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Celebrating the two hundredth Anniversaries of The Birth of Baha'u'llah and The Bab |
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Introduction In 2017 Baha'is around the world will celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah. Then in 2019 they will celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of the Birth of the Bab. This journal will contain poems and prose inspired by these two anniversaries. In addition, I will include thoughts and poems inspired by the scriptures revealed by Baha'u'llah and the Bab. Before Naw-Ruz of 2015, the Baha'i or Badi calendar "was synchronized to the Gregorian calendar".1 After Naw-Ruz of 2015, the date of the vernal equinox was established as the birthplace of Baha'u'llah which unlocked the Baha'i calendar from the Gregorian calendar.2 Because of this the dates of the celebrations are now calculated according to the Baha'i/Badi calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar which was the case before Naw-Ruz 2015. Bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh  Bicentenary of the Birth of the Bab Remembering 'Abdu'l-Baha Twin Holy Days Celebrated on the fist and second day following the eight new moon after Naw-Ruz The Celebration of the Birth of the Báb occurred on October 21, 2017. The Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb will occur on October 29, 2019 Born: 1 Muharram 1235 AH - 20 October 1819 The Bicentenary Celebration of the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh occurred on October 22, 2017 The Celebration of the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh will occur on October 30, 2019 Born: 2 Muharram 1233 AH - 12 November 1817 Centenary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha More information as 2021 progresses. Links to Articles Articles in the Huffington Post Baha’is Prepare for Bicentennial in 2017 By Shastri Purushotma (December 30, 2016)Baha’is To Celebrate “Twin Holy Days” For First Time Worldwide By Shastri Purushotma (November 5, 2015)200 Years Since His Birth: Who Is Bahá’u’lláh? by Genevieve Seri (September 9. 2017)Articles in Baha'i Chronicles http://bahaichronicles.org/ Articles in Beyond Foreignness 200 Articles in 200 Days for the 200th Anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Birth by Michael Curtotti The Short Obligatory Prayer Revealed by Bahá'u'lláh "I bear witness, O my God, that Thou hast created me to know Thee and to worship Thee. I testify, at this moment, to my powerlessness and to Thy might, to my poverty and to Thy wealth. There is none other God but Thee, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting." Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh, CLXXXI The Remover of Difficulties Revealed by The Bab "Is there any Remover of difficulties save God? Say: Praised be God! He is God! All are His servants and all abide by His bidding!" Selections from the Writings of the Báb Prayer for America Revealed by 'Abdu'l-Baha "O Thou kind Lord! This gathering is turning to Thee. These hearts are radiant with Thy love. These minds and spirits are exhilarated by the message of Thy glad-tidings. O God! Let this American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees, and render this just government victorious. Confirm this revered nation to upraise the standard of the oneness of humanity, to promulgate the Most Great Peace, to become thereby most glorious and praiseworthy among all the nations of the world. O God! This American nation is worthy of Thy favors and is deserving of Thy mercy. Make it precious and near to Thee through Thy bounty and bestowal." Baha'i Prayers Footnotes |
Always With Us: To 'Abdu'l-Baha November 1, 2021 at 5:05pm Always With Us:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
I say a prayer,
or look at his photo
and I realize he is always
with us.
He is always there,
waiting just beyond the veil--
with the Concourse on High--
to come to our aid
when we need him.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is poem #76 of the 100 poems I am writing for the Centenary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha
... [Read more] 'Abdu'l-Baha: The Epitome of Baha'u'llah's Teachings October 31, 2021 at 12:08pm 'Abdu'l-Baha:
The Epitome of Baha'u'llah's Teachings
In all of his actions,
he demonstrated both " a pure, kindly and radiant heart," {footnote:#}Baha'u'llah, The Hidden Words , Part One: From the Arabic, Number 1
and justice{footnote:#}Reference to The Hidden Words Part One: From the Arabic Number 2
in their purest form.
The Perfect Exemplar,
he is the archetype
we attempt to emulate;
perhaps an impossible task,
but one that is well... [Read more] 'Abdu'l-Baha's Unifying Presence October 30, 2021 at 9:26pm 'Abdu'l-Baha's
Unifying Presence
What was it about him
that brought people together?
Was it the way he looked?
An article in the Palo Altan
on November 1 of 1912
describe his appearance
as that of a "prophet of old"{footnote:#}[{Palo Altan}, Vol. 10, No. 43, 1 Nov. 1912, p. 1] {footnote:#}Quoted in {link:https://www.bahai.us/abdul-baha-in-the-palo-altan/} .
Was it the Christ-like love
he expressed through selfless service all humanity?
Was it his ... [Read more] Beatitudes: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 29, 2021 at 6:57pm Beatitudes:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
Blessed are those who attempt to follow 'Abdu'l-Baha's example
for they shall find happiness.
Blessed are those who place their trust in Baha'u'llah,
for they shall not encounter stress.
Blessed are those who delight in service to humanity,
for they shall find unending joy.
Blessed are those who awake each morning intoning God's Most Great Name,
for they shall find comfort.
