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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 |
Role Model: To 'Abdu'l-Baha November 19, 2021 at 11:44am Role Model:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
Inspired by {xlink:https://bahaiteachings.org/the-extraordinary-life-of-abdul-baha/}The Extraordinary Life of Abdu’l-Baha Violetta Zein
How can I do justice
to this extraordinary human being?
A few stanzas and lines
cannot reveal the essence
of the man,
who is the role model
for every Baha'i on Earth.
Shoghi Effendi--
the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith--
referred to him as “the perfect Exemplar of [Baha’u’llah’s]... [Read more] All Embracing Love: To 'Abdu'l-Baha November 18, 2021 at 1:35pm All Embracing Love:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
He looked below the surface
to the soul of each individual
where all divine virtues
can be found.
He saw
the dusty mirror
of people's spiritual reality,
where true strength rests.
He did saw the weaknesses
that are part
of someone's material reality,
but did not focus on them.
He encouraged each individual
to turn to Baha'u'llah
for assistance,
and to focus on
service to humanity
rather than their own
i... [Read more] 'Abdu'l-Baha Revealed Prayers for Us to say for our Parents November 18, 2021 at 12:47pm 'Abdu'l-Baha
Revealed Prayers for us to say for our Parents
The inspirations for this poem.
{link:https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/additional-prayers-revealed-abdul-baha/480678642/1#885686074}
{link:www.bahai.org/r/615530427}
{link:www.bahai.org/r/874596036}
One of the blessings
of Baha'u'llah's revelation
is the ability of children
to intercede with God
on behalf of their parents.
Therefore,
I say prayers
asking God to f... [Read more] Glimpses of Glory: To 'Abdu'l-Baha November 16, 2021 at 3:28pm Glimpses of Glory:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
He is the mirror
of the Glory of of God
reflecting the light of Baha'u'llah
to across the Earth.
Through his words and actions
we catch glimpses of this glory,
as heart by heart
it unites believers
into the Cause of the Blessed Beauty{footnote:#}One of the titles of Baha'u'llah. .
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is poem #93 of the 100 I am writing for the Centenary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bah... [Read more] Meeting 'Abdu'l-Baha Face to Face November 16, 2021 at 1:55pm Meeting 'Abdu'l-Baha
Face to Face
Yearning to bring joy
to 'Abdu'l-Baha's soul,
and wanting the meet him
face-to-face
we intone his Tablet of Visitation.
Say it in the stillness of the day
when distractions
have faded into the shadows,
and meditation
has calmed our minds.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is poem #92 of the100 I am writing for the Centenary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha.
... [Read more] Magnanimity: To 'Abdu'l-Baha November 15, 2021 at 2:59pm Magnanimity:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
M agnanimous{footnote:#}{link:https://www.dictionary.com/browse/magnanimous} in all of his actions,
A bdu'l-Baha lived Baha'u'llah's teachings.
G iving generously to all humanity.
N ever focusing on a person's weakness,
A lways welcomed every human being
N o matter what their class or status
I nto his presence. Encouraging
M agnanimity, rather than selfishness
I n every person he encountered.
T aught us throug... [Read more] Contentment: To 'Abdu'l-Baha November 13, 2021 at 6:04pm Contentment:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
The main components of contentment
are detachment
and service to humanity,
not asceticism.
Contented
in a life of service
to humanity
and spreading the teachings
of the Blessed Beauty{footnote:#}One of the titles of Baha'u'llah.
'Abdu'l-Baha--
the Servant of Glory--
attained true happiness
and contentment
while living in this mortal realm.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is poem #90 of the 100 I am writi... [Read more] 'Abdu'l-Baha's Desires and Prayers November 13, 2021 at 5:29pm 'Abdu'l-Baha's
Desires and Prayers
"Day and night I pray to Heaven for you that strength may be yours, and that, one and all, you may participate in the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh, and enter into the Kingdom.
'Abdu'l-Baha{footnote:#} Paris Talks , 30: The Desires and Prayers of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá {footnote:#}{link:www.bahai.org/r/768579329}
'Abdu'l-Baha's prayers
were for human beings
to become new creatures
shedding the light of... [Read more] The Candles of Unity: To 'Abdu'l-Baha November 13, 2021 at 12:17pm The Candles of Unity:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
Inspired by {link:www.bahai.org/r/141202836}. The candles of unity--mentioned in Selections for the Writing of 'Abdu'l-Baha , 15--are (1) "unity in the political realm", (2) "unity of thought in world undertakings", (3) "unity in freedom", (4) "unity in religion", (5) "unity of nations", (6) "unity of races", and (7) "unity of language".
Seven light flicker
on the table ... [Read more] I No Longer Walk Alone: To 'Abdu'l-Baha November 11, 2021 at 4:56pm I No Longer Walk Alone:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
I no longer walk alone,
down a dark and barren road,
paved with sharp glass and stone,
while carrying a heavy load.
The Master{footnote:#}One of 'Abdu'l-Baha's titles. walks by my side,
so I no longer walk alone,
he is my ever present guide,
through matter's fields of stone.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is Poem #87 of the 100 poem I am writing for the Centenary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l... [Read more] Meditation on Seven Devine Attributes: To 'Abdu'l-Baha November 11, 2021 at 12:16pm Meditation on Seven Divine Attributes:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
Inspired by the English translations of the days of the week of the Baha'i calendar: Glory, Beauty, Perfection, Grace, Justice, Majesty, and Independence.
