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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 |
Fruits of the Tree of Life: August 11, 2017 at 9:14pm Fruits of the Tree of Life:
To The Blessed Beauty
How can humanity's hunger be satisfied?
How can humanity's thirst be quenched?
With the fruits of the Tree of Life
from which the wine of unity is distilled!
What are the fruits of the Tree of Life
that will sate humankind's hunger
and quell its thirst?
Gather from the Tree of Life
the twelve fruits of peace;
harvest the fruits of
The Oneness of God,
The Oneness of humanity,
The Common foundation of all re... [Read more] Candles of Unity August 11, 2017 at 9:12pm Candles of Unity:
To The Blessed Beauty
"Behold how its light is now dawning upon the world’s darkened horizon. The first candle is unity in the political realm, the early glimmerings of which can now be discerned. The second candle is unity of thought in world undertakings, the consummation of which will erelong be witnessed. The third candle is unity in freedom which will surely come to pass. The fourth candle is unity in religion which is the cornerstone of the foundation it... [Read more] Living a Baha'i Life August 11, 2017 at 9:10pm Living a Baha'i Life:
To The Blessed Beauty
To live a Baha'i life,
I must move forward
taking each day as it come,
and dedicating it
to The Blessed Beauty.
To live a Baha'i life,
I must breath
one prayer at a time,
while I attempt,
with the help of the Holy Spirit,
to obey Baha'u'llah's commands.
To live a Baha'i life,
I must plant seeds
one heart at a time,
proclaiming the good news
of The Glory of God.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:... [Read more] Prayer Beads August 11, 2017 at 9:08pm Prayer Beads:
To The Blessed Beauty
Alláh-u-Abhá!
Intoned in morning's silence,
God's praise upon my lips.
Alláh-u-Abhá!
I move each green bead,
Across across green lace cording.
Alláh-u-Abhá!
Empowers my fearful soul,
To ascend out of doubt's crypt.
Alláh-u-Abhá!
Heals my heart's broken winged bird
To proclaim Baha'u'llah's name.
Alláh-u-Abhá!
Centers my scattered thought
On the Point of Adoration,
Alláh-u-Abhá!
Attunes... [Read more] Every Step is a Prayer August 11, 2017 at 9:06pm Every Step is a Prayer:
To The Blessed Beauty
Every step is a prayer for assistance,
or of gratitude.
We walk the path of most resistance,
the road taking us
into the future,
the road insuring
that every inch gained
is purchased
through sacrifice
and prayer.
We walk a road echoing
with voices of hate,
voices that attempt to drown out
the hymns of unity
rising above the chaos
of our fears.
We walk the path of knowledge,
and scientific discovery
that reveals the r... [Read more] Voice of God August 11, 2017 at 9:04pm Voice of God:
To The Blessed Beauty
We hear the voice of God
speaking from the vocal chords
of His mirrors.
Children,
of the receding night,
we stand on the edge of morning
listening to God's voice
as it echoes
with the approaching light.
"O Lord,"
we prostrate ourselves in fear,
"forgive us,
and heal the wounds of doubt
that tested our patience
and our faith."
Picking up a Holy Book,
we listen for the divine voice
that reverberates
through t... [Read more] Divine Unity August 11, 2017 at 9:02pm Divine Unity:
To The Blessed Beauty
Makes no distinction
between the revealers or God's light.
Admits the validity
of each Divine Prophet.
The fulfillment
of God's promise to the faithful.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is Poem 72 of 200 Dedicated to the Blessed Beauty.
... [Read more] Dawning Place August 11, 2017 at 9:01pm Dawning Place:
To The Blessed Beauty
{embed:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkaAPIPNOR4}
Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs{footnote:#}Dawning place of the praise and mention of God. ,
dawning place of the praise of God,
sets on the Shore of Lake Michigan
inviting humanity
to come
into her sanctuary
or walk through her gardens.
All are welcome,
because the Baha'i Temple
is a symbol
of unit,
Do not stand outside
and look,
go inside,
sit down,
and pray or meditate.
{drop... [Read more] Reconnecting With the Source August 11, 2017 at 8:59pm Reconnecting With the Source:
To The Blessed Beauty
One prayer at a time
I am reconnecting
with the source of life and love.
