Allah-u-Abha!

We are here already! Man, seems like we were just doing this during my month with Hinduism. And now…I wish I didn’t have to think about it, but alas, dharma calls.

As many of you know, Week 4 of every month during Project Conversion is my time of review. This is where I share what I’ve learned, what will I take with me from the religion going forward, and what would I change/implement/add regarding Project Conversion. The last entry for the month will include a short video of the footage I’ve managed to gather during the month.

What have I learned?

1) Though I am still in the learning process even though we are in the last week, I can say with confidence that the two most important lessons I’ve learned from the Baha’i Faith is a) the concept of “Progressive Revelation”, b) the importance of community involvement (both with other Baha’is and non-Baha’is), and c) the art of long-suffering and perseverance.

Progressive revelation is the idea that God sends instructions, messages, scripture, and teachings to mankind via what Baha’is call “Manifestations” during a particular age on a linear timeline. These Manifestations bear a message and teaching appropriate for the people and times in which they live. Baha’is believe that the central, core teaching of each Manifestation is the same, however tradition, ritual, and complacency have grown like ivy over the different faiths and fleeced our eyes to the inward truths. In this case, folks like Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, and most recently, Baha’u'llah, are all Manifestations for their age. For me, this is a great way to respect and honor many of the world’s religious systems–even going as far as gleaning insight and wisdom from them all–while still being part of a faith community. You’ll be hard-pressed to find this sort of attitude anywhere else.

Community is everything in the Baha’i Faith. From February 1st, I have been showered with welcome and support from the Baha’i Family. In fact, “family” is the best way to describe the Baha’is. There are no strangers. Upon meeting various Baha’is this month I was treated as if I’d been in their lives for years. Though this is a young religion with only around 5 million members worldwide, their response to a call to action or a chance to support one of their own is second to none. At no time did I ever feel alone. Whether it was my Mentor who lives right across town, or a Baha’i in Maine who gladly donated a set of prayer beads, I’ve had constant support. Their attitudes toward service–not only to each other, but to their fellow-man–is a priceless jewel to their faith. Where their service truly shines is that seldom if ever do they serve in an attempt to convert someone. They are called to assist humanity for the sake of serving. And what’s more is that their philosophy on service is aimed more toward partnering with others to actually solve the problem, not just throw money or donations at the issue.

The Baha’i capacity for longsuffering and positive attitude is probably one of their most inspiring attributes. This disposition has its roots in the life of Baha’u'llah, his son Abdu’l'Baha, and the scores of Baha’i martyrs who have suffered for their faith since Baha’u'llah proclaimed his station in 1863. In every account I’ve read, Baha’i prisoners are a light of hope and love to all around them. As we covered the Baha’i persecution in Iran, we learned of their steadfast reliance on faith, the prayers of fellow Baha’is, and an unshakable love for God and humanity. Just as many religions suffer greatly at the hands of the status quo during their infant years, the Baha’is have taken the torch of their faith with steady hand and refuse to turn from God or even hate their tormentors. This is a lesson we can all take into our daily lives. How often do we allow petty frustrations ruin our entire day? How quick are we to show anger rather than love?

So, I’ve shared a few of the main points I’ve gleaned from the Baha’i Faith, what have you learned? Have I shared anything about the Faith that you weren’t privy to before this month? I look forward to hearing from you. Next post we’ll talk about what I’ll change/add/adapt for the next month of Project Conversion.