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Acquiring Virtues and Developing Character?
Becoming A Brilliant Star Character Development Why Should We Acquire Virtues And Develop Our Character? The Purpose And Aim Of The Manifestation Of God Is Character Development 1. The purpose of the one true God in manifesting Himself is to summon all mankind to truthfulness and sincerity, to piety and trustworthiness, to resignation and submissiveness to the Will of God, to forbearance and kindliness, to uprightness and wisdom. His object is to array every man with the mantle of a saintly character, and to adorn him with the ornament of holy and goodly deeds. Bahá'u'lláh: Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u’lláh, p. 299 2. 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. From the dawning-place of the divine Tablet the day-star of this utterance shineth resplendent, and it behoveth everyone to fix his gaze upon it: We exhort you, O peoples of the world, to observe that which will elevate your station. Hold fast to the fear of God and firmly adhere to what is right. Verily I say, the tongue is for mentioning what is good, defile it not with unseemly talk. God hath forgiven what is past. Henceforward everyone should utter that which is meet and seemly, and should refrain from slander, abuse and whatever causeth sadness in men. -
The ADVENT of DIVINE JUSTICE – OVERVIEW: from 1844 to World War II
The ADVENT of DIVINE JUSTICE – OVERVIEW: from 1844 to World War II Dawnbreakers, war, North America and related writings from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for groups, read aloud: 1945: end of World War II the title block above, then the angled Dawnbreakers Dec. 1941: the US enters World War II after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor line from bottom up, then Sep. 1939: WWII begins with the invasion of Poland by Germany, Canada enters WWII the timeline from bottom Dec. 1938: Shoghi Effendi’s Advent of Divine Justice to North American Bahá’ís in the months before WWII up, then the green text Jan. 1922: Shoghi Effendi appointed Guardian In 1938, Shoghi Effendi, anticipating war, adapted themes from ‘Abdu’l–Bahá’s Secret of Divine Civilization and Tablets of the Nov. 1921: Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Divine Plan for The Advent of Divine Justice to prepare the North Nov. 1918: end of World War I American Bahá’ís for the “appointed time”. Apr. 1917: US declares war on Germany “…from age to age, the temple of existence has continually been Mar. 1916–Mar. 17: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets of the Divine Plan embellished with a fresh grace, and distinguished with an ever- varying splendor… in this present age, godlike impulses may guides North American Bahá’ís to teach peace and oneness; radiate from the conscience of mankind… We must…promote the advocates pioneering, steadfastness, purity, detachment peace and well-being and happiness, the knowledge, culture and Aug. 1914: Canada enters WWI industry, the dignity, value and station, of the entire human race.” Jul. -
Some Aspects of Bahá'í Ethics
The 20th Hasan M. Balyuzi Memorial Lecture Some Aspects of Bahá’í Ethics UDO SCHAEFER I am really overwhelmed and deeply touched by your warm-hearted wel- come and introduction. It is an unexpected, great honor to have been cho- sen by the Association to present the Hasan M. Balyuzi Memorial Lecture. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude and that of my wife for this invitation. The material that I am presenting—some aspects of Bahá’í ethics—is taken from the draft of a forthcoming book, Bahá’í Ethics in Light of Scripture.1 A systematic presentation of the new standard of values is, as I feel, not only timely, it is rather a matter of urgency in the face of the increasing disintegration of traditional morality and the truly apocalyp- tic dimension of spreading immorality all over the world. When choosing my topic for this conference I had to decide between an outline of the new morality which, in the given time frame, could not have been more than a general survey, or some few central issues that can be dealt with more in depth. I chose the latter option, inasmuch as I can refer to my article pub- lished in the Bahá’í Studies Review, “The New Morality: An Outline.” Let me start with a few general remarks on ethics: The term derives from the Greek ethikos which pertains to ethos (character). Ethics as part of practical philosophy is also called “moral philosophy,”2 and, if it is a religious ethics based on revelation (a revelatory ethics like Bahá’í ethics), one can call it “moral theology,” as it is termed in Catholicism. -
Religion Asserts That Its Central Concerns Are Discovering Truth and Implementing the Measures Called for by That Truth