I am walking out of the darkness
into the light of dawn,
into the splendor of morning,
intoning praise to the Blessed Beauty,
to the Glory of God.
I stand
under the newly risen sun,
watching it rays
scatter the night's darkness,
and proclaim divine love.
I am reconnecting with the source,
returning to the light,
and retrieving hope
from ... [Read more] Experiencing the Presence of the Holy Spirit August 11, 2017 at 8:57pm Experiencing the Presence of the Holy Spirit:
To The Blessed Beauty
How does a poet experience the Holy Spirit?
How does the presence of the Holy Spirit feel?
Inhaling the splendor
of dawn over the Rockies
after a March thunderstorm.
Exhaling the glory
of starlight piercing
the cold hydrogen of interstellar space.
Caressing the beauty
of the Pacific Ocean
on a clear and windy day.
Witnessing the grandeur
of the Grand Canyon
from a jet plane.
Tasting a ray of w... [Read more] Diffusing the Divine Fragrance August 11, 2017 at 8:56pm Diffusing the Divine Fragrance:
To The Blessed Beauty
Aromas of rose,
hyacinth, passion flowers,
waft across the believer's soul.
Incense rising
from the sacred scriptures
relaxes the soul,
encourages individuals
to proclaim
the Lord's Glorious Name,
and spread the divine fragrance
across the planet.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is Poem 68 of 200 Dedicated to the Blessed Beauty.
... [Read more] Song of The Wayfarer August 11, 2017 at 8:54pm Song of The Wayfarer:
To The Blessed Beauty
I'm the seeker in the valley of search,
I'm the lover seeking the beloved,
I'm the wayfarer searching for truth.{footnote:#}These are the lines I decided to rewrite into a longer poem.
I intone my supplications to God,
I ask for the strength to continue on
even though the road is rough
and my vigor wains with the setting sun.
I am the seeker in the Valley of Search,
I am the lover seeking the beloved,
I am the way... [Read more] In The Abha Paradise August 11, 2017 at 8:53pm In The Abha Paradise:
To The Blessed Beauty
"O Son of the Supreme!
I have made death a messenger of joy to thee. Wherefore dost thou grieve? I made the light to shed on thee its splendor. Why dost thou veil thyself therefrom?"
Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words , Part One: From the Arabic : Number 32
What is it like to live in the Abha Paradise?
Only those who have embraced God's "messenger of joy" knows,
the beauty waiting to be experienced by tho... [Read more] Civilization's Wings August 11, 2017 at 8:49pm Civilization's Wings:
To the Blessed Beauty
"Religion and science are inter-twined and cannot be separated. These are the two wings with which humanity must fly. One wing is not enough. Every religion which does not concern itself with Science is mere tradition, and that is not the essential. Therefore, science, education and civilization are most important and necessities for the full religious lie."
Baha'i Writings
I meditate
on the Blessed Beauty,
and con... [Read more] Manifestations of God August 11, 2017 at 8:47pm Manifestations of God:
To the Blessed Beauty
Mirrors of divinity
reflecting God's attributes
to humanity.
Each one evidence
of the existence of God;
all tokens of divine love.
Each established a religion,
revealed laws and ordinances,
a Holy Book.
Who were these divine reflections?
What were their names,
titles,
or designations?
Baha'u'llah
The Bab
Muhammad
Christ
Buddha
Moses
Krishna
Zoroaster
Abraham
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}... [Read more] Hymn of Gratitude August 11, 2017 at 8:46pm Hymn of Gratitude:
To The Blessed Beauty
O Thou who are our hearts' desire,
And the Beloved of our souls,
Our happiness you inspire,
And our hope you have renewed.
We raise our voices in praise,
Intoning our gratitude,
For your guidance through life's maze,
And your forgiveness of our sins.
O Thou who are our hearts' desire,
And the Beloved of our souls,
Our happiness you inspire,
And our hope you have renewed.
Each day we chant your Greatest Name,... [Read more] Prayer August 11, 2017 at 8:44pm Prayer:
To The Blessed Beauty
"There is a polish for everything that takes away rust; and the polish for the heart is the remembrance of Allah."
Hadith
It is
the remembrance of the Divine Essence,
by whatever name you address Him,
that polishes your soul
and removes the dross
from the mirror of your heart.
