Posts Tagged Project Conversion
Thus Spoke Zarathushtra
Posted by admin in Zarathushti on March 4, 2011
When Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher of the 1800′s, wrote the novel Thus Spoke Zarathustra as an attempt to turn our concepts of God and morality on their heads, he selected his protagonist, a man called Zarathustra, because:
Zarathustra was the first to consider the fight of good and evil the very wheel in the machinery of things…Zarathustra created this most calamitous error, morality; consequently, he must also be the first to recognize it.
A lofty task for a man who also announced to the world that “God is dead.” But if Nietzsche was going to end the battle of morality and effectively bury mankind’s worship of the God who established himself as the creator of this system, Nietzsche picked a good target. Indeed, many historians and theologians credit the prophet Zarathushtra (using the traditional spelling now) as the “founder” of our modern concept of monotheism.
But who was this Zarathushtra, and what did he really say?
Most historians set Zarathushtra’s birth at the dawn of the Iranian bronze age at around 1400 BC. But if you asked Aristotle, he’d tell you “6,000 years before the death of Plato.” Tomatoes, tomahtoes, right? The point is that Zarathushtra is old school, in fact for monotheism, he’s part of the first school.
You said it, Zarathushtra.
As with many prophets and holy men, a great deal of legend surrounds the birth of Zarathushtra. At the time of his birth, he is said to have laughed instead of cried. While these legends add color to the life of this great man, more often than not they are tools which add dimension to the life and teachings of the man and the religion founded upon his name.
Zarathushtra was born into a family of priests, and was therefore raised to propagate and officiate the religion of his people. However–as with most of our prophets–something didn’t quite mesh for Zarathushtra. So he set out on his own to find answers. For ten years he wandered through the Iranian countryside, searching for answers about life and the inequalities around him.
This spiritual journey sounds familiar, doesn’t it? What did the prophet of your faith do before his enlightenment? Where did they meditate? What problems racked their brains–their souls, and how many years did they toil before receiving their answer?
How many of us go on our own quest–to varying degrees–around the time we enter the threshold of adulthood? We’ll visit that later, but keep these questions in mind as they help better connect us with the subject and the people we explore here.
So, Zarathushtra is tired of the status quo, the daily grind, and pulls his own On the Road. He wants to find Oz, he wants to hear the voice on the mountain, and after 10 long years of searching, that’s exactly what he gets…and some.
In his thirtieth year of life, Zarathushtra is visited by Vohu Manah, the “Good Mind,” one of six personified attributes of the supreme deity, Ahura Mazda. Zarathushtra was then taken to the court of Ahura Mazda and His Bounteous Immortals, or Amesha Spentas. Their presence was so bright, so intense that Zarathushtra “did not see his own shadow on account of their brilliant lights.”
The question and answer session between Zarathushtra and Ahura Mazda was set down in a series of poetic verses called the Gathas. At only about 6,000 words, the Gathas form the core and skeleton of the Zarathushti faith and is said to be the words of Zarathushtra himself.
With this amazing experience, Zarathushtra was compelled to teach his countrymen about the truths he gleaned from Ahura Mazda. But the truth is hard to swallow. Twelve years passed and no one accepted his message. Destiny intervened when Zarathushtra won an audience with King Vishtaspa following a miraculous cure of the king’s favorite horse. With the king’s acceptance and blessing of Zarathushtra’s teachings, the Faith spread like holy fire throughout the land and became the official faith of the Iranian empires for generations to come.
Give it up for Zarathushtra!
This is just a brief overview of the man who essentially fathered our modern concept of monotheistic religion. Zarathushtra is described as a happy man, driven to do good and eternally optimistic. The religion he taught calls us to live life to the fullest and to actively engage in the struggle between good and evil, right and wrong, with the weapon of goodness itself. Indeed, he enjoins us to join Ahura Mazda and work toward frashokereti, the “making wonderful,” a state where good prevails and evil no longer exists. The only path by which frashokereti can be reached is through the path of Asha (the divine justice, order, holiness, perfection, etc) which is Humata, Hukhta, and Huvareshta, meaning Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Actions.
We will explore the concept of Asha as it pertains to Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Actions next time we meet. Until then, thanks for reading and come back soon.