1 Truth: A Path for the Skeptic 2 Truth: A Path for the Skeptic Robert Vail Harris, Jr. First Edition (PDF Version) Copyright 2018 Robert Vail Harris, Jr. Website: truth4skeptic.org Email: [email protected] What is truth? Is there meaning in existence? What are life and death? These and similar questions are explored here. This work draws on techniques and examples from science and mathematics in a search for insights from ancient and modern sources. It is writ- ten especially for the skeptical scientist, the agnostic, and the athe- ist. It is informal but rigorous, and invites careful reflection. 3 Contents Page Questions 4 Answers 84 Actions 156 Notes and References 173 Truth: A Path for the Skeptic 4 Questions Overview The search for truth is a lifelong endeavor. From the time we open our eyes at birth until we close them at the hour of death, we are sorting and sifting, trying to determine what is true and what is not, what is reality and what is illusion, what is predictable and what is random. Our understanding of truth underpins our priorities and all our activities. Every thought we have, every step we take, every choice we make is based on our assessment of what is true. Knowing the truth enriches our lives, while false beliefs impover- ish and endanger us. The importance of truth can be illustrated by countless exam- ples. Contractual arrangements are accompanied by an assertion of truthfulness. Participants in a trial are required to tell the truth. Various implements have been used to try to ascertain truth, from the dunking and burning of accused witches to the use of lie detec- tors. -
Compilation of Bahá'í Sacred Writings on the Oneness of Humanity and The
Compilation of Bahá’í sacred writings on the oneness of humanity and the process of achieving unity Abridged from The Power of Unity: Overcoming Racial Divisions, Rebuilding America Compiled by Bonnie Taylor Copyright © 2019 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States Print and ebook editions of the full compilation are available at https://www.bahaibookstore.com/Power-of-Unity-New-Edition-P9588.aspx Contents ONENESS: OUR HUMAN REALITY One Human Species p. 2 The Divine Criterion for the Measurement of Humanity p. 2 Humanity’s Common Bonds p. 4 SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION Unity—The Commandment p. 5 Love—The Source of Unity p. 6 Religion—The Perfect Means for Engendering Unity p. 7 Understanding the Bases of Prejudices and Disunity p. 9 Abolishing Prejudices and Racism p. 10 Averting the Dangers of Disunity, Prejudice, and Racism p. 13 Avoiding Strife and Overcoming Estrangement p. 14 Appreciating the Diversity of the Human Family p. 16 The Necessity of Courage and Wisdom p. 17 SERVICE FOR SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION Promoting Harmony and Unity p. 18 The Requirements for Teaching p. 19 Teaching Diverse Populations p. 20 Upholding Justice: A Prerequisite to Unity p. 22 Safeguarding the Rights and Privileges of Minority Groups p. 24 Combating the Negative Forces in our Society p. 24 THE PROMISE OF THE FUTURE The Destiny of America p. 26 Global Unity and Peace p. 28 1 O ne Human Species O CHILDREN OF MEN! Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. -
The Eternal Quest for God: an Introduction to the Divine Philosophy of `Abdu'l-Bahá Julio Savi
The Eternal Quest for God: An Introduction to the Divine Philosophy of `Abdu'l-Bahá Julio Savi George Ronald, Publisher 46 High Street, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 2DN Copyright © Julio Savi, 1989 All rights Reserved British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data Savi, Julio The eternal quest for God: an introduction to the divine philosophy of `Abdu'l-Bahá. I. Bahaism. Abd al Baha ibn Baha All ah, 1844-1921. I. Title II. Nell'universo sulle tracce di Dio. English 297'.8963 ISBN 0-85398-295-3 Printed in Great Britain by Billing and Sons Ltd, Worcester By the same author Nell'universo sulle tracce di Dio (EDITRICE NÚR, ROME, 1988) Bahíyyih Khánum, Ancella di Bahá (CASA EDITRICE BAHÁ'Í, ROME, 1983) To my father Umberto Savi with love and gratitude I am especially grateful to Continental Counselor Dr. Leo Niederreiter without whose loving encouragement this book would have not been written Chapter 1 return to Table of Contents Notes and Acknowledgements Italics are used for all quotations from the Bahá'í Sacred Scriptures, namely `any part of the writings of the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh and the Master'. (Letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Seeking the Light of the Kingdom (comp.), p.17.) Italics are not used for recorded utterances by `Abdu'l- Bahá. Although very important for the concepts and the explanations they convey, when they have `in one form or the other obtained His sanction' (Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Principles of Bahá'í Administration, p.34) - as is the case, for example, with Some Answered Questions or The Promulgation of Universal Peace - they cannot `be considered Scripture'. -
Power-Divine-Assistance.Pdf
