This blog contains responses to blog prompts, & thoughts on spiritual or religious themes |
Disclaimer: Any views, about religion or sacred scriptures, expressed in this blog are my own and not the official views of the Baha'i Faith or any other religion. If you wish to know more about the Baha'i Faith, please check one of these websites: The Baha'i Faith: The Official Website of the Worldwide Baha'i Community or Baha'is of the United States . "The gift of God to this enlightened age is the knowledge of the oneness of mankind and of the fundamental oneness of religion. War shall cease between nations, and by the will of God the Most Great Peace shall come; the world will be seen as a new world, and all men will live as brothers." Abdu'l-Baha1 Other Blogs and Journals Content Rating 18+ "Writing in Snow" "The Snowflake Chronicles" "Snow Melt" "More Snow Melt" "Welcome to My Life" "Melting Snow" "Memories of Snow" "Dreams of Snow " "Poem Experiments" "Devotional Poetry" Other Journals Content Rating ASR "Bicentenary Poems and Prose" "Treasures lie hidden beneath the throne of God; the key to those treasures if the tongue of poets." The Bab "O my God! O my God! Unite the hearts of Thy servants, and reveal to them Thy great purpose. May they follow Thy commandments and abide in Thy law. Help them, O God, in their endeavor, and grant them strength to serve Thee. O God! Leave them not to themselves, but guide their steps by the light of Thy knowledge, and cheer their hearts by Thy love. Verily, Thou art their Helper and their Lord." Bahá’u’lláh2 Footnotes |
Kamal (Perfection), 13 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Monday, August 31, 2020
Day 2845: Let this quote inspire your blog entry today: "There are other worlds than these." ~ Stephen King Life on Other Planets I know there are other planets orbiting other stars, and each planet has its own life forms. I know this because God, through His latest Holy Manifestation, has told us this. In Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. 163 Baha'u'llah says "Know thou that every fixed star hath its own planets, and every planet its own creatures, whose number no man can compute."34 The reason the earlier Manifestations of God--such as His Holiness Christ--didn't give this information was because humanity wasn't mature enough to comprehend it. Atoms of novas disperse across the interstellar medium to merge with clouds of dust and gas. Nebula-- in which stars condense and planet grow-- give birth to systems prepared to nurture sentient life: bodies that house nescient souls. What creatures are these that risen from the primal ooze stand awestruck at the sight of multicolored flickering lights spread across the firmament? Neither gods nor beast-- but having attributes of both-- at death their bodies will return to atoms of the dust, while their souls ascent into the worlds of God. Footnotes |
Jamal (Beauty), 12 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Sunday, August 30, 2020 "Every religion is true one way or another. It is true when understood metaphorically. But when it gets stuck in its own metaphors, interpreting them as facts, then you are in trouble." Joseph Campbell God, Each Holy Manifestation is a human being who reflects the perfections of divinity to humanity. Each Divine Manifestation, or Holy Prophet, speaks in metaphors to assist ordinary human beings in their comprehension of the Divine Essence. |
Jalal (Glory), 11 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Saturday, August 29, 2020
DAY 2231: August is almost over and September is almost upon us, what are your plans? Are you participating in this years 20th anniversary celebration here on WDC? Or are you working on something special in your life? New goals? What are my plans for September? I plan to celebrate WDC's 20th anniversary by participating in the contests. I don't know how many of the contests I'll enter, I will attempt to enter more than I have been. I have other things I want to finish before the end of 2020, which I will focus on after September is over. Right now, I just want to enjoy WDC's birthday celebration and get out of the yo-yo depression I'm experiencing at to moment. I'm slowly getting my focus back. I hope to have it back completely by the end of the month. Meditation on the Long Healing Prayer "He is the Healer, the Sufficer, the Helper, the All-Forgiving, the All-Merciful."5 I meditate the Names of God, that Baha'u'llah inscribed in the verses of the Long Healing prayer. Since this is the beginning of a new week (for me), I decided to do something a little different. I listened to an hour's presentation about the relationship of the Long Healing prayer--revealed by Baha'u'llah--and the metaphysics of unity. That helped me to refocus my attention and inspired the above poem. Therefore, when I feel my focus going, I will listen to one of the prayers that I can access on YouTube or read one or more from my prayer book or the app on my phone. Footnotes |
Istiqlal (Independence), 10 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Friday, August 28, 2020 It's the last Friday in August 2020, It's the last Friday in August 2020, a year of reckoning for America and the world. |