Welcome to the Zarathushti Faith
Posted by admin in Zarathushti on March 2, 2011
With that out of the way, let’s give the Zarathushti Faith a nice, big, Project Conversion welcome and look into what I’ll get into this month.
To begin with, I’ll walk around looking like this:
Me wearing the topi (prayer cap)
This is a topi or prayer cap. As with many faiths, head coverings are an essential piece of religious gear that typically symbolize humility. In the Zarathushti tradition, the topi serves two purposes: 1) the crown of the head is the location of the Lahian, a Center of spiritual knowledge. A constant temperature is needed here to maintain balance and creative thought. 2) There are many influences, both physical and spiritual, that interact with our bodies and soul (Urvaan). These include everything from the sun’s rays to negative thoughts and spirits. The topi then serves as a selectively porous membrane to filter good material from negative.
Keep in mind, my explanation here is very basic and I am still trying to wrap my mind around many concepts. If you’re interested in going much, much deeper, visit this Parsi website. Zarathushtis are enjoined to wear a head covering at all times–not just during prayer. Many are electing not to wear the topi due to social pressure via Western style and influence. I will wear the topi at all times.
Prayer:
There are many prayers. Many, many prayers. Part of the reason I didn’t make a post on Day 1 was because I spent most of the day trying to discern what prayers are said when and how and…there’s a prayer one should do before and after visiting the bathroom. Exactly. So where do you begin?
Mentors are awesome. My Mentor, who is the former editor of Fezana Journal, a publication that serves Zarathushtis across the United States, helped me to understand that while all of the prayers are important, only a few are actually required or Farajyat. She recommended that I start each day with the Padyab-Kushti prayer and end the day with the same to get me through the month. It’s pretty long, so I won’t write it out here. For details on all prayers, go to this site. The source material for many if not all prayers comes from the Gathas and Avesta. More on that later.
Reciting the Kushti prayer
Here I am reciting the Kushti prayer at 5:30 this morning. All prayers are performed either after a shower or ritual ablution. There are several parts which include the Ahsem Vohu (invocation of Asha) and the Ahunwar (most sacred manthra of the Faith). The latter segments are short and can be found at www.avesta.org. Notice that I am reading the prayers from a page. In most cases, prayer is performed while standing with hands together (common prayer position) if you are a Parsi, and hands out in front with palms facing you if you’re from Iran. Different flavors. I love it.
There are other, more important aspects of the Kushti prayer that I cannot perform. This includes the tying and untying of the kushti (sacred thread made of lamb’s wool) around the waist over the sacred under-shirt called the sudreh. I cannot stress enough the importance of these two items. They are given to a young Zarathushti during an initiation ceremony and worn for life. For me to even wear a substitution would be a great insult to the faith. As you all know, I’m not here to insult or intrude upon anyone; but to learn and come to a higher level of respect for those around me. Therefore, I will not wear these items.
Here are a few images for your reference.
The kushti thread over the sudreh under-shirt
Tying the knot of the kushti while in prayer
Zarathushti homes also have common religious features. Among them is an alter. Light in general and fire in particular are powerful symbols of the divine (Ahura Mazda). In fact, Zarathushti places of worship are refered to as “fire temples.” Zarathushtis are dedicated to knowledge and the defeat of evil and ignorance. Light then, symbolizes the displacement of evil by the warmth and illumination that comes from both the grace and power of Ahura Mazda and the work of mankind. The three-fold call to action of all Zarathushtis are “Good thoughts, Good words, and Good deeds.”
My Mentor recommend a simple altar for me, the center of which is a candle that remains lit so long as someone is home:
From left to right, the altar includes: a flower to represent Ahura Mazda’s creation. Top-center: an image of Prophet Zarathushtra, candle, a picture of my departed grandfather.
Not every altar is the same. In fact, many homes have only a hearth in which to stir the holy flame that is to burn continuously. My Mentor said that keeping a photo of special ancestors on the altar is not only a source of comfort, but reminds us to pray for them and to remind us of their spiritual presence in our lives. My grandfather was a Baptist minister and died when I was four years old. I don’t remember him physically, but I have always felt a spiritual bond between us.
