On Mo' Mentions of the Baha'i Faith: Blog Banter

During my coffee break this afternoon I fired up Ice-Rocket, the blog search engine, and came up with the following blog banter...

Jenyfer on Debaser is "Just Getting Started" : i'm taking a trip to Israel and the Greek Islands in May. i practice yoga about 5-6 days a week. i am exploring the baha'i faith.

Kalin Nestor on Welcome to Funkytown: I was talking to yes_rhade about the Baha'i Holy Days coming up and how the kids were going to miss a day or two of school.

Shellanne on Let Me Fly Away: I had a wonderful weekend at a Baha'i retreat and I really got to reflect on the progress I've made and where I need to go from here, in a very holistic perspective, not dividing my baha'i faith from everything else I do, but seeing it all as one. I feel so healed and empowered to serve God's cause and believe that's God's profits came to empower us with love, uplift us, and build up our character to better serve him. Guilt and shame do not serve God and actually hidden good action; they are dis-empowering and only stagnate our service. The time has come and I now see that my life no longer has room for this. I am so filled with love for God that there is no room for hate, especially hatred of myself. I wish you all the best. You have been kind and supportive in dark times. I'm now choosing to walk a different path and I will pray for you. In the meantime, if you ever need encouragement, I am hear. If you would like to know more about the Baha'i Faith and what has brought about this change, you can visit www.bahai.org or just ask. Enjoy your journeys.


nafisto of dev/navis is "Finally on Holiday": So I'm sitting in a lounge in Terminal 1 of London's Heathrow airport right now ... my family (both my own immediate family and Shirin's parents and sister) are here on the first stop of our three week trip. In a few minutes we're leaving to go to Istanbul for a week and then it's off to Haifa, Israel for Baha'i pilgrimage. I'll hopefully have some more updates later, but just wanted to say that we'll be saying lots of prayers for all of our friends (except for those of you living in Haifa that we'll be seeing--you already have access to the Holy Places!). Stay tuned...

On Baha'i on Blogs: Mentions of the Baha'i Faith

Listening in to blog chatter using "Baha'i" as my keyword for my blog-search today using Intelliseek's BlogPulse, this is what I discovered.

Senzatema on LiveJournal: one of the girls actually declared tonight. it was completely amazing. i've never witnessed anything like it. so...normal, really. and yet really powerful. it's just amazing, like i said before.... it's been a long time since i was there for anything social or Baha'i-related. makes me a little nostalgic, actually....

Photo: never happens, a.k.a. paradox, "my own shadow with a stupid hat on," flickr
Paradox on Blogspot: relevant or not, through paradox, i went to this page. it's interesting that Baha'i has 7 m but Zoroasterianism has 2.6 m believers (both religions emerged in iran, although Zoroasterianism is way more ancient). actually a few months ago, i heard from a friend that her co-worker, being Quebecois, is converting to Baha'i as his wife (a Quebecoise) was believing in it since i-dunno-when. and they were planning on going on a sort of religious mission to Bosnia in summer. i was like: !!!???then this made me read more on it in internet... seems the Bahai's are actively spreading their belief round the globe !

Lynxlee on Blogspot: I found a Test of Religion. Anyone who is always wondering of religions should go there. They ask great questions. I apparently is referred to a religion of "Baha'i". Erm.. apparently a Persian Arabic ones.. Anyway, it's not entirely accurate as I don't know anything about religion or so on... Hey, it's better than believing there's no god, huh?

On How Baha'is are Perceived: Baha'is are Just...Different

Photo: "Corrine and Valerie" by iamsalad on flickr

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Angelfish of aquafantasy writes in her LiveJournal post that she likes to be around Baha'is.

Its really nice to have a bunch of friends who are Baha'is again. I can't really explain that any further, really. Baha'is are just... different. They aren't selfish like normal people, I guess. Not that most normal people are that bad, really. But still, when I meet a Baha'i, I know they're someone who will look out for me as best they can, someone I can rely on to be unselfish to the best of their capabilities. You really can't assign a value to friends like that.

On the Baha'is of Northern Virginia/DC: An Introduction From a Distance

Readers of this blog and my wife's blog Flitzy Phoebie, may be familiar with Jess, a dear soul who has expressed interest in the Baha'i Faith and has written about her study of it on her blog Rambles, Reviews and Rants. Jess has a Baha'i friend locally and will soon be accompanying that friend to meet other Baha'is there, if plans work out. ~~~ It is my impression that many people fall in love with the Faith through visiting online such websites as www.bahai.us, the official website of the Baha'is of the United States, but then find that making connection with local Baha'is and the local Baha'i community does not always go smoothly, as one recent LiveJournal post would indicate. ~~~ We may have one image in our minds reading bahai.org the official website of the international Baha'i Community, but another upon encountering a roomful of living, breathing Baha'is. Our preconcieved notions may not always be completely validated. In any case, it is worthy of great celebration when dear souls encounter the Faith, the recognize the station of Baha'u'llah and the truth of His teachings, and are able to enter into the community of believers that invoke His name and experience the true joys of Baha'i community life. ~~~ Jess and her family live in the Northern Virginia/DC area. My wife and I reside in Western Washington, the other Washington. I have never visited N VA/DC as a Baha'i, although I know there are dear Baha'is there. Today I've decided to try to get to know the area where Jess and her family live with a little help from the Internet, posting what I come across. So this post is for me, but also for Jess, my attempt to introduce her further to the Baha'is in her area from 3000 miles away. ~~~ If you are from the Northern Virginia/DC area and would like to comment on or add to the information provided here, such as it is, please do so. Or you can go to Jess' blog and do so there. Northern Virginia/D.C., say hello to Jess and her family!

