Clearwater Baha'is

https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/study-of-the-persian-bayan.html

https://www.buildingpinellas.com/

https://www.buildingpinellas.com/

https://www.buildingpinellas.com/

https://www.buildingpinellas.com/

This morning's welcome and short introduction to the purpose of these conferences. Let your vision be world-embracing…” — Bahá’u’lláh

Week three: Vahid I-Vahid II (pp. 39-48: 9 pp; pp. 49-132: 81 pp) If you are joining for the first time, We encourage everyone that plans on attending these study sessions to review these resources below, prior to attending. We will be going through a lot of materials in a very short time. Beginning with its Preface, which is sixteen pages in length including copious notes written by the editor and translator A.L.M. Nicolas and extending throughout its 630 pages, the French version of the Persian Bayán, which has been rendered into English and is the source of this study, concentrates on the following themes: (1) The nature of God; (2) The nature of the Manifestations and Revelations and Dispensations of God; (3) The nature and behavior of human beings –- Christians, Muslims and Bábís (followers of te Báb); (4) The requirements of true belief; (5) New laws for the Bábí Dispensation; (6) References to the succeeding Manifestations of God; (7) The Word of God. There are expositions of less important topics as well— (8) the significance of the science of numbers; (9) the insignificance of the science of grammar; (10) on the spiritual meanings of certain colors; (11) the spiritual equivalents and rankings of material substances; (12) several abwáb are given over to an explanation f various words used in the Qur’án, among them, “Paradise”, “Hell”, “Death”, “The Tomb”, “Resurrection”, “The Return”, “The Balance”, “The Last Judgment”, “The Count”, “Door”, “The Point”, and “Reunion”. In the course of explaining these Qur’ánic symbolic terms, the Báb addresses (for the most part) the seven major themes cited earlier.

Synopsis of Advent of Divine Justice Course This letter written in December 25, 1938, to the Baháʼís of the United States and Canada, by Shoghi Effendi, describing the role of America in establishing the Most Great Peace. While technically a long-form letter or epistle, The Advent of Divine Justice is commonly published and studied as an independent book. The book lays out a Baháʼí understanding of the unique spiritual destiny of America and the role that American Baháʼís have in ensuring the country is able to fulfill that destiny. Shoghi Effendi describes the North American Baháʼís as “the spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers” and says they will play an important part in establishing the Faith around the world. He states that to contribute fully to this process, American Baháʼís must internalize three spiritual prerequisites: “moral rectitude,” “absolute chastity,” and “complete freedom from prejudice.” The book repeatedly references the Tablets of the Divine Plan by ʻAbdu’l-Bahá–which gave an early impetus to the spread of the Baháʼí Faith in North America–and Shoghi Effendi devotes more than half of the book to discussing the attitudes to be adopted and techniques to be used by Baháʼís when teaching the religion.

- About the Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá to Germany and Austria - Some new findings on Prof. Forel and the Bahá'í Faith

If you are joining for the first time, We encourage everyone that plans on attending these study sessions to review these resources below, prior to attending. We will be going through a lot of materials in a very short time. Beginning with its Preface, which is sixteen pages in length including copious notes written by the editor and translator A.L.M. Nicolas and extending throughout its 630 pages, the French version of the Persian Bayán, which has been rendered into English and is the source of this study, concentrates on the following themes: (1) The nature of God; (2) The nature of the Manifestations and Revelations and Dispensations of God; (3) The nature and behavior of human beings –- Christians, Muslims and Bábís (followers of te Báb); (4) The requirements of true belief; (5) New laws for the Bábí Dispensation; (6) References to the succeeding Manifestations of God; (7) The Word of God. There are expositions of less important topics as well— (8) the significance of the science of numbers; (9) the insignificance of the science of grammar; (10) on the spiritual meanings of certain colors; (11) the spiritual equivalents and rankings of material substances; (12) several abwáb are given over to an explanation f various words used in the Qur’án, among them, “Paradise”, “Hell”, “Death”, “The Tomb”, “Resurrection”, “The Return”, “The Balance”, “The Last Judgment”, “The Count”, “Door”, “The Point”, and “Reunion”. In the course of explaining these Qur’ánic symbolic terms, the Báb addresses (for the most part) the seven major themes cited earlier.