So, this should get us started. It’s only the tip of the iceberg folks. The first week is always the most difficult because I must shed the garments of my previous religion and dive right into the next. Of course the first week of every month deals with rituals and practices, so stay tuned for more details and thanks for reading along.
A Gift to my Mentor
I had no intentions of making an entry today. Honestly, I’m worn out. I gave two talks today at two colleges about Project Conversion and my Zoroastrian month begins in a little under three hours.
But something amazing happened this evening at the last talk–in my Intro to World Religions class–that made this whole month worth the effort.
My Baha’i Mentor is the only Baha’i that we know of within many, many miles. She is a diaspora all to herself. In fact, I have been her sole Baha’i companion for the whole month. She lit up when I arrived every week at her home for Study Circle, ready to share the wisdom of her faith. We laughed over tea and delved into the teachings of Baha’u'llah. I could tell there was something missing every time we visited the Baha’i community in “Triangle” one and half hours north of us; the way she interacted with her Baha’i family, it was like a family reunion with gatherings too rare for comfort.
I wanted to do something for her to repay her for the kindness and dedication she showed for me and Project Conversion. I wanted to give her a Baha’i community of her own.
But this is near to impossible. How can a non-Baha’i (though my Baha’i friends call me otherwise) help someone come–or at least become interested–in the faith? Turns out, all I have to do is teach. The message does the rest.
So tonight, as I finished giving my last talk about the Baha’i Faith in the last hours of the last days of the month, I showed the class the Baha’i Declaration Card and a registration card asking for more information about the faith. One woman approached me and asked to fill out the card, and if possible, to speak to my Mentor. I was floored. This was the spark I was looking for. The spark that could become a new Baha’i. She filled out the card and I will personally hand it to my Mentor tomorrow afternoon. I called my Mentor about what had happened and I could feel the joy flowing off her voice. Not because she might get the chance to “convert” someone, but because she gets the chance to share her faith.
So, looks like I have been the best Baha’i I can be to the end. It’s been a wonderful month, an insightful month, and folks…we are only two months in. Who knows what’s around the corner. When I wake up, I’ll be a Zoroastrian. Until then,
Allah-u-Abha!
Baha’i: Conclusion
Here it is, my humble attempt to recap my month with the Baha’i Faith. My words, nor this footage, suffice to describe the experience I’ve had. The lessons I’ve learned, friends I’ve gained, and wisdom I’ve gleaned will last a lifetime. Please join me in this farewell. I hope you enjoy this short clip:
Allah-u-Abha, and thank you, my Baha’i friends.
Death in the Family
I’m not sure where to start with this. Sometimes we forget just how powerful we are–the potency of our being . Our words, deeds, and even our thoughts resonate throughout the lives of those we interact with everyday. Indeed, no man is an island. Every life is a ripple upon the great ocean of existence.
One of my Hindu Mentors, Prof. Bharat Gajjar, was fully aware of this. His teachings for Hinduism still buzz in my mind, even beyond our short January together. I had plans to meet him one day soon, to sit at his feet and hear his voice–like those spiritual seekers who learned from the rishis of the Upanishads–as he spoke and anointed me with the sweet teachings and philosophy of Yoga, Meditation, and Dharma.
But that day won’t come, because I just found out that Mentor Bharat has passed away.
Of course, I never met him, and I only knew of him for these last two months. So why am I so grieved? Why is it that when I found out about his death upon waking at 5:28 this morning that my heart collapsed and I nearly fell to my knees? Because he gave himself–his teachings–to me. He and his daughter, Mentor Meeta, offered themselves to me as my Mentors freely and without any thought of reward. My betterment–my learning–was the reward.
I look at this image and I am nearly brought to tears. I am tempted with anger, with thoughts of how unfair it is that I just missed the chance to meet him. But his teachings won’t let me go there. Mentor Bharat would remind me of the importance of detachment from the material world so that we might fully realize our union with the divine ocean of the Self via the teachings of our guru. I am trying, Mentor, I am trying so hard…
So just when I thought Project Conversion couldn’t throw another curve ball, here it is. This is real. This is what I’m facing. One of my Mentors has passed away and I had the chance to learn from him only by the slimmest of margins. I now have another opportunity to give thanks, to give thanks for the life Mentor Bharat lived. I give thanks for his Mentorship and for raising his wonderfully talented, wise, and nobel daughter, Mentor Meeta Gajjar Parker, whom I am sure will carry the flame of her father’s wisdom and love.
