I try not to be a source of that hurt.

OK, I thought this posting was too irreverent and a little nuts at first, but now I think I understand. The blogger is in the midst of an unusual (for most of us) internship, she works at the elderly, and her husband has just become a Baha’i.

Granted, between working with the dead and going to Chicken Hell and waiting on Senior citizens knowing that they may be on the table in the morning, then having my husband spring his religious conversion on me, (Catholic to Baha’i, sumbody ’splain that to me, please) I’m nuts right now. If anyone has any insight on Baha’i that I don’t know, please inform, because it’s got my head spinning. Of course, thanks to my current work, I think drugs are involved. Aren’t they always? I know it was originally derived from Islam, but beyond that, I don’t know the actual practice. It’s like saying Catholicism is derived from Paganism, it was, but they are completely different in actual practice.

User:
x_jordan
Location:
Frankfort, Kentucky, United States
Birthdate:
1975-06-25
Bio:
I am currently doing a summer internship at the state medical examiners’ office where I will be learning about techniques used in analyzing blood and urine samples. This is my journal about my job, to be used in a future paper for my senior seminar project at KSU in the fall.
Interests:
9: autopsies, biology education, chemistry education, crossing jordan, gas chromatography, mass spec, microbiology, organic chemistry, thin-layer chromatography.

Well, here’s my son Taraz and his fiance Megan. I don’t put much that is “about-me” personal in this blog, but these two souls who are so dear to me have gotten consent to marry. Read my wife’s blog for the wonderful details. In honor of the occasion of their engagement, here’s text of a blessed “leaflet” on the subject of marriage.

Bahá’ís take marriage very seriously, as they believe it is intended to be a spiritual relationship which will last for eternity.

“The true marriage of Bahá’ís is this, that husband and wife should be united both physically and spiritually, that they may ever improve the spiritual life of each other, and may enjoy everlasting unity throughout all the worlds of God.”

It is also a physical relationship and a friendship. A successful marriage should go a long way towards ensuring the health and happiness of husband and wife.

In order to achieve a happy and permanent union, first of all great care needs to be taken in approaching marriage in the right way.

Choosing a Partner
Bahá’u'lláh encouraged everyone to marry. He described marriage as a “fortress for well-being”, the normal and healthy state for adults, where sexual feelings can be safely expressed in a spirit of love. Bahá’ís are expected to be completely chaste before marriage and totally faithful within marriage.

According to Bahá’í belief, the couple must be free to choose one another, and the parents have no right to interfere or to “arrange” a marriage.

The couple: “must, however, exercise the utmost care to become thoroughly acquainted with the character of the other, that the binding covenant between them may be a tie that will endure forever. Their purpose must be this: to become loving companions and comrades and at one with each other for time and eternity…”

When the couple have made their choice they must then obtain their parents’ approval before they can marry. This ensures that they will have the support of both of their families, particularly helpful in time of trouble. It preserves the unity of the family, for unity and harmony are the keynotes of Bahá’í life and Bahá’í teachings. It also helps to ensure that their choice is the right one. The parents must do all they can to get to know the proposed partner well enough to see if the couple are suited and the marriage is likely to be a success. They should realise that they must never refuse permission simply because of differences of, for instance, race, religion or background. When the parents give their wholehearted support to a marriage, it has a much greater chance of success.

The Marriage Ceremony
Ideally, once approval has been given, the marriage should take place within 3 months. The Bahá’í marriage ceremony itself is very simple. All that is required is that the bride and groom each say, in front of witnesses, “We will all, verily, abide by the will of God”. Everything else is left to the couple’s choice and can reflect the culture of the area or of the participants. Usually the couple will choose prayers and readings and will have their friends and relatives sharing the ceremony. In some countries it is necessary to have a civil ceremony first, in others the Bahá’í wedding is accepted as a legal ceremony. If a Bahá’í marries someone of another religion, then usually ceremonies will be performed in both religions.

Making A Marriage Work
“Bahá’í marriage is the commitment of the two parties one to the other, and their mutual attachment of mind and heart.”

The couple must learn to live together in harmony, and to work together as a team. They should share their concerns and the events of their lives and always show affection to one another:

“Nourish continually the tree of your union.”
Neither has the right to impose their wishes on the other:

“There are, therefore, times when a wife should defer to her husband, and times when a husband should defer to his wife, but neither should ever unjustly dominate the other.”
The Bahá’í teachings on the equality of men and women must be put into practice in the home.

They must be absolutely faithful and loyal to each other, spiritually as well as physically.
Most importantly, husband and wife should pray together, especially when they face problems or difficulties.

“The love between husband and wife should not be purely physical, nay rather it must be spiritual and heavenly. These two souls should be considered as one soul. How difficult it would be to divide a single soul!”