Blessed are those who leave there h... [Read more] The Musician's Art: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 29, 2021 at 11:19am The Musician's Art:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
Melodious voices rise
singing hymns to the Abhá Beauty{footnote:#}Baha'u'llah ,
proclaiming the Glory of God
in music and song.
Following the Master's{footnote:#}One of 'Abdu'l-Baha's titles. This was given to him by Baha'u'llah. advice--
we praise through the Musician's Art,
and set the sacred scriptures to music.
Song by song
we prepare food
for the hungry soul
and liquid
for the thir... [Read more] Words of Wisdom: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 28, 2021 at 11:56am Words of Wisdom:
'Abdu'l-Baha
His talks encouraged us
to open our spiritual eyes,
meditate on the sacred scriptures,
and to look for the pearls of wisdom
that lay concealed in their depth.
He spoke
with the voice
of gentle authority
that came through the power
of the Holy Spirit.
Words of wisdom
that opened our eyes to see
and our ears to hear
the twin trumpet blasts{footnote:#}Refers to the revelations of the Bab and Baha'u'llah.
of a new revelation
... [Read more] Spiritual Food: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 27, 2021 at 8:13pm Spiritual Food:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
"He is God! Thou seest us, O my God, gathered around this table, praising Thy bounty, with our gaze set upon Thy Kingdom. O Lord! Send down upon us Thy heavenly food and confer upon us Thy blessing. Thou art verily the Bestower, the Merciful, the Compassionate."
‘Abdu’l-Bahá{footnote:#} Mahmud's Diary , page 327 {footnote:#}{link:http://www.bahaiprayers.org/grace1.htm}
Prayer by prayer
my soul connects with my Lor... [Read more] His Mark on History: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 26, 2021 at 6:14pm His Mark on History:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
He left his mark on history,
in newspaper of the day
New York Times or Tribune
Detroit Herald
Baltimore Sun
Chicago Post
Los Angeles Herald
etc.{footnote:#}{link:https://239days.com/2012/04/11/abdul-baha-arrives-in-america/}
He left his mark on history,
and his footprints
on American and Canadian soil,
when for 239 days{footnote:#}{link:https://239days.com/}
he traveled from east to west
and back again.
He left his mar... [Read more] The Aroma of Roses: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 25, 2021 at 4:31pm The Aroma of Roses:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
In the garden of his heart
he planted the rose of love
and nurtured it
through service to humanity.
Now,
as I meditate on his example,
I inhale the aroma
of the Beloved.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is poem #67 of the 100 poems I am writing for the Centenary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha. ... [Read more] Lighthouse: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 25, 2021 at 1:37pm Lighthouse:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
The mirror reflecting
the light of Baha'u'llah's revelation
to humanity.
The reflector
casting illumination
across the reefs
that separate humankind.
The effulgence
of his radiance inspired
and still inspires
the world wide Baha'i community
in its service to humanity.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is poem #66 in the 100 I am writing for the Centenary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha.
... [Read more] The Path of Grace: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 24, 2021 at 2:00pm The Path of Grace:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
By faith he walked The Path of Grace,
The path that helps us to embrace
Service to God and humanity.
O Lord, in his obedience to Thee,
His soul ascended pure and free
Upon the wings of certitude.
All his life God's abounding love he had known,
So he did not walk The Path alone:
Beside him walked the Holy Spirit.
O Lord, we turn to Thee,
Please help us to be,
Steadfast servants in Thy Path.
He walked through matter... [Read more] A New Cycle: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 24, 2021 at 12:12pm A New Cycle:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
"This is a new cycle of human power."
'Abdu'l-Baha{footnote:#}Quoted in A New Cycle of Human Power by Robert Weinberg {footnote:#}{link:https://bahaiworld.bahai.org/library/a-new-cycle-of-human-power/}
This is the cycles of unity,
with a fresh out pouring of the Holy Spirit
flowing across the planet.
This is the age
of the maturity of humanity,
brought on by the appearance
of two independent Manifestation of God:
T... [Read more] Saying Grace: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 23, 2021 at 4:31pm Saying Grace:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
"He is God! How can we render Thee thanks, O Lord? Thy bounties are endless and our gratitude cannot equal them. How can the finite utter praise of the Infinite? Unable are we to voice our thanks for Thy favors and in utter powerlessness we turn wholly to Thy Kingdom beseeching the increase of Thy bestowals and bounties. Thou art the Giver, the Bestower, the Almighty."
‘Abdu’l-Bahá{footnote:#} Mahmud's Diary , page 327 {f... [Read more] America's Destiny: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 22, 2021 at 5:50pm America's Destiny:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
"...The American continent gives signs and evidences of very great advancement; its future is even more promising, for its influence and illumination are far-reaching, and it will lead all nations spiritually..."
'Abdu'l-Baha{footnote:#} The Promulgation of Universal Peace , Talks in Cleveland, 6 May 1912. 43: Talk at Sanatorium of Dr. C. M. Swingle {footnote:#}{link:www.bahai.org/r/382937863}
He saw a glorious d... [Read more] Generous Heart: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 20, 2021 at 10:00pm Generous Heart:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
He spent all his earthly life
in service to God
and humanity.