Though I sorely wish I could attend the funeral services tomorrow, I am separated by an insurmountable gulf of distance and resources. So to honor Mentor Bharat, I will observe a fast over this weekend until sunset tomorrow, February 27th, the day of his funeral. If you feel so compelled, the Gajjar family, their friends, and I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers regarding his passing. My only hope is that I have honored him by showing others what he has shown me.
Namaste, Mentor Bharat, Namaste.
Om…shanti, shanti, shanti
Baha’i Week 4: Lessons for the Future
Project Conversion is a dynamic process, and it seems like changes are occurring every second. Indeed, to adopt a faith for a month–to drape oneself in the garments of a brand new perspective–is a dramatic metamorphosis. The only question is, what will I transform into at the end of the process?
For each Week 4 period, part of this evolutionary process is to review what was done, the outcome, and what (if any) changes I’ll make going forward. My month with the Baha’i Faith has given me an amazingly new outlook on life in general and how to possibly approach/adapt/practice other faiths. Here are a few of those points.
– This point seems obvious, but how many of us really think about our religious/spiritual
Some of my Baha'i Family
communities and set them on par with concepts like worship or scriptural study? I can tell you that I would have never have made the progress I have without the support of my new Baha’i family. Entire revelations stemmed just from having a leisure cup of tea or chat with other Baha’is. The importance of communal life is something I will carry forward. The Baha’i Faith places a large emphasis on this community life, as we see in the following quote by Abdu’l'Baha in The Tablets of the Divine Plan:
Or how about for every, single, breath? We take our existence–the very operative function of our bodies–for granted. For Baha’is, mankind is the only creature on the planet who can discern God. Look at what we are doing now. I am participating in the very journey Baha’u'llah talks about in The Seven Valley and the Four Valleys, an essay describing the spiritual journey of the seeker of God. You are here with me, participating as a fellow oarsman in this quest for
understanding. Is the fact that we have this capacity–this ethereal curiosity–not a reason to give thanks? My wife is reading a book in which the Christian author says “the heights of our joy are measured by the depths of our gratitude.”
The plight of those brave Baha’i souls in Iran and elsewhere, past and present, imprisoned for their Baha’i faith, effected me deeply this month. Strangely so. Their faith and grace even in their darkest hour humbles me to my knees to give thanks for the freedoms I enjoy. Would Project Conversion exist in some of these other countries? Would you have the freedom to read along? It doesn’t matter if you believe in a divine presence, the very act of gratitude, of humbling oneself to the point where every blessing received is viewed as a tool to bless another, is a lens through which peace is no longer a pipe dream, but a reality. I will give more thanks…I will give so much more.
I Will Not Change:
–Huh? Let’s not kid ourselves. Project Conversion is one of those things that often make it to the spotlight. But that isn’t the goal. Never was. There are folks who claim this is a publicity stunt to get attention. Really? Come on over to my house. Really. I get up at 5:30 AM everyday and study until my eyes get sore, pray until my voice goes out, meditate until I cannot feel reality…and that’s all before my wife and kids wake up. I don’t have a camera crew (I don’t want one), I’m not on a reality show, and my budget for this whole thing is well…let’s just say that I do depend on the kindness of others. I’m doing this to make a difference, not to make dividends.
But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So what does this mean for the long run? What you see is 100% authentic. There is no filter. And that is the way it will stay. My loyalties lay with the people who have dedicated their time and shown me kindness for Project Conversion. They believe in me–in what I’m doing–and to that, I…give thanks.
The Last Study Circle
Yeah, yeah I know. In the last post I promised to talk about changes I might include going forward with Project Conversion, but I thought you folks would be interested in the events of last evening. They were special because for the last month, my Mentor and I have met every Tuesday evening for what the Baha’is call a Study Circle.