Jess' baby, Ella Cerise (a.k.a Baby Beau)

"You're going to do what?!"

Well, one of the first things I notice as I search the Internet is that there is a great website for a Baha'i School in the area. I see that there are weekly classes into June.

There must be many well-trained teachers for Baha'i school in the area as many Baha'is there have had Core Curriculum training, as this picture of trainees from the summer of 2004 would indicate:



I see that the Baha'i Community of Washington DC has a spiffy website. They offer devotional meetings, study circles and childrens classes, and they have a Baha'i Center.









I know that Jess is a hairdresser.
She may find it of interest that there is a "Baha'i-owned hair salon and day spa offering a full range of services for all of humanity with the highest customer care" located in Alexandria, Virginia, according to an ad on The Baha'i Faith Index.

I count 10 Baha'i communities in Northern Virginia and Maryland in the immediate vicinity of DC. I note a website of a Baha'i artist, a watercolorist, who lives in Mount Vernon and has a studio in the Alexandria. I can't drop a picture of her work onto my blog here because of copyright, but images of breathtaking beauty is just a click away.

I note that the area is home to "a world-class Baha'i singing group," the Washington Metropolitan Bahá'í Chorale, according to its website. Baha'i gospel, the likes of which stirred the souls of the assembled thousands in at the the 2nd Bahá'í World Congress, held in New York City in November 1992, is much loved here.

There is a radio program "Payam-i-Doost" that airs on WUST 1120 AM in Falls Church, VA Sundays, 9:30 -10:30 a.m. according to the Baha'is of Mt Vernon website. I think it may be a Persian-language program.

Alexandria has its own website. There is a newsetter linked to it that serves Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax Co. East, Falls Church, Mount Vernon. BINGO! No the Baha'is in these communities don't offer bingo, the newsletter is full of up-to-date information -- BINGO!

"April Events: All events are open to the public. Please call ahead for directions," it reads. Here are the listings for the rest of April:

FIRST DAY OF RIDVÁN- Work is suspended on this Holy Day.
FRIENDLY FRIDAYS!
April 21, 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM
Alexandria Bahá'í Center, 5400 Eisenhower Ave., Alex.
What to bring: yourself, your family, your friends, songs,
poems, art, and your favorite food.
Call 703-751-8886 or email wpc09@hotmail.com
for more details.
ONE WORLD BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL in Falls Church
Sunday, April 23, 10:00 am - Ridván Celebration!
Falls Church High School, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church
BAHÁ’Í CHILDREN’S CLASSES for preschool to age 7 and a
Ruhi Book 1 study circle for Children 8 years old to 13.
DEVOTIONAL & DISCUSSION FOR ADULTS
is held at the same time. Everyone is welcome!

Sunday, April 23, 10:00-12:00 am
Alexandria Bahá'í Center, 5400B Eisenhower Ave., 703-548-0929
BOOK 6 STUDY CIRCLE in Arlington
Monday, April 24, 7:00 pm (Every Monday)
Varied locations - Contact Ciara Rhodes or Olya Vinnik
STUDY CIRCLE at the Alexandria Bahá'í Center
Ruhi Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Tuesday, April 25, 7:00 - 9:00 pm (Every Tuesday)
Alexandria Bahá'í Center, 5400B Eisenhower Ave.
Hosted by the Sadeghians. For information, e-mail
kjsadeghian@aol.com or phone 703-356-0925.
DEVOTIONS in Falls Church
Tuesday, April 25, 8:00 pm All are welcome.
at the Adriances', 703-241-7015.
DEVOTIONS and STUDY CIRCLE in Alexandria
Wednesday, April 26 (Every Wednesday)
Devotions: 6:45-7:15, Book 4 Study Circle: 7:15-9:00 pm
At Roya’s home, Alex. 703-627-3912.
RUSSIAN STUDY CIRCLE
Ruhi Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Wednesday, April 26, 7:00 pm (Every Wednesday)
Varied locations. For information, e-mail vinnik@american.edu or
phone 703-395-7644. Hosted by Olya Vinnik.
FRIENDLY FRIDAYS!
April 28, 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM
Alexandria Bahá'í Center, 5400 Eisenhower Ave., Alex.
What to bring: yourself, your family, your friends, songs.
Call 703-751-8886 or email wpc09@hotmail.com
for more details.
9th DAY OF RIDVÁN Celebrations
PICNIC IN ALEXANDRIA
Saturday, 29th April, 11 am-3 pm
Fort Ward Park, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alex. 22304
We've reserved the area just above the playground. Bring your picnic
lunch, a blanket, and enjoy time together. The Assembly will bring
the water, fruit and cookies. Those who love to share stories of our
rich Bahá’í history may bring some along!
CELEBRATION/POTLUCK DINNER IN FALLS CHURCH
Saturday, 29 April, starting at 5 pm
At the Adriances', 216 Great Falls St., 703-241-7015.
All are welcome.
ONE WORLD BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL in Falls Church
Sunday, April 30, 10:00 am
Falls Church High School, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church
BAHÁ’Í CHILDREN’S CLASSES for preschool to age 7 and a
Ruhi Book 1 study circle for Children 8 years old to 13.
DEVOTIONAL & DISCUSSION FOR ADULTS
is held at the same time. Everyone is welcome!
Sunday, April 30, 10:00-12:00 am
Alexandria Bahá'í Center, 5400B Eisenhower Ave., 703-548-0929