The Power of Divine Assistance Compiled by: The Research Department of the Universal House of Justice August 1981 Revised July 1990 From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh Be not dismayed, O peoples of the world, when the day star of My beauty is set, and the heaven of My tabernacle is concealed from your eyes. Arise to further My Cause, and to exalt My Word amongst men. We are with you at all times, and shall strengthen you through the power of truth. We are truly almighty. Whoso hath recognized Me, will arise and serve Me with such determination that the powers of earth and heaven shall be unable to defeat his purpose. (“Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1984), sec. 71, p. 137; “A Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book of Bahá’u’lláh”, 1st ed. (Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1973), p. 14) [1] Let not your hearts be perturbed, O people, when the glory of My Presence is withdrawn, and the ocean of My utterance is stilled. In My presence amongst you there is a wisdom, and in My absence there is yet another, inscrutable to all but God, the Incomparable, the All-Knowing. Verily, We behold you from Our realm of glory, and shall aid whosoever will arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Concourse on high and a company of Our favoured angels. (“Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, sec. 72, p. -
Testimonial on the Love of God and Teaching
Testimonial on the Love of God and Teaching Compilation developed by Mehrdad Fazli College Station, Texas January, 1998 Handouts to accompany institute training program Page numbers refer to transparencies used in the training materials Materials authorized for use by the Research Department, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States Copyrighted materials have been omitted; permission is being sought to include them. 1. The essence of love is for man to turn his heart to the Beloved One, and sever himself from all else but Him, and desire naught save that which is the desire of his Lord. Bahá’u’lláh: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 155 2a. The source of courage and power is the promotion of the Word of God, and steadfastness in His Love. Bahá’u’lláh: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 156 2b. The essence of wealth is love for Me; whoso loveth Me is the possessor of all things, and he that loveth Me not is indeed of the poor and needy. This is that which the Finger of Glory and Splendour hath revealed. Bahá’u’lláh: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 156 3a. O SON OF MAN! Veiled in My immemorial being and in the ancient eternity of My essence, I knew My love for thee; therefore I created thee, have engraved on thee Mine image and revealed to thee My beauty. Bahá’u’lláh: Hidden Words (Arabic), #3 3b. O SON OF MAN! I loved thy creation, hence I created thee. Wherefore, do thou love Me, that I may name thy name and fill thy soul with the spirit of life. -
The Baha'i Principle of Religious Unity and the Challenge of Radical Pluralism
v479 N S 6o49 THE BAHA'I PRINCIPLE OF RELIGIOUS UNITY AND THE CHALLENGE OF RADICAL PLURALISM THESIS Presented to the Graduate Council of the University of North Texas in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Arts By Dann J. May, B.S, M.S. Denton, Texas December, 1993 May, Dann J., The Baha'i Principle of Religious Unity and the Challenge of Radical Pluralism. Master of Arts (Interdisciplinary Studies), December 1993, 103 pp., bibliography, 141 titles. The Baha'i principle of religious unity is unique among the world's religious traditions in that its primary basis is found within its own sacred texts and not in commentaries of those texts. The Bahs'i principle affirms the exis- tence of a common transcendent source from which the religions of the world originate and receive their inspiration. The Bahe'i writings also emphasize the process of personal transformation brought about through faith as a unifying factor in all religious traditions. The apparent differences between the world's religious traditions are explained by appealing to a perspectivist approach grounded in a process metaphysics. For this reason, I have characterized the Baha'i view as "process perspectivism". Radical pluralism is the greatest philo- sophical challenge to the Bahs'i principle of religious unity. The main criticisms made by the radical pluralists are briefly examined. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am indebted to Dr. George James of the University of North Texas for not only supporting my thesis and for his encouragement and helpful advice, but also for his friendship and help in guiding my career change from geology to philosophy. -
The Journal of Bahá'í Studies