Children
Apart from the spiritual companionship already described, the main purpose of marriage is the rearing of children. This is a very important and difficult task and a great responsibility. It can place a great strain on the marital relationship if the couple have not prepared themselves for this. Husband and wife should study the guidance in the Bahá’í writings on the raising of children. They should discuss their aims and objectives and ensure that they both treat the children in the same way.

Solving Problems
“Lay the foundations of your affections in the very centre of your spiritual being.”

Differences of race, religion and culture should not be allowed to become a problem. Bahá’ís revere the Founders of each of the world’s religions and cherish the different cultures of the world. Unity in diversity is a keynote theme in the Bahá’í Faith and gives beauty to a marriage and enriches the couple.

When problems arise or decisions need to be made, the couple should pray and then consult together as to the solutions. Consultation is one of the most important laws of the Bahá’í Faith. When practised in a spirit of prayer, solutions will be found much more easily.
DivorceMarriage is considered such an important bond that, although divorce is allowed between Bahá’ís, it is to be avoided if at all possible. It should only be contemplated if the couple develop a real dislike for one another.

“The foundation of the Kingdom of God is based upon harmony and love, oneness, relationship and union, not upon differences, especially between husband and wife.”
If the couple have differences which they cannot solve between themselves, their parents and families will try to help. They should also turn to their Local Bahá’í Assembly for advice and guidance. They may also wish to seek professional advice. However, if the couple reach the point where they feel that they can no longer live together, they must announce their intention to divorce and then live apart for one year. During this year all efforts will be made to help the couple to be reconciled. But, if all attempts fail, at the end of the year the marriage will be ended.

A Happy Marriage
“The Lord, peerless is He, hath made woman and man to abide with each other in the closest companionship, and to be even as a single soul. They are two helpmates, two intimate friends, who should be concerned about the welfare of each other. If they live thus, they will pass through this world with perfect contentment, bliss, and peace of heart, and become the object of divine grace and favour in the Kingdom of heaven.”

Published by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Warwick.
Approved by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom,27 Rutland Gate, LONDON SW7 1PD.
All quotations are from the Bahá’í writings.

From the heartland, the town of Sigourney, Iowa…

I’m a Baha’i, ask me why!!
http://www.bahai.org/
Like I said, I’m a Baha’i and for those of you who don’t know what that is here is a link.

I just reached the end of the first semester of school and I’m worn out. Between the kids the housework and school I can’t think straight. I got 97 and 95 in the two courses I took so now that I’m used to the whole school online thing it won’t be so hard next semester. That starts July 3rd.

Back to the Baha’i thing. I think for all of you that have questions about your faith or this one you really should take a look. This is the future. We are all flowers of one garden, leaves of one branch. Mankind is one. When I first heard about the Baha’i faith I almost jmped out of my chair. I was so excited. Being catholic for so many years I didn’t think I could get excited over anything but I did. It was all that I ever thought and more. So look if you get a chance. This is what everyone has been waiting for. Do you remember a group called Seals & Croft? they are Baha’is and so was DIzzy Gillespie, Dan Seals and many more. Baha’is don’t go around spouting off at the mouth and making you uncomfortable. You call us at 1-800-22-unite

Each day I’m going to post a few Baha’i words and update you all on my crazy house and school. Peace!

iowagirl, “I’m Baha’i, Ask Me Why,” iowagirl in school

Visitors to Sigourney will notice right away the friendliness of the community. Some residents have lived in Sigourney their entire lives, and to this day, have had no desire to leave this small rural community. Sigourney is a viable community with residents that strive hard at making the quality of life in Sigourney an important mission.

A member of the National Main Street Network since 1990, Sigourney has completed a streetscape renovation project with new streets, curb and gutter, and vintage lightpoles. Striving to preserve its historical district, Sigourney continues to take the present to the past with building revitalization and upper-story rehabilitation. Since 2002, Sigourney building owners have revitalized three buildings, painted several facades, and have added space for eleven new businesses. New upper-story apartments have been completed in 2006. – SIGOURNEY, IOWA

There are Baha’i songs and there are “Baha’i” songs. Here is another of the latter, by Yes.

