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Joyous Ridván
2007-04-20 22:51:00
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 ...

What is a study circle?
2007-04-15 07:02:00
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 ...
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Divine perfection is infinite
2007-03-31 09:20:00
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
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A trip to the Berg
2007-03-26 00:18:00
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 ph otos 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 ther...
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Naw Rúz greetings from South Africa
2007-03-20 22:40:00
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 TheeBahá'u'lláh, Prayers and Meditations by Bahá'u'lláh, p. 67Naw-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. 553It 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 ...
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Bahá'í pages of interest
2007-03-18 22:30:00
1. Bahá'í Faith Index - over 3000 links to all things Bahá'í2. Bahá'í Internet Services3. The most comprehensive list of Academic Bahá'í Schools and Tertiary Institutions
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Mankind's twin duties
2007-03-14 18:20:00
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 command...
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Bahá'u'lláh - Bound with Chains
2007-03-08 23:51:00
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. 99You 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.
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All are dependent upon the Divine Bounty
2007-03-04 20:35:00
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
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The Bahá'í Fast begins
2007-03-01 21:25:00
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. Fast ing 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 o...

Baha'i Writings - delivered to your inbox each day
2007-02-26 20:25:00
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.
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Stars of understanding
2007-02-23 20:43:00
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) 
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Bahá'í Glossary
2007-02-23 20:40:00
Like every other group, Bahá'ís use some terms that may not be familiar to everyone. Here's a glossary to help you.
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The purpose of God's Prophets
2007-02-19 20:25:00
God's purpose in sending His Prop hets 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
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Unity in the family
2007-02-19 19:45:00
... 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 
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Pilgrimage photos
2007-02-13 01:35:00
I've finally managed to sort some of my p hotos and put them up for viewing. They c an be found here. Just click on the Shrin e to get to the album.
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Holy war is finally abolished
2007-02-12 18:33:00
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
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The Bahá'í Faith - mystic in character
2007-02-01 21:40:00
....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 organi...
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The Pilgrim returns
2007-01-25 16:27:02
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'ísBelow: Two views of the Shrine of the Báb
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Summer School in Natal - weaving the fabric of the New World
2007-01-01 16:07:01
I've just come back from our Summer school in Nata l. 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 w...
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Women and Peace
2006-12-31 04:05:03
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. 133The 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. 374The emancipation of women, the achievement of full equality between the sexes, is one of the most important, though less acknowl...
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Bahá'í Podcasts
2006-12-31 04:05:03
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 Pod cast weblogEmerald Coast Baha'i Podcast RSS feedTo download a podcast, you will need podcast receiving software. I use Juice which is easy to use and free.
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Is there any way the world can live in peace?
2006-12-22 09:57:01
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 wh...
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Egypt's Bahá'í Case: THE REAL ISSUES AND FACTS
2006-12-18 09:53:03
It should be understood precisely what is at issue in this case. Egypt ian 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 ca...
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World's Bahá'í connect with past in Israel
2006-12-18 09:53:03
I've just come across this article from November 27 on the Reuters website about Bahá'í pilgrimage.
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Egyptian court rules against Bahá'ís, upholding government p
2006-12-17 09:52:01
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.
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Bahá'í video presentations
2006-12-10 03:46:05
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.
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Bahá'í Prayers website
2006-12-02 15:40:13
Sponsored by the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Shoreline, Washington (USA) the Bahá'í Prayer s 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.
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Ponder and reflect
2006-12-02 15:40:13
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. 103How 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...
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Majesty, Grandeur and Loving Kindness
2006-12-02 15:40:13
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 peopleThe Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh, Arabic #65
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