Idal (Justice), 8 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Wednesday, August 26, 2020 "O Friend! In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love, and from the nightingale of affection and desire loosen not thy hold. Treasure the companionship of the righteous and eschew all fellowship with the ungodly." The Scent of Roses I know the Lord is with me The Nightingale's Song The voice of the Nightingale Echoes the song of spring For resurrection. Nesting in the Tree of Life, The Nightingale sings Announcing the Lord's return. The Nightingale's song Summons the dread from their tombs, Raises the faithful to life. Footnotes |
Fidal (Grace), 7 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Tuesday, August 25, 2020 "If we acknowledge that there is a beginning for this world of creation, we acknowledge that the sovereignty of God is accidental—that is, we admit a time when the reality of Divinity has been without dominion (lit. “defeated”). The names and attributes of Divinity are requirements of this world. The names the Powerful, the Living, the Provider, the Creator require and necessitate the existence of creatures. If there were no creatures, Creator would be meaningless. If there were none to provide for, we could not think of the Provider. If there were no life, the Living would be beyond the power of conception. Therefore, all the names and attributes of God require the existence of objects or creatures upon which they have been bestowed and in which they have become manifest. If there was a time when no creation existed, when there was none to provide for, it would imply a time when there was no existent One, no Trainer, and the attributes and qualities of God would have been meaningless and without significance. Therefore, the requirements of the attributes of God do not admit of cessation or interruption, for the names of God are actually and forever existing and not potential. Because they convey life, they are called Life-giving; because they provide, they are called Bountiful, the Provider; because they create, they are called Creator; because they educate and govern, the name Lord God is applied. That is to say, the divine names emanate from the eternal attributes of Divinity. Therefore, it is proved that the divine names presuppose the existence of objects or beings." I contemplate the proof Footnotes |
Kamal (Perfection), 6 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Monday, August 24, 2020 "I shall restate here My theme, that perchance this may assist thee in recognizing thy Creator. Know thou that God—exalted and glorified be He—doth in no wise manifest His inmost Essence and Reality. From time immemorial He hath been veiled in the eternity of His Essence and concealed in the infinitude of His own Being. And when He purposed to manifest His beauty in the kingdom of names and to reveal His glory in the realm of attributes, He brought forth His Prophets from the invisible plane to the visible, that His name “the Manifest” might be distinguished from “the Hidden” and His name “the Last” might be discerned from “the First”, and that there may be fulfilled the words: “He is the First and the Last; the Seen and the Hidden; and He knoweth all things!”33 Thus hath He revealed these most excellent names and most exalted words in the Manifestations of His Self and the Mirrors of His Being." God Made Known We worship an unknown God, God has made Himself known by Abraham, The Father of the Faithful, by Krishna, The Educator, by Moses, The Law Giver;, by Zoroaster, The Pure, by Buddha, the Enlightened One. by Christ, The Son of God, by Muhammad, The Seal of the Prophets, by The Bab, The Gate of God, and by Baha'u'llah, The Glory of God. Footnotes |
Jamal (Beauty), 5 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Sunday, August 23, 2020 "The glory of Him Whom God shall make manifest is immeasurably above every other glory, and His majesty is far above every other majesty. His beauty excelleth every other embodiment of beauty, and His grandeur immensely exceedeth every other manifestation of grandeur. Every light paleth before the radiance of His light, and every other exponent of mercy falleth short before the tokens of His mercy. Every other perfection is as naught in face of His consummate perfection, and every other display of might is as nothing before His absolute might. His names are superior to all other names. His good-pleasure taketh precedence over any other expression of good-pleasure. His preeminent exaltation is far above the reach of every other symbol of exaltation. The splendor of His appearance far surpasseth that of any other appearance. His divine concealment is far more profound than any other concealment. His loftiness is immeasurably above every other loftiness. His gracious favor is unequaled by any other evidence of favor. His power transcendeth every power. His sovereignty is invincible in the face of every other sovereignty. His celestial dominion is exalted far above every other dominion. His knowledge pervadeth all created things, and His consummate power extendeth over all beings." I contemplate the divine attributes The revelations of the Bab and Baha'u'llah inspire my muses and encourage me to proclaim the Glory of God. Footnotes |