Events in May
12th DAY OF RIDVÁN PRAYERWALK & Lunchtime Picnic
Tuesday, 2nd May, 11 am
Meet at the Bahá’í Riverside Property in Maryland for a Holy Day
walk along the meditation trails and prayer stations. Bring your
lunch and we'll munch together while enjoying the most beautiful
river view!
Directions: Just after crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge into
Maryland, head south on Indian Head Hwy (Rt. 210). After 3.5+
miles or about the 5th light, turn right onto Ft. Washington Road. At
the second light, turn right onto Riverview Road. Turn right into the
property at 11111 Riverview Road 200 yards after Riverview Road
makes a hard turn to the left. There's a lone black mailbox among
trees and a field. Call Steve for help at 703-201-3790.

Here is how to get the newsletter regularly:

This Bahá’í Newsletter is specially prepared and mailed to those who have either expressed an interest in learning more about the Bahá’í Faith, have attended Bahá’í functions, or have been suggested by Bahá’í members. If you wish to communicate further with Bahá’ís, to find out about other events, or to change your receipt of this newsletter, please call 703-548-0929.

And finally, there is a website provided by CapitolAreaBahais.org that provides email addresses for the following Baha'i communities: Alexandria VA, Arlington VA, Berwyn Heights MD, College Park MD, Fairfax East VA, Falls Church VA, Montgonery County SE MD, Mount Vernon MD, Prince Georges County South MD, and Takoma Park MD.

So, there you have it, Jess -- and world! There is a lot more I could come up with about the Baha'is of Northern Virginia/DC, but I will call this good for now. But one more picture, from the DC Youth Congress 2005, taken by Ryan, who specializes in "capturing real glimpses of people" and "catching and portraying joyous moments," per his profile on flickr. Ryan's cutline: "Nasim and Derick began a little salsa (more or less) demonstration after Nevin's workshop."

On Blog Personal Profiles: I Am a Baha'i

I am facinated by the personal profiles Baha'is put together for their blogs. P FOB's latest and only blog entry is on the persecution of Baha'is in Iran. Below is her "About Me". (Before you click on you might want to turn off your speakers tho.)

I appreciate my friends. I enjoy nature but prefer the grit and grime of cities, and the energy they have. I like smelling good. If you put a mustache on me I look like my dad, scary? Yes, a little. I am family oriented. I am a worry wort but, oddly enough, very relaxed at the same time. I can be sarcastic. I hate it when people call "shot-gun" before getting into a car, not because I want the front seat, but because it's stupid. Sunny days make me really happy. I wish I spoke Farci fluently. I am a Baha'i. I love a good cup of tea. I am sick of the cowboy boots look, and don't understand why girls where Uggs with mini skirts; if it's warm enough to wear a mini you don't need warm fuzzy boots. I don't like anything that says: "princess", "diva", "angel", "hottie" etc. I listen to music practically every minute of every day. I love sleeping in, especially if I have a down comforter. I hate hair in drains, makes me gag. I don't agree with men blasting techno from supped up vehicles. I like to read the fine print in CD sleeves (yes, I still buy CDs), production etc interests me.I find society and pop culture interesting. SF and NYC are my favorite U.S. cities. Like most, I want to save the world but don't know how. I admire people with artistic talent and creativity. I tend to stay clear of superficial people. I make people laugh. I've never seen or read Harry Potter. I like gaudy things. Fat animals and babies will probably bring a tear to my eye. I love good mexican food (the east coast just doesn't know!). My looks are sometimes deceiving. I like speaking French and Spanish, as well as Frenglish and Spanglish. People tend to remember me because of my earrings. I like talking. I like diverse groups of people. I believe in the will of God. I think humility is an important virtue. I like most people. I have a driver's license, but no insurance and no car, MUNI baby! I am doing this to procrastinate, and will probably add something the next time I want to procrastinate. Por favor, do not adress me as "ma" or "gurl". Also, no invites to parties with flyers containing images of scantily-clad mujeres. Merci.

On Bolivian Baha'is: Photographic Treasures from Steve Pulley

"Andrés Jachakollo, Melitón Gallardo, and I visiting a family in Rumiral, Bolivia, November 1968." - Steve Pulley

When I was studying the Faith back in the late '60's before becoming a Baha'i, I was so surprised and impressed that there was Baha'i activity in countries of the world like Vietnam and Bolivia. There was a war raging in Vietnam at that time, of course, and yet the teaching work there was so incredible vigorous. As for Bolivia, I was moved to learn of the large numbers of descendants of the Incas who had become members of the Baha'i Faith. The appeal of the Faith to the indigenous peoples of the world is one of the proofs of Baha'u'llah's revelation in my book. Here are some photos of Bolivian Baha'is recently posted by Steve Pulley on flickr.

"Luciano Negrete, a Baha'i from Yuraj Khasa, Bolivia. He was an inspiring soul to be around. Photo taken in 1968." - Steve Pulley

















"One of the great Aymara indigenous Baha'i travel teachers of Bolivia, an angel in the flesh, and a wonderful song writer. His home in Huaylloma was 14,000 ft. above sea level." - Steve Pulley

On Papua New Guinea: Home to Thousands of Baha'is

What do Baha'is look like? Where do Baha'is live? These are trick questions. Baha'is look like the people of the world, because the world is where they live.