It was the aroma of spirituality
that accompanied him
to every function
he attended
and in his daily efforts
to help the poor
and the disenfranchised.
He was the flawless mirror
reflecting to humanity
the attributes of divinity
that Baha'u'lla... [Read more] Meditations on the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha November 9, 2021 at 2:25pm Meditations on the
Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha
1
On November 28, 1921 A.D. at approximately 1:00 A.M.,
'Abdu'l-Baha--
the Servant of Glory--
ascended into the Abha Kingdom
to dwell in the Garden of Paradise,
with his Lord and Father,
Baha'u'llah.
2
Though his flame
is extinguished on the earthly plane
it burns bright in the world of the spirit,
while at gatherings of the Baha'is
he presence is felt
in the joyful greeting of
“Alláh... [Read more] An Inscription in an Old Bible That 'Abdu'l-Baha Wrote November 8, 2021 at 4:30pm An Inscription in an Old Bible
That 'Abdu'l-Baha Wrote
"THIS book is the Holy Book of God, of celestial Inspiration. It is the Bible of Salvation, the Noble Gospel. It is the mystery of the Kingdom and its light. It is the Divine Bounty, the sign of the guidance of God."
'Abdu'l-Bahá 'Abbás.{footnote:#}Written by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Persian {footnote:#}{link:https://bahai-library.com/abdul-baha_abdul-baha_london#s2} {footnote:#} 'Abdu'l-B... [Read more] 'Abdu'l-Baha The Apple of Baha'u'llah's Eye November 7, 2021 at 1:40pm 'Abdu'l-Baha
The Apple of His Baha'u'llah's Eye
Baha'u'llah knew--
When He wrote 'Abdu'l-Baha
in these words:
“O Thou Who art the apple of Mine eye!” {footnote:#}Baha'u'llah quoted by Shoghi Effendi in The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh in the section title 'Abdu'l-Baha. {footnote:#}{link:www.bahai.org/r/217612255} --
that His son would be
the light of knowledge and wisdom
illuminating this darken planet.
'Abdu&... [Read more] 'Abdu'l-Baha Answered Some Questions November 6, 2021 at 9:29pm 'Abdu'l-Baha
Answered Some Questions
“I have given to you my tired moments.”
'Abdu'l-Baha{footnote:#}Quoted by Laura Clifford Barney in the Author’s Preface to the First Edition of Some Answered Questions . {footnote:#}{link:www.bahai.org/r/755944525}
In table talks--
conversations in Akka,
with Laura Clifford Barney,
between 1904 and 1906--
he answered questions important
to seekers
walking the spiritual path,
with practical feet.
Some Answer... [Read more] Drops in the Ocena of God's Word: To 'Abdu'l-Baha November 6, 2021 at 12:41pm Drops in the Ocean of God's Word:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
Interpreter of the Pen of Glory{footnote:#}Baha'u'llah ,
his words are drops
form the ocean of God's Word
letting us drink
of the Water of Life.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is poem #81 of the 100 I am writing for the Centenary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha. ... [Read more] Sand Painting the Events of 'Abdu'l-Baha's Life November 4, 2021 at 9:16pm Sand Painting the Events
of 'Abdu'l-Baha's Life
Inspiration {xlink:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFD2Tx6T42g}Sand Painting
The artist's hands
moves across the sand
painting the important events
in Abbas Effendi's life.
'Abdu'l-Baha--
born Abbas Effendi
in 1844--
accompanied his father
into exile.
The artist's hands
moves across the sand
drawing and erasing
the events
that made 'Abdu'l-Baha
the ambassador of humanity and p... [Read more] Father of the Poor: To 'Abdu'l-Baha November 3, 2021 at 7:14pm Father of the Poor:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha
Inspired bye {xlink:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDbFAJKnOKc}1873 Father of the Poor
In Akka he was known
as Father of the Poor,
because he spent his days
tending to the their needs
and giving them comfort.
Impeccable standard
of Baha'u'llah's teachings,
he demonstrated for us today
how to live a life
of service.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is poem #79 of the 100 poems I am writing for the Cen... [Read more] A Meal with 'Abdu'l-Baha November 2, 2021 at 4:00pm A Meal with
'Abdu'l-Baha
Inspiration {xlink:https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/a-memorable-meal-with-abdul-baha?fbclid=IwAR0MXZgIL9mGhNiQzh1lON2Fdd4R-gr7YrgZ3n329uesA_pOc9rogcEFaWY#.YXxFA6RkSAs.facebook}A Memorable Meal with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by Amy Renshaw
On a day in 1912,
in Washington D.C.,
'Abdu'l-Baha demonstrated
the unity of humanity.
At a meal--
with Washington D.C.'s social leaders
and politicians-
he placed Louis Gregory{footnote:#}... [Read more] 'Abdu'l-Baha: Peacemaker November 2, 2021 at 1:43pm 'Abdu'l-Baha:
Peacemaker
In his talks
in Europe and America,
he stated the prerequisites
for peace on Earth.
The foundation for world peace
is the acceptance--
in all of its aspects--
of the oneness of humanity.
{dropnote:"Poet's Note:"}This is poem #77 of the 100 poems I am writing for the Centenary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha.
... [Read more] 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] |
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