Istiqlal (Independence), 3 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Friday, August 21, 2020 It's Friday! The last day of the traditional work week. The last virtual vacation entry I made was on Tuesday, August 18. I attempted to make entries for Wednesday, August 19, and Thursday, August 20. I failed to make those entries on those days. Today, I decided that I probably wasn't going to make them, so I deleted the beginning of each (which was only the prompt explanation). Even though, I feel less stressed today than I have the last two days, I decided not to make a virtual vacation entry for today. At this point, I don't know if I'm going to continue the virtual vacation entries. I will know that by Sunday, August 23. Yesterday I made a Thankful Thursday entry in "Writing in Snow" titled "Thankful Thursday: August 20, 2020" . Today I made an entry in "Snow's Space Blog" titled "The Unity of Science and Religion" . I'm more focused today than I was the last two days, so I will review and write a contest entry. I don't want to stress myself because I don't know why I was stressed the last two days. I couldn't focus on anything for very long, which had an effect on my writing. Ideas for poem or blog entries from today's research. "The Eleven Principles out of the Teaching of Bahá’u’lláh, Explained by ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá in Paris. The Search after Truth. The Unity of Mankind. Religion ought to be the Cause of Love and Affection (Not given separately). The Unity of Religion and Science. Abolition of Prejudices. Equalization of Means of Existence. Equality of Men before the Law. Universal Peace. Noninterference of Religion and Politics. Equality of Sex—Education of Women. The Power of the Holy Spirit." Paris Talks, Part Two: 40 - Theosophical Society, Paris Ideas for poems or blog entries from the Feast of Names. I'm sorry. How good Baha'u'llah is to us (ne). Pupil of the eye. |
Fidal (Grace), 19 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Tuesday, August 18, 2020 We're going to be here for a couple of days. https://www.safaribookings.com/tours/t29369 The mountain kingdom of Lesotho is out-of-this world for its sheer mountain beauty. Combine that with its unique culture where the people have combined a 21st approach to certain day-to-day activities whilst holding onto their culturally unique way-of-life and it blends into an amazing experience. Our guests are often visiting Lesotho whilst on holiday in South Africa. We have perfected a 3-day tour which incorporates many of the top things to do in Lesotho, despite being on a time budget. This is our lodging, Bird Haven. https://www.birdhavenleribe.com/ We're leaving from Dar-es-Salaam, it's a seven hour flight from Tanzania. We will be arriving at 3:00pm then directly heading up the Pass. So get some sleep on the plane because we have a real long day ahead. https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Tanzania/Lesotho#r/Fly-from-Dar-es-Salaam We travel up the Pass into Lesotho in 4x4's, looking forward to the afternoon of culture, history and amazing scenery. Cultural Immersion – a visit to a local Basotho village. Roof of Africa Route – spectacular views from the top of Africa! Bushman Paintings – interesting history into the nomadic Bushmen. Overnight accommodation at Bird Haven in Leribe, in traditional style rondavels. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293803-d1764272-Reviews-Katse_Dam... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sani_Pass what was your impression of Sani Pass? https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293803-d2414232-Reviews-Thaba_Bos... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sotho_people This culture is very unique. What were your impressions? Mountains Waterfalls pour down the cliff face, into cool rivers and pools. Beautiful Katse Dam its water looks cool and refreshing. Sani Pass requires alert motorist to navigate its beauty. |
Kamal (Perfection), 18 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Monday, August 17, 2020 We're staying at Arusha Serena Hotel and Resort Spa. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297913-d304446-Reviews-Arusha_Serena_H... https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297913-d15883436-Miracle_Ex... As dawn breaks over the horizon, you serenely drift over the magnificent marvel of nature, The Serengeti, enjoying an eagle’s eye view of the wildlife theatre as it unfolds below you. You will have ample opportunities to spot wildlife from a different perspective. If you are fortunate, you might be able to spot the Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile and a variety of birdlife. Your game viewing opportunities from the sky are endless. Following the flight, you will celebrate with sparkling wine and a splendid bush breakfast in the middle of the Serengeti, capping off what is sure to be your most memorable morning in the skies of Africa. The afternoon we'll be enjoying some of the awesome amenities at our hotel before the BCoF people take us to our next adventure. I float through the air I look down and see elephants, rhinoceroses, baboons in trees, and wildebeest. |