Mentor and me
A Study Circle is a time where folks of the Baha’is faith (and even other faiths!) get together and study scripture. Prayers are recited, songs might be sung, there’s food, maybe tea…it’s just a relaxed way to study and consult one another regarding God and the teachings of His Manifestations (messengers to mankind, such as Krishna, Jesus, and most central to Baha’is, Baha’u'llah).
The only difference with our Study Circle is that my Mentor is–as far as we know–the only Baha’i around. So every Tuesday it’s just been the two of us. More like a Study Line I suppose.
We use the Ruhi Institute workbooks–the standard for most Study Circles–to learn about the faith. The last third of book one is particularly intense compared to the rest of the book, so much of the 3 1/2 hours I was there last night was spent by my Mentor’s valiant attempt to field my bombardment of questions and ceaseless curiosity. She also served her signature blend of English and orange peel teas…something I’ve come to look forward to upon every visit. And because my Mentor has insisted upon giving me as much instruction as possible during our time together, she gave me even more books to take home! She certainly has earned the title of Mentor. Thank you, Dr. McCormick.
I bring all of this up because I want you to understand that studying the scriptures and performing the rituals of a particular faith is only half the journey. Religions involve people, and despite the rules and regulations of a faith, each person brings a particular and unique nuance to the faith. I could not appreciate what it is to be a Hindu or Baha’i had it not been for the intense interaction with the people of the faith. Religion is indeed a relationship with the divine, but also with its people. I will certainly miss this interaction next month for Zoroastrianism, as the number of believers is few and my Mentor is in Chicago. March indeed, will be a bitter test, and through that test I’ll come to know exactly how those who belong to a scattered and shrinking diaspora live.
Baha’i Week 4: Review
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.
Wrapping up Social Issues Week
I’ll be honest, this has been one of the hardest weeks of Project Conversion thus far. This month in and of itself is filled with learning curves, lessons learned, and unexpected realizations (more on that next week), but the emotional charge carried by this month’s Social Issues Week has left me drained and humbled.
I’ve become so close to the people of this faith, and while I’d love to take credit for that connection, it has been the Baha’is who have reached out to me. The number of emails and comments I’ve received regarding Baha’i persecution–just in Iran–is staggering. The Baha’i community may be small compared to their older spiritual brethren, but each individual member is a steel poll in the scaffolding that is the Baha’i Faith. I was embraced and thanked for my exposure of this serious issue. It didn’t matter that I’m not technically “one of them”, because as so many Baha’i have told me, the situation in Iran isn’t just a Baha’i issue, but one for humanity. Indeed, when Baha’is serve their communities, it isn’t with the goal of converting their neighbors, but to help their neighbors help themselves.
Of course, there are more social issues within the Baha’i Faith that I simply cannot cover due to time constraints. But the point is to introduce you to these issues so that you might take the torch from my hand and run on your own. I’ve suggested writing to members of our government, starting an interfaith discussion, attending a Baha’i Study Circle, and others, but there is always more. What can you do in your community to improve the lives of others? That’s a social issue that transcends religion and yet, is the common thread within them all.
I’ll close today with a few links to Baha’i-related news regarding persecution that some of Project Conversion’s audience members have sent in. Allah-u-Abha, and have a blessed week.
Professor Abbas Milani on the arrest of seven Baha’i leaders in Iran.
A story of Baha’i grace and perseverance while in prison for their faith.
Baha’i Persecution: Day 3
Today we will hear from 21-year-old Sina Sabet Sarvestani, first cousin to Raha Sabet. Sina’s story is one of bravery in the midst of great difficulty, and the ability to peel darkness away from light. Please read and pass along the following account:
Personal Statement:
My name is Sina Sabet Sarvestani and I spend most of my week working with other Dallas youth, trying to make a difference in the lives of younger youth in our neighborhoods. Raha Sabet, my first cousin, is imprisoned for doing the exact same thing in Iran.
I serve as a coordinator for the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program in Dallas, Texas, a
Bahá’í-inspired program that empowers junior youth (ages12-15) to take charge of their own spiritual and intellectual growth and to contribute to the betterment of their communities. Currently, we have 16 junior youth groups in different neighborhoods of Dallas; consisting of more than 135 diverse participants. The program has provided an environment of mutual support for the group members and an opportunity for the Dallas youth to take part in social action. Our work has gained the support of Dallas Police and the Dallas Independent School District.