The Advent of Divine Justice is a letter written December 25, 1938, to the Baháʼís of the United States and Canada, by Shoghi Effendi, describing the role of America in establishing the Most Great Peace. While technically a long-form letter or epistle, The Advent of Divine Justice is commonly published and studied as an independent book. The book lays out a Baháʼí understanding of the unique spiritual destiny of America and the role that American Baháʼís have in ensuring the country is able to fulfill that destiny. Shoghi Effendi describes the North American Baháʼís as “the spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers” and says they will play an important part in establishing the Faith around the world. He states that to contribute fully to this process, American Baháʼís must internalize three spiritual prerequisites: “moral rectitude,” “absolute chastity,” and “complete freedom from prejudice.” The book repeatedly references the Tablets of the Divine Plan by ʻAbdu’l-Bahá–which gave an early impetus to the spread of the Baháʼí Faith in North America–and Shoghi Effendi devotes more than half of the book to discussing the attitudes to be adopted and techniques to be used by Baháʼís when teaching the religion.

Lately, as the minds and hearts of many Baha'is have turned to the war in Ukraine and the millions of Ukrainian refugees, it might be time for someone to speak about Baha'u'llah's solution to such a problem, and how relevant His counsels are to humanity today.

The Clearwater Bahá’í Center is located off Highway 60 West in Clearwater Florida, adjacent to the Tampa Bay Coastal waters. The Clearwater Bahá’í Community is comprised of many different spiritually minded people from many different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. All humanity was created by one God and is part of one human race. Work performed in the spirit of service is a form of worship. The soul, created at the moment of conception, is destined by God to reach the afterlife, where it will continue to progress until it attains the presence. The purpose of life is to know and worship God, to acquire virtues, to promote the oneness of humankind, and to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.

If you are joining for the first time, We encourage everyone that plans on attending these study sessions to review these resources below, prior to attending. We will be going through a lot of materials in a very short time. Beginning with its Preface, which is sixteen pages in length including copious notes written by the editor and translator A.L.M. Nicolas and extending throughout its 630 pages, the French version of the Persian Bayán, which has been rendered into English and is the source of this study, concentrates on the following themes: (1) The nature of God; (2) The nature of the Manifestations and Revelations and Dispensations of God; (3) The nature and behavior of human beings –- Christians, Muslims and Bábís (followers of te Báb); (4) The requirements of true belief; (5) New laws for the Bábí Dispensation; (6) References to the succeeding Manifestations of God; (7) The Word of God. There are expositions of less important topics as well— (8) the significance of the science of numbers; (9) the insignificance of the science of grammar; (10) on the spiritual meanings of certain colors; (11) the spiritual equivalents and rankings of material substances; (12) several abwáb are given over to an explanation f various words used in the Qur’án, among them, “Paradise”, “Hell”, “Death”, “The Tomb”, “Resurrection”, “The Return”, “The Balance”, “The Last Judgment”, “The Count”, “Door”, “The Point”, and “Reunion”. In the course of explaining these Qur’ánic symbolic terms, the Báb addresses (for the most part) the seven major themes cited earlier.