He was the candle
that drop by drop lit the night
with joyous generosity.
In Akka he gave
coats and food to those in need
without expectations of reciprocity.
In Europe and America
he conversed with educated and uneducated
without demonstrating vanity.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is poem #61 of the 100 I am writing for the Centenary of the Ascension o... [Read more] Be Happy: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 20, 2021 at 12:55pm Be Happy:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
"Oh, peoples and nations! Arise and work and be happy! Gather together under the tent of the unity of mankind!"
'Abdu'l-Baha{footnote:#} Paris Talks , 34: There Can Be No True Happiness and Progress without Spirituality {footnote:#}{link:www.bahai.org/r/850223000}
'Abdu'l-Baha,
I attempt to follow your advice
to be happy.
I remember you said
that laughter
is spiritual relaxation.
So each day
I look for some... [Read more] Herald of Peace: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 19, 2021 at 10:23pm Herald of Peace:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
He was the herald of world peace,
He proclaimed that all war would cease,
He was a citizen of the world,
Unity's banner he unfurled.
He saw the Earth as a single nation,
All religions share one foundation.
He spoke of gender equality,
The soul's immortality,
And beauty in diversity.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is poem #59 of the 100 I am writing for the Centenary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha/ ... [Read more] Artists Celebrate the Life of 'Abdu'l-Baha October 19, 2021 at 6:46pm Artists Celebrate the Life
of 'Abdu'l-Baha
Inspired by Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing:
Artistic works mark historic occasion {footnote:#}{link:https://news.bahai.org/story/1541/}
Across the planet
artists commemorate his passing
and celebrate his life,
with every form
of artistic expression.
Baha'i artist--
focusing on his talks,
his epistles,
his books,
his journeys,
and his unique station--
create collages,
music,
songs,
paintings,
p... [Read more] Love's Magnet: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 18, 2021 at 11:30pm Love's Magnet:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
"...Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly cycle, the unique power that bindeth together the divers elements of this material world, the supreme magnetic force that directeth the movements of the spheres in the celestial realms..."
Abdu’l‑Bahá{footnote:#}Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá {footnote:#}{link:www.bahai.org/r/407306067}
God's love is the magnet
that draws us tog... [Read more] Qualities for Prayer and Meditation From 'Abdu'l-Baha October 16, 2021 at 9:15pm Qualities for Prayer and Meditation
From 'Abdu'l-Baha
Inspired by {link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCk80YIXNsQ}
Detached Spirit
Let go of everything!
Including your worries about
what other people think of you.
Concentrated Attention
Breathe deeply!
Inhale.
Exhale.
Intone God's Most Great Name
either verbally
or mentally.
Unconditional Surrender to the Will of God
Radiant acquiescence!
Accept your present situation
as part of the ... [Read more] Holy Places: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 13, 2021 at 8:16pm Holy Places:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
He walked upon Carmel--
the Mountain of the Lord--
and deposited the bones of the Bab
in their final resting place
half-way up
the Holy mountain.
In America,
he removed the first shovel of dirt
for the placement of the corner stone
for {xlink:https://www.bahai.us/bahai-temple/}The Baha'i House of Worship for North America .
Now--
one hundred years after his death--
we work
and sacrifice
to complete
his shrine on Mount Carmel
... [Read more] Meditations on the Titles of 'Abdu'l-Baha October 13, 2021 at 7:48pm Meditations on
the Titles of 'Abdu'l-Baha
I close my eyes and listen
as his titles--
each with a special meaning--
echo through my mind.
The Servant of Baha
Born Abbas Effendi in 1844,
he chose the title of Servant
for himself.
It was the rank he preferred,
the one he exemplified
in his daily life.
The Center of His Covenant
The Covenant:
God's promise
to never leave His creation
without guidance.
In this age
that guidance comes
thr... [Read more] Nothing Impossible: To 'Abdu'l-Baha October 9, 2021 at 2:58pm Nothing Impossible:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
He demonstrated
that through the power of Baha'u'llah
impossible did not exist.
He relied
upon the power of Baha'u'llah--
to serve humanity,
and to have the Bab's remains
transferred and entombed
on Mount Carmel--
even when he was a prisoner
in Akka.
Once released--
by the Young Turks rebellion--
he continued to rely
upon the power of Baha'u'llah
in his journey to the West
and when he returned t... [Read more] Listening to the Voice of 'Abdu'l-Baha October 2, 2021 at 9:29pm Listening to the Voice
of 'Abdu'l-Baha
I closes my eyes
and listen to the recording of his voice,
as he chants prayers
and Holy Scriptures in his native tongue.
I listen to the tone of his voice,
to the way he intones supplications,
praise,
and gratitude
in in Farsi.
I hear the echoes of his love
for God,
Baha'u'llah,
and humanity.
I replay the video,
with my eyes open,
and watch the pictures
taken of him
when he visited North America
in 1912.
... [Read more] |
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