Jamal (Beauty), 17 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Sunday, August 16, 2020 Our trip has been customized to meet our needs.We will not be having the down time listed in the beginning. https://www.safaribookings.com/day/t21782 We're arriving and immediately leaving by plane to our adventure to Lalibela which is home to the 12th-century hand carved rock churches of King Lalibela (1181 - 1221) whom the town is named after. We'll have lunch in our hotel, then visit the first group churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which are found northeast of a stream named ‘River Jordan’. In a 1970 report of the historic dwellings of Lalibela, Sandro Angelini evaluated the vernacular earthen architecture on the Lalibela World Heritage Site, including the characteristics of the traditional earth houses and analysis of their state of conservation. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g480193-d7619296-Reviews-Tomb_of_A... Our meals are included but no alcoholic beverages so we're doing a brew tour. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g480193-d12133587-Reviews-Lalibela... Discuss what you saw, and the things that you found interesting. Houses of Worship "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." King James version of the Holy Bible: Mathew 6:9-13 To stand barefoot at the door of one of these stone churches and recite the Lord's Prayer is to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit echoing across the ages. "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." King James version of the Holy Bible: Luke 11:2-4 |
Jalal (Glory), 16 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Saturday, August 15, 2020 We're staying at Heliopolis Towers Hotel. I'm hoping for some pool time after we check out the pyramids. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294201-d754516-Reviews-Heliopolis_Towe... 30 day https://travel.usnews.com/Cairo_Egypt/Things_To_Do/Giza_Pyramids_62479/ we're doing the 8 hour private tour and riding a camel..woohoo. Let's hear what caught your attention? Talk about what you saw and learned about the pyramids or the artifacts or the crafts. https://www.viator.com/Giza/d23032-ttd/p-8243P13?eap=ttdpw-cairo-15861&aid=vba15... Experience Cairo’s very best on a private, full-day tour that takes in ancient sites, artifacts, and a bustling bazaar. Ride a camel through the sand beside the soaring pyramids at Giza and go toe-to-toe with the enigmatic Sphinx. Pause for lunch before visiting the Egyptian Museum and explore the stunning collection of artifacts, mummies and royal treasures with your guide. Then continue to the Khan el Khalili bazaar to browse vibrant displays of fabrics, handicrafts, and antiques. We'll be dining at the hotel. I contemplate the animals I've ridden At 73, my life has become and will continue to be a virtual adventure across Earth's deserts, mountains, oceans, and sees. The only problem with a virtual adventure-- that I can see- is that, virtual food makes me hungry, but it doesn't fill me up. |
Istiqlal (Independence), 15 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Friday, August 14, 2020 We're staying at the Grand Imperial while we're in Agra. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297683-d671997-Reviews-The_Grand_Imper... 30 day: https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g304551-d15008778-Taj_Mahal_... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal Everyone says this is the gem of India, what are your thoughts? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=665AHTNpf2o We're dining at Tea'se Me a recoomended place to see Agra at night from the roof top restaurant. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297683-d7789920-Reviews-Tea_se_Me... The Lotus Temple-- |
Istijlal (Majesty), 14 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Thursday, August 13, 2020 I don't know about you but I'm needing some quiet time, we've been with a lot of people. There are many things available for you to explore. Discuss what works for you. This prompt is for both 30 day and BCoF groups. So it will count if you have discussed different things in each post. EX. say in 30 day you discussed yoga and wellness treatment.For it to content you will need to discuss something different like maybe exploring the tibetan massage therapy and art classes or cooking classes. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g321541-d14994126-Reviews-Bhutan_Spirit... Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. In the High Himalayas, peaks such as 7,326m Jomolhari are popular trekking destinations. Paro Taktsang monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest) clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley. Imagine a place of tranquility and beauty. A place where you connect to yourself and all that surrounds you; body, mind and spirit. This is the newly opened (August 2018) Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, located high in the beautiful Neyphu valley in Paro. We are a 5+ star boutique resort, aiming to create a lasting positive change in our guests’ daily lives. As guests in our home experience what ‘Inspirational Hospitality’ means to us. We are the only well-being inclusive property in Bhutan, which means all services are included in our room rates. From all meals and snacks to all drinks and minibar (only excluding alcohol) to individually designed well-being programs, including a consult with the traditional medicine doctor, yoga/meditation classes, as well as a wide variety of wellness treatments such as Kunye (Tibetan massage therapy) and Hot Oil Compression. Enjoy many more complimentary services such as art classes, cooking classes, and short excursions surrounding our San ctuary. Clouds conceal blue sky Enhancing tranquility Prayers ascending Clouds resemble snow Windows reveal green beauty Pleasant afternoon Inhale the morning Listening to the silence Calming the mind |