Epistemology refers to the philosophy of knowledge, i.e. how knowledge is acquired and verified. In a Baha'i context, epistemology would refer to the knowledge of God and how it is acquired. This talk will discuss the epistemology of mysticism, with reference to the Baha'i sacred writings. The talk will be based mainly on Jack's recently published article, "Mystical Experience and the Knowledge of God" in the volume titled Studies in Baha'i Epistemology: Essays and Commentaries in the Global Faith Book Series (Boston 2021), edited by Dr. Mikhail Sergeev

Epistemology refers to the philosophy of knowledge, i.e. how knowledge is acquired and verified. In a Baha'i context, epistemology would refer to the knowledge of God and how it is acquired. This talk will discuss the epistemology of mysticism, with reference to the Baha'i sacred writings. The talk will be based mainly on Jack's recently published article, "Mystical Experience and the Knowledge of God" in the volume titled Studies in Baha'i Epistemology: Essays and Commentaries in the Global Faith Book Series (Boston 2021), edited by Dr. Mikhail Sergeev

The Advent of Divine Justice is a letter written December 25, 1938, to the Baháʼís of the United States and Canada, by Shoghi Effendi, describing the role of America in establishing the Most Great Peace. While technically a long-form letter or epistle, The Advent of Divine Justice is commonly published and studied as an independent book. The book lays out a Baháʼí understanding of the unique spiritual destiny of America and the role that American Baháʼís have in ensuring the country is able to fulfill that destiny. Shoghi Effendi describes the North American Baháʼís as “the spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers” and says they will play an important part in establishing the Faith around the world. He states that to contribute fully to this process, American Baháʼís must internalize three spiritual prerequisites: “moral rectitude,” “absolute chastity,” and “complete freedom from prejudice.” The book repeatedly references the Tablets of the Divine Plan by ʻAbdu’l-Bahá–which gave an early impetus to the spread of the Baháʼí Faith in North America–and Shoghi Effendi devotes more than half of the book to discussing the attitudes to be adopted and techniques to be used by Baháʼís when teaching the religion.

We are pleased to invite you to a meeting of all those who want to contribute to the betterment of the world we live in. The Teachings of Baha'u'llah present a vision of a peaceful global civilization based on the recognition of the oneness of humanity. If this idea touches your heart and you would like to join or learn more, be sure to come! Similar gatherings will be held around the world and, "...will give the participants an opportunity to gain greater insight into the nature of the spiritual enterprise in which they are engaged" or would like to contribute, and will offer an opportunity to appreciate, "being part of a community that has set its gaze upon the spiritual and material transformation of society, and … being connected by bonds of love and camaraderie with brothers and sisters in a global effort, …" How can we build vibrant communities? What is Baha'u'llah's vision of a prosperous civilization? What role does education play in transforming society? Where is society heading? Organized by the Baha’i Faith Community of Pinellas County and for more information, send inquiries below! Online Contact Info: You are invited to a Zoom meeting. When: Apr 17, 2022, 11:00 AM EDT (the US and Canada) Link to Registration. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The date that this Conference Starts: 14th, and 15thEvent Location: Address: Clearwater, FL Campus, 1950 Virginia Ave, Clearwater, FL 34683 The In-Person Contact Info(IRL) Program will include sharing experiences, consultation, and exploring means and methods by which individuals, communities, and institutions can get involved in the process, the arts, and creativity. There will be a program for children (3-10 years). For more information, go to this link - https://www.buildingpinellas.com/

The Bahá’í community provides spiritual growth, awareness, and acceptance to all individuals. The Bahá’í community has undertaken great tasks to help spread the teachings of the faith. The Clearwater, community sponsors both community-driven events as well as social activities developed and executed directly from within the Bahá’í community itself. The members of the Clearwater Bahá’í community have a truly unique understanding; that in order to help humanity and to spread Baha’u’llah’s message of oneness and world unity; Bahá’ís in this community must have not only an intimate knowledge of the Bahá’í holy writings but that each individual Bahá’í must take action to show the grandeur and wisdom of those writings to the greater surrounding communities.