With my key word "Baha'i," my search engine took me to Papua New Guinea this morning. Well, not exactly the country, but an official website for the country. One does not expect to find a concisely written and accurate description of the Baha'i Faith on a embassy website, but there it is. As it is as good an introduction to the Faith as any on the Internet, I include this for readers of Baha'i Views, with thanks to the Embassy of the Americas for Papua New Guinea in Washington, D.C.

More than 40 years ago the first Papua New Guineans became followers of Baha'u'llah, the Prophet Founder of the Baha'i Faith. Baha'is respect all religions and honour the Divine Messengers Who founded each of them. They believe that there is only one God and that God creates all peoples, so everyone is really one human family. God has sent Divine Messengers or Teachers to different parts of the world from time to time to guide the people to know and worship God. The knowledge of all of these Teachers came from God, so the foundation of all the world's religions is only one.

These three onenesses - that there is only one God; that all people are one Human family; and that all the religions are one, the religion of God - are the three main teachings brought by Baha'u'llah to the world today. He states that:

"The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established."

In Papua New Guinea there are now more than 35,000 Baha'is, living in all provinces and representing every strata of society. In their local communities Baha'is work together in a spirit of co-operation and consultation to improve the spiritual, social and economic development of their communities. For example, the Baha'is in Papua New Guinea are working together with the National Literacy Awareness Secretariat to establish and support adult literacy and tok ples pre-schools with the aim to promote universal education. Special emphasis is put on the moral education of children and youth and the development of women.

On a larger scale, Baha'is are loyal to the government of the country and also support the aims of the United Nations. The Baha'i International Community is a recognised non-governmental organization at the United Nations, with consultative status in the Economic and Social Council.

"Country Profile: Religion," Website of the Embassy of Papua New Guinea

Some members of the Pupua New Guinea Baha'i community

A special responsibility must rest upon the believers in Papua New Guinea, constituting the largest body of Baha'is in Australasia, to strive unceasingly to build a vibrant community which embraces all strata of society and which is renowned as a dynamic and enlightened segment of their nation.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE, "Ridván 153 letter, To the Followers of Baha'u'llah in Australia, the Cook Islands, the Eastern Caroline Islands, the Fiji Islands, French Polynesia, the Hawaiian Islands, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Korea, the Mariana Islands, the Marshall Islands, new Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and the Western Caroline Islands"

On the Baha'i Adminstrative Order: Unlike Any Systems of Human Government

Isn't it amazing how the Iran has emerged front and center once again on the world stage of media attention. Isn't it amazing that, although the persecution of the Baha's in Iran is increasing, so is the media attention on the Baha'i Faith. As the world turmoil increases to a fever pitch, so does the work of the Baha'is in promoting the growth and development of their clusters and in seizing the opportunities for expansion of the Faith.

Neither have the opponents of the Faith in Iran been successful "in achieving their malevalent purpose" of eradicating the Faith there, "Nor have the enemies who, at the hour of the inception of this Administrative Order,...both in the East and in the West, from within and from without, misrepresented its character, or derided and vilified it, or striven to arrest its march, or contrived to create a breach in the ranks of its supporters, succeeded in achieving their malevolent purpose (GPB, p.327)." The Baha'i Faith is unique in the history of the world, as is its Administrative Order, as Shoghi Effendi pointed out in 1944 with this passage:

Photo by hovhaness on flickr
The Administrative Order...is, by virtue of its origin and character, unique in the annals of the world’s religious systems. No Prophet before Bahá’u’lláh, it can be confidently asserted, not even Muhammad Whose Book clearly lays down the laws and ordinances of the Islamic Dispensation, has established, authoritatively and in writing, anything comparable to the Administrative Order which the authorized Interpreter of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings has instituted, an Order which, by virtue of the administrative principles which its Author has formulated, the institutions He has established, and the right of interpretation with which He has invested its Guardian, must and will, in a manner unparalleled in any previous religion, safeguard from schism the Faith from which it has sprung. Nor is the principle governing its operation similar to that which underlies any system, whether theocratic or otherwise, which the minds of men have devised for the government of human institutions. Neither in theory nor in practice can the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh be said to conform to any type of democratic government, to any system of autocracy, to any purely aristocratic order, or to any of the various theocracies, whether Jewish, Christian or Islamic which mankind has witnessed in the past. It incorporates within its structure certain elements which are to be found in each of the three recognized forms of secular government, is devoid of the defects which each of them inherently possesses, and blends the salutary truths which each undoubtedly contains without vitiating in any way the integrity of the Divine verities on which it is essentially founded. The hereditary authority which the Guardian of the Administrative Order is called upon to exercise, and the right of the interpretation of the Holy Writ solely conferred upon him; the powers and prerogatives of the Universal House of Justice, possessing the exclusive right to legislate on matters not explicitly revealed in the Most Holy Book; the ordinance exempting its members from any responsibility to those whom they represent, and from the obligation to conform to their views, convictions or sentiments; the specific provisions requiring the free and democratic election by the mass of the faithful of the Body that constitutes the sole legislative organ in the world-wide Bahá’í community—these are among the features which combine to set apart the Order identified with the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh from any of the existing systems of human government.

Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, pp. 336-337

On flickr: Through the Eyes of Baha'is

"Baha'is" is an 134-member identified group on flickr, the photo-sharing phenom on the Internet, "open to Baha'is and those who wish to learn more about the Baha'i Faith." The following quote is used to further define the motivation behind the formation of the group:

"Although now is only the very beginning of Bahá'í art, yet the friends who feel they are gifted in such matters should endeavour to develop and cultivate their gifts and through their works to reflect, however inadequately, the Divine Spirit which Bahá'u'lláh [founder of the Baha'i Faith] has breathed into the world. (Shoghi Effendi, 4 November 1937)"

Brian Tribble's photo with the caption "Mrs. Sabet & Co. trying to decide on which earrings to buy in the shop of a Baha'i in Mwenge Market" is a reflection of the daily experience of this 22 year-old youth from Little Rock, Arkansas, doing his Baha'i year-of-service in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Africa. Other photo sets include "Dodoma," "Naw Ruz 2006," and "London," besides his Dar es Salaam set. He has a detailed blog, I Gave Up on Hate, that provides detail about this photo:

This afternoon, we went to Mwenge Market, which was my first trip to an African market. The shops at this particular market seem to specialize in wood items. In fact, some of the artisans were gathered under makeshift tents carving their wares right in front of us. You could find just about anything made out of wood that you wanted. Necklaces, earrings, eating utensils, bowls, small statues, fragile statues, massive statues, huge boxes, chess boards and pieces, etc. Most of the pieces were carved out of mpingo, which is African blackwood, and done in the style of the Makonde tribe in southern Tanzania and Mozambique. It's what mzungus like me are looking for. =P

Jay's "Bahai-men-SC4" shot of a Ruhi Study Circle in Austin, Texas, is one of his latest posted photos. Jay's work has been featured before on Baha'i Views. Jay has other artwork pictured at his flickr site. He has a Live Journal blog, too, which also carries this photo with explanation:

Sunday mornings I'm part of a 'mens' study circle. We spend about 90 minutes studying the Baha'i Writings, then go out and do something 'manly' (haha). So far this has meant hiking and a fairly new 'sport' called 'geocaching.' Future plans include mountain biking and camping. One guy is serious about wanting to go deer hunting, but that has turned into more of a running joke about machismo run amok.

I anticipate drawing more from the rich material of the Baha'is group on flickr.

On Ruhi and Iran: More from Baha'i Blogs

Karina on MySpace loves Ruhi:

If you've never heard of Ruhi, it's a series of courses that uses quotes from the Baha'i Writings to explore topics such as life after death, the nature of the soul, prayer, crisis and victory, service, the moral and spiritual education of children, and many many others. People of all ages and backgrounds get together on a regular basis to complete these courses, and from these communities grow AMAZING initiatives. I thought I'd heard of Ruhi, and honestly was initially not a fan. But the action and service it's inspiring in communities around the world is one of the most beautiful things I've witnessed. Wherever in the world you live, there's a Ruhi circle going on close to you. Google your local Baha'is (or message me) and check it out.

Leah of leah.bloghi wants everyone to know about the persecution of Baha'is in Iran and that "hating the haters" doesn't work:

I went to a Baha'i community gathering last night and from there I heard about some media articles regarding the situation in Iran. The country is largely Muslim and as a result of their current government there have been some recent media attacks against Baha'is in Iran. I know people in any community around the world are flawed; nobody's perfect. That doesn't mean there is any need to hate any community of people in the world, regardless of their religious background. Even the select few Muslims that are causing these problems for Baha'is in Iran do not deserve to be hated. "Hating the haters" doesn't solve any problems.The Baha'i community is very warm and welcoming. They have organized their religion around the world to the best of their ability to reduce hatred, division, prejudice, and so on in their teachings. The people I've met through this community have helped me avoid many problematic temptations of Western society. There are five million Baha'is around the world but they are one of the fastest growing religions. They believe in world peace and unifying all religions so that conflicts such as the one I've mentioned above will dissipate. I hope people from Western societies from any religious background will become aware of the Baha'i faith, so that they have a greater capacity to help Baha'is.

Mae on Live Journal exclaims that this is Ruhi Tuesday:

Ruhi is this Tuesday. The discussion of spiritual matters will be accompanied by tea and some form of refreshment. We will use the workbook as a source of topics, questions, and a chance to examine the Baha'i writings. How much we rely on it is up to you. Please bring your insights, burning questions, and your crazy-wonderful selves, and thanks for the suggestions and continued interest!We will start at 3 pm, and discuss further scheduling at the meeting. Hope to see you there!

On Use of the Internet: Guidance from the Universal House of Justice

Calligraphy for the Universal House of Justice:

Art Sacred

The outpouring of postings by Baha'i bloggers is incredible these days. The number of new Baha'i personal blogs to peruse is also awe-inspiring, the number certainly growing geometrically. It is as if this technology which makes blogs possible is ready-made for this incredible and awe-inspiring phase in the history of of our Faith for which we have the bounty of being a witness. Baha'i bloggers, to the extent they reflect the teachings and standards of the Faith, further propel the Faith forward.

I was reminded today, as I did a quick blog-search, that there is no way I can keep up with every mention of the Faith on the Internet. Yippeee! Wooohoooo! Imagine what it will be like next month, next year, in five years, or by the anniversary year of 2021!