When we fled Iran in 2005, my family and I traveled by train to Turkey and went to the United Nations office in Ankara. After a series of interviews, the U.N. decided to send us to the United States, which was already accepting Iranian Bahá’í religious refugees. I was not fluent in English when we arrived in New York City on September 8, 2006. The next day, we flew to Dallas to take a shot at the American dream and, for the first time, experienced religious freedom.
After my intense culture shock subsided, I immediately got involved with soccer, the yearbook committee, track and field, cross country, Link Crew leadership program and student government at Emmet J. Conrad High School, in addition to academic achievements. I even ran for junior class president. I just wanted to try every opportunity possible. I was like a caged bird, who had just gained his freedom. After a year and a half at Emmet J. Conrad High School, I transferred to Plano West High School. I’m currently studying to be a middle school teacher at Richland College, an opportunity that would not be available to me if I had stayed in Iran.
I was born in January 1990 in Shiraz, Iran. I grew up in a Bahá’í home. Very soon, I learned about my family members, who were imprisoned and killed in 1983, a few years after the revolution in Iran. Ahmad Ali Sabet, my grandfather, and Akhtar Sabet, my second cousin, were among hundreds of Bahá’í martyrs after the revolution. Their crime was simply being Bahá’ís and serving their fellow countrymen. I grew up knowing that I was being persecuted.
In first grade, my parents had to explain to me why I should stop teaching my classmates Bahá’í songs and prayers. I also had to be careful about revealing my Bahá’í identity to teachers, students, officials, etc… In 5th grade, my opportunity to enroll in a special talented and gifted middle school was taken away simply because my mom refused to recant our Bahá’í Faith. In middle school, I was making the highest grades in all my classes including the “Islamic Religious Teachings” and “Quran” courses. But opportunities for academic leadership were always denied to me and given, instead, to the Muslim students.
Often in school, certain teachers would talk about how nasty, unclean, and evil the Bahá’í people are. In 8th grade, once again I was denied the opportunity to enroll in a special talented and gifted high school. When I told my friend, on the last day of school, that I would not join him in the new school next year, he asked me why. He was shocked to hear that I was a Bahá’í. His best friend all year long had been a Bahá’í. How is that possible? He left me with a “Good Luck!” and a confused face. My non-Bahá’í, Iranian classmates would tease me and ask why I even bothered coming to class since I knew that I could not continue my education after high school.
Relationship with my cousin, Raha Sabet:
While we have the freedom to promote the junior youth spiritual empowerment program here in the United States, the story is different for my cousin. Raha Sabet was arrested in 2006 for putting
together a similar program in a few deprived neighborhoods of Shiraz. Even though Raha’s group became integrated with a local non-governmental organization and had the support of a number of Muslim residents, the Iranian government eventually caught wind of the group and arrested everyone involved. After the arrests, the government decided to release the Muslim participants, but detained the Bahá’ís, convicting them of “indirect teaching of the Bahá’í Faith.” Raha and two other Bahá’í colleagues were sentenced to four years in prison. Haleh Rouhi and Sasan Taqva were released from the temporary detention center where they had been held for the duration of their incarceration, on December 8, 2010.
I’ve had a few opportunities to talk to Raha. Since the government monitors these phone calls, we have to be careful about what we talk about. She wishes that she was free to continue her social work and be of service to her country.
Update: On February 2, the Bahá’í World News Service reported that Raha Sabet is on temporary release until the receipt of her official pardon.
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Thank you Sina for sharing this inspiring account. What a fantastic method of honoring your mentor, family member, or hero: take their persecution/imprisonment and use their so-called “crime” to build your own social movement. This is a classic case of turning lemons into lemonade that we could all learn from. Baha’u'llah and his son, Abdu’l'Baha, made a great example of this whereby the founding of the Baha’i Faith was in essence founded by two men who spent most of their lives in prison.
What can you do today to draw light from darkness? How can you take a bad situation and transform it into a blessing to others? The opportunity to do great good doesn’t always come at the most convenient times, but often in the blackest of night, when nothing seems possible. I encourage you today to be the light that scatters the night and brings forth a new day.
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