Idal (Justice), 13 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Wednesday, August 12, 2020 30 day Halong Bay, we're going for an up-close look at its amazing limestone islands, rock formations and caves. Whittled away over centuries by wind and water, they’re breathtaking. Today we're going to see Sung Sot Cave (Surprised Cave) and Titop island https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293923-d17475877-Halong_Bay... https://indochinatravelblog.com/tag/sung-sot-cave-wikipedia https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293923-Activities-c57-t54-Halong_Bay_Qu... Discuss what you've learned and what you felt seeing the pictures. Out of the blue-green ocean Caves descend, inviting curious travelers to explore their mysterious beauty, where surprises await discovery. |
Fidal (Grace), 12 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Tuesday, August 11, 2020 Halong Bay, Vietnam We're doing a 2 day/2night cruise Day 11 and Day 12 will be in Halong Bay. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293924-d20211050-Halong_bay... Kayaking, swimming on the beach. learning how to make Vietnamese spring rolls and after dinner squid fishing. Let your imagination get carried away, discuss what fun things you've experienced. To sleep on a cruise ship Stone islands decorated with green trees rise out of a calm ocean like dragons rise out of an author's mind. Some of the most beautiful sights on Earth are concealed in caves waiting to be discovered. |
Kamal (Perfection), 11 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Monday, August 10, 2020 30 day Hard to believe, we've been traveling ten days already. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g641719-d2622335-Reviews-Kensington_Eng... This is the hotel we're staying at in Pak Chong, Thailand The Bonanza Exotic Zoo (BEZ), Openned in December 2013, Set in a green hill environment offers the opportunity to attraction experience and wilderness is sure to delight you. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g641719-d7082897-Reviews-The_Bonan... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g641719-d6669408-Reviews-Haew_Suwa... We're going to have a picnic by the falls this afternoon. And spend some quality time together. Give a brief summation of the last ten days including today's sights.in your entry today. Sometimes, Dinosaur statues are nice to look at, but I would prefer to see the living creature in its almost natural habitat. The crocodile/alligator enclosure implies the creatures are dangerous, and humans must stay outside the fence: Aren't all wild animals dangerous? I always enjoy zoos and wild animal parks because they are educational and I see the wild animals up close. |
Jamal (Beauty), 10 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Sunday, August 9, 2020 We;re staying at the Viroth Hotel https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297390-d9514361-Reviews-Viroth_s_Hotel... Siem Reap is the capital of the province Siem Reap in Cambodia. One of their most famous sites to visit is the Angkor Wat temple. Besides that, they have many more temples, museums, the Old Market and the Cambodian Cultural Village. Explore the different options and discuss. Make us envious. https://inspitrip.com/blog/8949/things-to-do-in-angkor-wat-and-siem-reap https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297390-d11466657-Private_Fu... Angkor Wat14 The City Temple's15 moat-- The steep steps of the central sanctuary remind the worshiper one must be on their knees when ascending toward the divine. Does Angkor Wat reflect the universe, the lotus blossom, the Mount Meru-- the Holy Mountain-- or the"yoni and linga symbols"16? Look at the City Temple's reflection in it moat, contemplate the reason for its construction, and give thanks to the All Glorious Creator for its beauty. Footnotes |
Jalal (Glory), 9 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Saturday, August 8, 2020 https://www.mapsofworld.com/asia/ so you have an idea where we are Perth, Australia and where we are landing next in Angkor, Cambodia. 30 day, Perth experience before we fly to Cambodia Cycling is the locals’ favourite way to get around. So hop on, blend in, and discover the sights of Perth on this 3 hours experience. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g255103-d20197509-Perth_by_B... The tour guide is so excited to have such a large group. And there's a lot of interesting places along our ride. Discuss what you've seen and what you liked thus far in Australia.. Nature's beauty revealed At Elizabeth Quay inhale the water's perfume: calming and soothing to the weary traveler's soul. |