It seems fitting to recall the words regarding use of the Internet that were written on behalf of our beloved Universal House of Justice more than a decade ago when the Internet was being used by far fewer in this world.

The opportunity which electronic communica­tion technology provides for more speedy and thorough consultation among the friends is highly significant. Without doubt, it represents another manifestation of a development ea­gerly anticipated by the Guardian when he foresaw the creation of "a mechanism of world intercommunication ... embracing the whole planet, freed from national hindrances and re­strictions, and functioning with marvellous swiftness and perfect regularity".

As you well appreciate, the extent to which such technology advances the work of the Faith depends, of course, on the manner in which it is used. As a medium for Baha’is to exchange views, it imposes on participants the same requirements of moderation, candour, and courtesy as would be the case in any other discussion. Likewise, those involved should avoid belittling the views of one another. In this regard, the House of Justice has noted your understandable repugnance at an ap­parent temptation to use misleading and invidious labels like "traditionalists" and "liberals", which divide the Baha’i community. To the extent that this divisive habit of mind may persist in the Baha’i community, it is obviously a carry-over from non-Baha’i society and a manifestation of an immature conception of life. If Baha’is were to persist in this mode of thinking, It would bring to naught even the most worthwhile intellectual en­deavour, as has so conspicuously been the case with societies of the past.

Most important of all, as with any exploration by Baha’is of the beliefs and practices of their Faith electronic discussion will serve the inter­ests of the Cause and its members only as it is conducted within the framework of the Baha’i Teachings and the truths they enshrine. To at­tempt to discuss the Cause of God apart from or with disdain for the authoritative guidance inher­ent in these Teachings would clearly be a logical contradiction. To take the first point mentioned in your letter, it is obvious that seeking to impose limits on the universality of the authority of God's Manifestation would lead to the frustration of serious scholarly work and generate disharmony within an effort whose success depends precisely upon a spirit of unity and mutual trust. The stand­ard is the one made clear by Baha’u’llah Himself.

The essence of belief in Divine unity consisteth in regarding Him Who is the Manifestation of God and Him Who is the invisible, the inacces­sible, the unknowable Essence as one and the same. By this is meant that whatsoever pertaineth to the former, all His acts and doings, whatever He ordaineth or forbiddeth, should be considered, in all their aspects, and under all circumstances, and without any reservation, as identical with the Will of God Himself.

...The ease and relative impersonality of the electronic medium require in some ways an even higher level of self-discipline than is the case in situations where a spirit of unity is reinforced by the opportunity for direct personal contact and social interaction. In the pursuit of such a spirit of unity, Baha’is will, without doubt, wish to assist the consultative processes by sharing and discuss­ing relevant Baha’i texts. This will itself have the further effect of drawing attention back to the framework of Baha’i belief.

Extracts from Letters written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, "Issues Related to the Study of the Baha'i Faith," published as a supplement to the May 1998 issue of Baha’i Canada by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Canada

On Personal Ethics: A Personal Statement by a 2nd Generation Baha'i

Jeff on The Life of Jeff, Kind Of, offers "Some insight into who I am and what I believe" in a recent posting. Jeff is second-generation Baha'i. How easy is it to raise a child to follow in the footsteps of his parents spiritually? Not that easy, I would suggest. Is Jeff "messed up in the head," as he jocularly asserts to his regular readers on Xanga? I think not. Kudos to his parents. More kudos to Jeff.

So for my Personal Ethics class, my professor handed out a really compelling questionare that we had to fill out so he could get some better insight into what we believe and why. I figured since I'm sharing it with him, I might as well share with you guys too, you know, so you can understand why I'm so messed up in the head. Isn't that nice of me?

-On what key beliefs (or truths) do you base your life?
Religiously, I was born and raised a Bahai and I firmly believe in my faith. At the same time, my parents raised me to be both morally conservative and socially responsible.

-Do you believe in God or an Ultimate Reality? What is that reality?
Yes I do believe in God. As for the how to define the ultimate reality, Ive never really concerned myself with that because I doubt that having any kind of insight on that would change the way I live my life.

Image: The Voyages of the Crimson Ark, Rob Hain 1991
The painting represents two states of being; death and life. The closed triptych depicts the disintegration of a room, which should be seen as the corporeal body. This is the soul in its caged, earthly existence.

-What is the purpose of life?
I believe that our physical lives can be compared to a mothers womb. Just as the mothers womb allows us to develop all the physical faculties we need to survive and interact with the physical world, our lives, the experiences we have, and the things we learn help us to develop the spiritual faculties well need to survive and interact with the next life.

-What do you think of death? What is it? What, if anything, continues after death?
I believe that all death is is the soul leaving the physical body. While the soul doesnt need the body to survive, the body needs the soul to survive, so as soon as it leaves us permanently, our bodies cease to function and our souls move on to the next world, the spiritual world.

-Why is there suffering?
There is suffering for two reasons. One reason is that it is part of life and it is meant to be there to help us grow and develop. The other reason there is suffering is because of the choices we make as human beings. When we make unhealthy choices, we cause ourselves and others to suffer. As a result, its very important to be as careful as possible to think and behave in such a manner to alleviate suffering as much as possible.

-Why is there evil? What is its cause?
There is no evil, there is only the absence of goodness. Think of goodness as a light and evil as the shadow. Light exists, it can move and radiate and spread, but it is physically impossible for darkness to radiate and spread. The only reason there is ever darkness is because there is a lack of light or something is blocking that light.