THE JOURNAL OF BAHÁ’Í STUDIES La Revue des études bahá’íes/La Revista de estudios bahá’ís Volume 28, number 1-2 Spring-Summer 2018 A Publication of the Association for Bahá’í Studies–North America THE JOURNAL OF BAHÁ’Í STUDIES LA REVUE DES ÉTUDES BAHÁ’ÍES/LA REVISTA DE ESTUDIOS BAHÁ’ÍS Volume 28 Number 1-2 Spring-Summer 2018 Publications Mail Registration No. 09448 EDITOR John S. Hatcher POETRY EDITOR Peter E. Murphy EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Nilufar Gordon EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Roshan Danesh, Gwendolyn Etter-Lewis, Mehran Kiai, Pierre-Yves Mocquais, Mary Sobhani, Bahhaj Taherzadeh The Journal of Bahá’í Studies (USPS #013-468) is published by the Association for Bahá’í Studies–North America. The views expressed in this Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Editorial Board or Executive Committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, or authoritative explications of Bahá’í teachings. Periodicals postage paid at Champlain, NY, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Address changes should be sent to IMS of NY, 100 Walnut St. #3, P.O. Box 1518, Champlain, NY, USA 12919-1518. For details call IMS at 1(800) 428-3003. Articles in The Journal of Bahá’í Studies are available on EBSCO Publishing’s aggregated database. This journal is abstracted in Science of Religion Abstracts, Religion Index One: Periodicals, Index Islamicus, and Index to Book Reviews in Religion, and catalogued at the Institut de L’Information Scientifique et Technique. Annual subscription fees (in Canadian funds): Individual subscriptions: Canada $50; United States: $70; International: $80. -
Baha'i Year Book
'ABDU'L-BAHA 'Abdu'l-Baha, fo>' fo>·ty years a prisoner in Palestine, because of mising the Standa1'd of the "Most Great Peace." f f BAHA'I YEAR BOOK VOLUME ONE-ApRIL, 1925'-ApRIL, 1926 Prepared under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly of the BAHA'is OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA with the approval of SHOGHI EFFENDI. BAHA'i PuBLISHING COMMITTEE P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York City, U. S. A. 1926. Copyright, 1926, by N·ational Spiritual As~embly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada. CONTENTS PART ONE PAGE "0 Army of Life!" ______________________________________________ - -_ _ _ __ _ 12 A Statement of the Purpose and Principles of the Baha'i Faith______________ 13 Outline of Baha'i History _________ ._____ .____________________________ ___ - __ 15 The Passing of 'Abdu',l-Baha__________________________________ _____ ______ 19 PART Two Extracts from Baha'i Sacred Writings___________________________ __ _______ 35 A Statement on Present-day Administration of the Baha'i Caus.L___________ 45 Baha'i Calendar and Festivals___________________________________________ 56 The Mashriqu'l-Adhkar _ ___ _ _ ___ __________ _______ _____ _ ___ __ __ __ _ ____ ___ 59 Brief History of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar in America_________________________ 64 Extracts from Mashriqu'l-Adhkar Report ________________________________ 71 The Mashriqu'l-Adhkar of 'Ishqabad______________________________________ 79 Impressions of Haifa _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _____ _____ __ __ _ __ _ _ ____ _____ ___ _ _ _ __ _______ 81 ]{unjangun _______________________________________________________ -
Acuto 2010 Emglish Booklet
‘Irfán Colloquium `IrfánSixty Colloquium-Fifth Session Ninety Seventhand Session SeminarEXPLORATIONS on the `Irfán Colloquium, in 2010, inaugurates Writings IN BAHÁ 'ofÍ WRITINGS the Báb a four year centenary celebration of AND `Abdu'l-Bahá's Talks andBELIEF `Abdu’l SYATEM-Bahá and the significant events associated with His historic travels to the West (1911- Section IV 1913) The Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund was established in 1992 to honor Haj Mehdi Arjmand (1861-1941), a Persian teacher of the Bahá’í Faith who became well known in Iran for his profound knowledge of the Bible, Qur’an, and Bahá’í scriptures. Starting in 1993, the Fund began to sponsor “`Irfán Colloquia,” to foster scholarly studies in fundamental principles of the Bahá’í belief system, Writings of the Central Figures of the Bahá’í Faith, and the interface of CentreLouhelen for Bahá’íBahá’í SchoolStudies the Bahá’í Faith and current intellectual and religious Davison,Acuto, Michigan Italy trends in the world. `Irfán being a Persian word referring to mystical, theological and spiritual October 7-10, 2005 knowledge. 3-6 July, 2010 `Irfán colloquia are being held annually in North America and Europe, in the English, German, and Persian languages. As of January 2010 ninety-three sessions of colloquia have been held. Selections of papers presented in English at the `Irfán Colloquia are published in a series of volumes, Lights of `Irfán. Centre for Bahá’í Studies Acuto, Italy `Irfán Colloquium 3-6 July, 2010 Ninety Seventh Session EXPLORATIONS IN BAHÁ'Í WRITINGS `Irfán Colloquium AND Ninety Seventh Session BELIEF SYATEM 3-6 July 2010 Program and Saturday, 3 July 2010 Afternoon Arrivals and Registration Abstracts 7:00 p.m.