Hearts, by Yes

Hearing - talking - yes I - love you
Set your heart sail on the river
Look around you as you drift downstream hearing
Pouring souls into the ocean talking
Take account of all you’ve seen love you
One people - together
Freedom for today
So easy the future
So see the children’s way
Love me
Teach me
Know me
One people - together
Freedom for today
Tomorrow forever
So see the people’s way
Many moons cascade one river
They light from side to side
As we cross in close proximity
Like rivers our hearts entwine
How we talk - how we teach our children
How we move - we direct our eyes
All the senses tuned discovery
As and as and when our hearts decide
Be ready now - be ye circle
Be the central force ye life
As the game extends the cycle
Be ready to move
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/y/yes/hearts_20148312.html

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
After breaking up at the dawn of the ’80s, Yes made a surprise comeback with this 1983 effort. This album (named after its catalog number) featured a retooled band lineup, with guitarist Trevor Rabin and original keyboardist Tony Kaye joining longtime members Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, and Alan White. It also unveiled a newly streamlined sound, courtesy of British avant-pop producer Trevor Horn, who’d briefly replaced frontman Anderson on the pre-breakup album Drama. The new approach made these English prog-rock vets sound contemporary at the height of the MTV explosion, spawning memorably catchy hits like “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” “Leave It,” and “It Can Happen.” –Scott Schinder

I’ve done a lot of dj-ing over the past decade, but hardly any since I began…blogging. I’ve collected a lot of songs. When I used to be the D(evotional) J(ockey) for the monthly devotional meeting for our Baha’i community, I would look for songs that had that “Baha’i” feeling to them. There are Baha’i songs and their are “Baha’i” songs. Below is one of the latter.

When I hear it I think of all of humanity. Some people choose to separate the world into an “us” and a “them.” “You are not me, and I am better than you,” is how the thinking goes. As Baha’i’s see it, we all swim in the same pool. To those who see themselves as separate, I say, “Come on it, the water is fine.”

Are You In, by Incubus

It’s so much better
When everyone is in
Are you in?
It’s so much better
When everyone is in
Are you in?
Ooh ooh
Are you in?
You ooh
Are you in?
It’s so much better
When everyone is in
Are you in?
It’s so much easier
When sea foam green
Is in fashion
You you, oh
Are you in?
You ooh ooh ooh
Are you in?
Are you are you are you
Are you are you are you
(Everybody everybody in)
(Ooh ooh ooh)
You ooh
Are you in?
You ooh
Ooh

I am prepared to repost blog entries like this about one dear soul’s study of Ruhi Book 1 until the Most Great Peace has come.

From this semester, I start to learn Baha’I from Jolly and Peter with Nick, Ding ding, Laura, and Qiu. I am so happy that finally I have the opportunity to acquaint this kind couple. Before doing this, I have heard so much about how kind they are from Jacky and other friends. But when I get this chance to know them, I find they are far kinder than I used to imagine.When we study the book together, I feel my spirit is purified. The couple always make us feel like being at home by serving drinks and foods. Actually we really feel like relaxed at their apartment. But the atmosphere is far better than home. When you talk with those nice people about your understand of god, you get rid of all the disguises that you wear in daily life. You talk with people heart to heart, rather than “face to face”. You feel you are as pure as a baby.

It used to pretty difficult for me to believe there is a “god” in this world. It sounded ridiculous to me. However curiously, it doesn’t sound ridiculous at all to me to learn Baha’i. I cannot say now I believe that there is a god, but at least I would like to learn something about god with serious attitude and share the understanding of a certain issue about god with other people. And it feels so right!

Today is the second class that I learn Baha’i. And it encourages me a lot that I started to talk rather than just listening and reading, which are the only things I did last week. When I tried to explain my understanding of the question that if we can never know the essence of god, what does it mean that the purpose of our lives is to know god? I said it is just like that we can never hug the sun, but we can still enjoy the warmth of the sunlight. It really cheers me up to see the confirmative expressions on Jolly and Peter’s faces.

thisiscelineli, “Joyfulness,” Toujours Avec Toi, Friends, my precious…

Irina Tsukerman of Brooklyn, NY, visited Bahji and wrote a lengthy and lovely description of her experience. Here is an excerpt, but go to her site to read the post in its entirety.

I, however, forgot all about the group, as soon as I entered the unusually quiet, beautiful, and simple gardens, which corresponded so precisely to the three principles of the Baha’i. The garden seemed like something out of the Arabian Nights, yet at the same time so peaceful that I couldn’t help relaxing immediately and just… forgetting about the outside world while I was there. I was completely overwhelmed by the incredible beauty of the trees, flowers, and cacti. Everything just… right. We were given some time to wander along certain portions of the garden… I tried to drink in as much pleasantly scented air as possible… One of the most striking things about this garden, strangely, was the sound of the pebbles crunching beneath my feet. I loved that sound. And I loved walking across rocks, not just on a smooth road. I’m not quite sure what contributed the most to that effect, but that’s one of the things that I’ll remember the most about the visit.

Irina Tsukerman, A Different Side of Israel, The IgNoble Experiment, a.k.a Live Dangerously