-Some people think that personal relationships interfere with spiritual growth. What do you think?
The people in our lives are there to make us spiritually stronger through our interactions with them. The only thing that hinders our spiritual growth is the choices we make personally. Sure, people can influence us, but in the end, were the ones who chose to act so we only have ourselves to blame.

Image: The Voyages of the Crimson Ark, Rob Hain 1991
The opened triptych reveals the Crimson Ark; a modern day Garden of Heavenly Delights. The images are all symbolic and taken entirely from the imagination. The soul has moved from its static world of the physical, to the free, moving world of the metaphysical. Inspired by Italian Pre-Renaissance painters and religious icons, there is a childlike naive innocence I wanted to convey.
-Do all religions lead to the same place?
Yup. Were all heading in the same direction whether we like it or not.

-What is most important to you?
Loving and helping others.

-Why are you doing what you are doing?
I do what I do because I love this world and the people in it. I try to not live my life for me, but rather, for the people in my life. Its not always easy, because there are times when I want to be selfish, very selfish, but I have found time and time again that whenever I act with selfish intentions, I cause more harm than good.

-What is the highest ideal a person can reach? How is this ideal attained?
I dont know, everyone has their own goals in life, their own ideals, and what they believe is desirable, so who am I to say whats ideal for everyone? I do however believe that the best way to obtain your ideal, once you have decided what it is, is to devote yourself tenaciously to what you believe is the best path towards reaching that ideal.

-What do you feel is something life still has to teach you?
Patience. Patience. Patience.

Jeff, "Some insight into who I am and what I believe," The Life of Jeff, Kind Of

On Baha'i Bloggers: Astonishingly Ordinary People of Faith

Katherine, recently featured here, famous on Live Journal, is now on Blogspot, too. "This is the blog I use specifically for my Baha'i-related pontifications. They're not anything official, so don't go quoting me as some sort of expert. I'm just an astonishingly ordinary person of faith who eats a lot of green chile, attends a vocational college, and thinks too much in her spare time." Read her latest post.

YES.
I can see it coming.
YES.
We are rehearsing for a golden age.
YES.
I can hear the choir, one voice falling into tune, another finding the chord from it, learning the melody, learning the beat, until someday the whole world raises its hands up in praise and proclaims to the glory of God:
YES

Katherine, "Saying Yes: thoughts on singing and life," A Thousand Paper Craniums

On New Baha'i Blogs: Vibrant Dronfield Baha'is

David Menham of Dronfield Baha'is emails his greetings: "Well it seems that we are well connected. Come and visit your brothers and sisters in Dronfield." The blog he wants us to visit carries the following description:

These pages have been put together for anyone who is interested in finding out more about the life, work and interests of the Baha'i Community. It is organised by the Dronfield Baha'is in North East Derbyshire, England. This small but vibrant community is just one of many such communities which have been established throughout the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.

Here is an excerpt from a current post further explaining the format for their community blog:

For the last 160 years Bahá'ís have been working to break down barriers of prejudice between people. They believe that there will be lasting world peace only when major injustices such as racism, gender inequality, and poverty are resolved through the work of governments, civil society and individuals. Bahá’ís worldwide are fully committed to this work, but they are not pacifists and they take no sides in the political controversies of the day. Our views are therefore strictly a-political as demonstrated in the way we approach community affairs. Keep a watch on the 'Dronfield Skyline' and judge for yourself.

Bahá’ís believe that the world religions and faith communities also have an important part to play in bringing peace to the world. Religious conflict is one of the most deadly threats to peace. See the 'Global Dialogue' page.

Bahá'u'lláh taught that all the great religions come from one divine source. They are parts of a single historical process taking humankind from its beginnings to the global civilization that Bahá’ís believe to be an inevitable development in human life. Peter Gardner sums this up in his short summary of the lives of the Ba'b and Baha'u'llah on the 'Global Viewpoint' page.

Photo: One of the Dronfield Baha'is recently traveled to Nepal to visit the Baha'is there and help in the development of the Abha English School.

Bahá’ís work in practical ways to express their faith. Bahá’í social & economic development projects around the world include primary and secondary schools, village literacy projects, grassroots agricultural development projects, healthcare, and the development of village democracy. These projects are always open to everyone, whether Bahá’í or not. Take a look at the 'Travel Report' page to get an inside view on this.

David Menham, "Background Information," Dronfield Baha'is

On Teaching the Baha'i Faith: A Privilege So Priceless

This is a personal blog, but it's not a blog where I share much that is personal. My primary focus here is in pointing out what others are saying or what the Writings have to say that strikes me as pithy or moving or for some reason seems timely and worth sharing.

Two weeks ago I breathlessly announced that I was henceforth not going to be posting until April 10th, because I would be devoting my energies to the two-week intensive teaching campaign of our cluster. Well, as you can see from the posts I've made since March 28th, intensive or no intensive, I can't resist blogging. It's "like breathing out and breathing in," to quote a certain timeless song lyric.

This is April 10th. The intensive is indeed over, although there is wonderful follow-up work ahead. For Baha'is, the Intensive Programme of Growth goes on...forever.