The beauty and wisdom
of prayer
is the connection it forms
between yourself
and the creator of the universe.
The reality of prayer
is communion
wit... [Read more] My Muse August 11, 2017 at 8:42pm My Muse:
To The Blessed Beauty
God's Glory is my inspiration,
He is the reason I wake each day;
I intone His words when I pray.{footnote:#}This is the original poem I wrote.
Dear Blessed Beauty,
Over the years I have wrote many poems and a couple of essays about my muse, which at the time I thought was synonymous with inspiration. I have, recently, came to the conclusions that, for me, this is not true. Anything can inspire an idea for a poem, but only you can encourage ... [Read more] Day of Independence August 11, 2017 at 8:41pm Day of Independence:
To The Blessed Beauty
"Heed not your weaknesses and frailty; fix your gaze upon the invincible power of the Lord, your God, the Almighty … Arise in His name, put your trust wholly in Him, and be assured of ultimate victory."
The Báb{footnote:#}Bahái Words for August 29, 2016.
Independence
is placing your entire trust in God,
and moving forward on the battlefield of life.
Focus
indestructible shield of God's Word
in the form of His Ho... [Read more] I Am a Baha'i Woman August 11, 2017 at 8:35pm I Am a Baha'i Woman:
To The Blessed Beauty
I am a Baha'i woman who was not born into the Baha'i Faith. I chose to become a Baha'i because I believe that Baha'u'llah is the latest in the line of messengers sent by God, the creator of the universe. The path that led me to change my religion from Southern Baptist to Baha'i was a long one, in both years and miles. My search started when I was living in Blackwell, Oklahoma, with two dreams. The first dream occurr... [Read more] Day of Majesty August 11, 2017 at 8:33pm Day of Majesty:
To The Blessed Beauty
"The time foreordained unto the peoples and kindreds of the earth is now come. The promises of God, as recorded in the holy Scriptures, have all been fulfilled."
Bahá’u’lláh{footnote:#}Bahái Words for September 27, 2016.
Oh, people of the book
raise your voices in praise
for this is the day of majesty.
This is the day of fulfillment,
the day God has kept the promises
He stated in the sacred books of faith:
so rais... [Read more] People of the Book August 11, 2017 at 8:32pm People of the Book:
To the Blessed Beauty
We are Baha'i,
we are people of the book,
we are brothers and sisters to
Jew,
Christian,
and Muslim.
Our Holy Books
were revealed by The Bab
and Baha'u'llah.
We accept the validity
of the Jewish scriptures,
the Christian scriptures,
and the Muslim scriptures.
Through the revelation of Baha'u'llah,
we are people
of the Book.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is Poem 57 of 200 Dedicated to the ... [Read more] Day of Justice August 11, 2017 at 8:30pm Day of Justice:
To the Blessed Beauty
"O rulers of the earth! Be reconciled among yourselves, that ye may need no more armaments save in a measure to safeguard your territories and dominions. Beware lest ye disregard the counsel of the All-Knowing, the Faithful.
Be united, O kings of the earth, for thereby will the tempest of discord be stilled amongst you, and your peoples find rest, if ye be of them that comprehend. Should any one among you take up arms against another, rise y... [Read more] Wronged One of the World August 11, 2017 at 8:27pm Wronged One of the World:
To the Blessed Beauty
"Praised be Thou, O Lord my God! Thou seest my poverty and my misery, my troubles and my needs, my utter helplessness and my extreme lowliness, my lamentations and my bitter wailing, the anguish of my soul and the afflictions which beset me. The power of Thy might beareth me witness! Such is the depth of mine abasement that Thy servants who have strayed far from Thy path deride me. Thou knowest that I am recognized as the bearer of ... [Read more] Day of Grace August 11, 2017 at 8:25pm Day of Grace:
To the Blessed Beauty
"Glory be to Thee, O my God! Thou hearest Thine ardent lovers lamenting in their separation from Thee, and such as have recognized Thee wailing because of their remoteness from Thy presence. Open Thou outwardly to their faces, O my Lord, the gates of Thy grace, that they may enter them by Thy leave and in conformity with Thy will, and may stand before the throne of Thy majesty, and catch the accents of Thy voice, and be illumined with the spl... [Read more] |
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