Two new books on teaching the Baha'i Faith

Polin and I were thrilled to witness hearing a dear Cambodian member of the Baha'i community here commit to having regular in-home Baha'i devotions to which friends and neighbors could come. We were delighted to hear the consultation between a grandpa and his granddaughter about what day and time would be best to start weekly Baha'i children's classes in their home to which the children in the next unit of this mostly Cambodian apartment complex could come. In this new era, inspired by the Institute process, Baha'is go into the homes--to the grassroots level--for our devotions, children's classes, and study circles.

What wonderful Baha'i "firesides," informal Baha'i home-gatherings for teaching the Faith, were held during the intensive campaign. How inspired was the teaching by the likes of Pattabi and Dale. What gems were discovered! Welcome to the Faith of Baha'u'llah, Angela! There are others right behind you.

On Baha'i Campus Organizations: EriQ Tells Story of U of A Baha'is' 50th Anniversary with Photo

EriQ has up on flicr this photo celebrating the University of Arizona Baha'i Association's 50th Year as a recognized student organization. Go to his flickr site and enjoy more photos from this prolific (2261 shots in his archive) and skilled photog, including his "Coffeehouz Open Mic night, 3/31," "MLK Day 2006," "Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference 2005," and "Bahá’í Association Dinner" collections. Here are his profiles, the first from flickr and the second from MySpace where he talks about his love of hip hop:

I like to take pictures. Those who are close to me know that I always have my camera with me, and I take pictures of everything I do. I suck at keeping a written journal; I don't have the commitment to stick with it, so it eventually becomes neglected and forgotten. My pictures serve as a journal of sorts. The images tell a story. Welcome to my life.

EriQ, "Profile," flickr

"...Everyone's connected/ What we do makes a difference..." I really believe that each person has it within themselves to move the world. When I really get down to it, that's why I love music, and that's why I do it. Every time I put pen to paper is a chance for me to paint the words that could open someone's mind and really make them think. Every time I touch the mic is another opportunity to touch someone's heart and soul. Thought leads to action, and if I can be a part of the process that inspires positive thought and action, then it is all worth it.

"We've been together/ For such a long time now/ Music/ Music and me..." I've had a love thing with Hip-Hop for as long as I can remember. I remember playing old Hip-Hop 45s on my little portable Fisher Price turntable. I must have been six or seven. I first picked up a mic at the age of 13, when my friends got together one afternoon playing at the idea of being a "rap group". We called ourselves High Voltage or something outlandish like that. My sophomore year in high school, I was in a crew called Definition of Smooth. I remember hanging out in my friend's garage, where we would turn our cassette singles over to the B-side to rhyme over the instrumental. DOS was short-lived, and though my friends eventually passed their "rap phase" I stuck with it. In my junior year of high school I recorded some songs on an old 4 track and sold my tapes at school. I was getting somewhere with my art, but what the music lacked was purpose. I found purpose at 17 when I became a member of Eternal Flame Baha'i Youth Workshop. The idea of performing and having another avenue to express my art is what initially attracted me, but through the workshop I became a Baha'i and discovered a world that I did not know was there. I was inspired, and so was music right along with me. Diversoul Descendants was formed as a group of talented Baha'i eMCees. We rocked Arizona for a number of years, bringing skills and a positive message. It was an incredible experience to be a part of that.

EriQ, "About Me," MySpace

On Baha'i Songs and Bloggers: Singing at Feast

The enthusiasm of lunaesia's three consecutive Live Journal postings on singing at an Albuquerque area Baha'i Feast makes me want to burst out singing as well.
lunaesia's LJ pic
In about two hours, we will get up onstage, sing out any remaining sanity, and have a great time.

And in, oh, two hours and 10 minutes I will be singing. A SOLO.

I don't think I've ever had a solo in my life. At least, not vocal. Cello solos were slightly less terrifying (probably because I played for 9 years, and to this day I have no formal voice training). And I still need to make sure I remember the WORDS.

lunaesia, "In about 2 hours, my choir will be performing at the Feast of Glory," Live Journal

We sang. My solo didn't suck too terribly. It wasn't very good, though.

I get a second chance tomorrow.

I'm not sure if this last fact should excite me or cause me to crawl under a cactus somewhere.

I'm full of thoughts and thoughts and thoughts.

On singing. On religion. On yesness. A lot of things.

lunaesia, "A Post-Feast update, " Live Journal

We sang this one tonight, and we'll sing it again tommorow. I really think it's my favorite. Others are more enjoyable to sing (like the What a Mighty God/The Spirit of the Lord/We Have Come to Sing Praises/Send Your Spirit Down medley, which is honestly the most jump-around FUN I've had since preschool), and others make me smile more (the fact that Eric rewrote the lyrics to a Chaka Kahn song gives me giggles at the oddest moments), but this one is still my favorite. It's a more comforting song. It calms me, rather than exciting. And it makes me think of spring. I wish it would rain.

Photo: Ottawa Baha'is singing
But anyway, I'm going to write out the chorus parts. There are verses in the middle, but I don't remember them. This song is based off a part of the Prayer for the Southern States, written by `Abdu'l-Baha in 1917 for the Baha'is in the American South.

Holy Spirit, rain down on me
I want to feel Your Presence surround me
Shower upon me Thy confirmation
Through the spirit of faith bring regeneration

You change a gnat into an eagle
A drop of water into rivers and seas
An atom into lights and suns
Holy Spirit, keep renewing me

Holy holy holy holy Spirit

lunaesia, "I really love this song," Live Journal