The Advent of Divine Justice is a letter written December 25, 1938, to the Baháʼís of the United States and Canada, by Shoghi Effendi, describing the role of America in establishing the Most Great Peace. While technically a long-form letter or epistle, The Advent of Divine Justice is commonly published and studied as an independent book. The book lays out a Baháʼí understanding of the unique spiritual destiny of America and the role that American Baháʼís have in ensuring the country is able to fulfill that destiny. Shoghi Effendi describes the North American Baháʼís as “the spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers” and says they will play an important part in establishing the Faith around the world. He states that to contribute fully to this process, American Baháʼís must internalize three spiritual prerequisites: “moral rectitude,” “absolute chastity,” and “complete freedom from prejudice.” The book repeatedly references the Tablets of the Divine Plan by ʻAbdu’l-Bahá–which gave an early impetus to the spread of the Baháʼí Faith in North America–and Shoghi Effendi devotes more than half of the book to discussing the attitudes to be adopted and techniques to be used by Baháʼís when teaching the religion.

The Advent of Divine Justice is a letter written December 25, 1938, to the Baháʼís of the United States and Canada, by Shoghi Effendi, describing the role of America in establishing the Most Great Peace. While technically a long-form letter or epistle, The Advent of Divine Justice is commonly published and studied as an independent book. The book lays out a Baháʼí understanding of the unique spiritual destiny of America and the role that American Baháʼís have in ensuring the country is able to fulfill that destiny. Shoghi Effendi describes the North American Baháʼís as “the spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers” and says they will play an important part in establishing the Faith around the world. He states that to contribute fully to this process, American Baháʼís must internalize three spiritual prerequisites: “moral rectitude,” “absolute chastity,” and “complete freedom from prejudice.” The book repeatedly references the Tablets of the Divine Plan by ʻAbdu’l-Bahá–which gave an early impetus to the spread of the Baháʼí Faith in North America–and Shoghi Effendi devotes more than half of the book to discussing the attitudes to be adopted and techniques to be used by Baháʼís when teaching the religion.

Let Your Vision Be World-Embracing We are pleased to invite you to a meeting of all those who want to contribute to the betterment of the world we live in. The Teachings of Baha'u'llah present a vision of a peaceful global civilization based on the recognition of the oneness of humanity. If this idea touches your heart and you would like to join or learn more, be sure to come! Similar gatherings will be held around the world and, "...will give the participants an opportunity to gain greater insight into the nature of the spiritual enterprise in which they are engaged" or would like to contribute, and will offer an opportunity to appreciate, "being part of a community that has set its gaze upon the spiritual and material transformation of society, and … being connected by bonds of love and camaraderie with brothers and sisters in a global effort, …" How can we build vibrant communities? What is Baha'u'llah's vision of a prosperous civilization? What role does education play in transforming society? Where is society heading? Organized by the Baha’i Faith Community of Pinellas County and for more information send inquiries below! Online Contact Info: You are invited to a Zoom meeting. When: Apr 10, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Link to Registration. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Date that this Conference Starts: May 13th, 14th, and 15thEvent Location: Address: Clearwater, FL Campus, 1950 Virginia Ave, Clearwater, FL 34683 The In-Person Contact Info(IRL) Program will include: Sharing experiences, consultation, exploring means and methods by which individuals, communities and institutions can get involved in the process, the arts and creativity. There will be program for children (3-10 years). For more information go to this link - https://www.buildingpinellas.com/ https://news.bahai.org/story/1586/ https://news.bahai.org/story/1587/ https://news.bahai.org/story/1590/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj2HFX5Dmww https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjC3P99pnno A sample copy of resources of possible ideas and activities to be used during your Conferences! https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-WorldWide-Conferences.pdf "With the utmost friendliness and in a spirit of perfect fellowship take ye counsel together, and dedicate the precious days of your lives to the betterment of the world." - Baha'u'llah

The talk will be discussing my paper “Bahá’u’lláh and the God of Avicenna” published in The Journal of Bahá’í Studies, and I will go over its primary arguments and themes. Namely, I will discuss how Bahá’u’lláh affirms the metaphysical principles underlying Avicenna’s argument for the existence of God, Avicenna’s deduction of divine attributes, the relation of God and the world, and the nature of His creative act.

The Clearwater Bahá’í Center is located off Highway 60 West in Clearwater Florida, adjacent to the Tampa Bay Coastal waters. The Clearwater Bahá’í Community is comprised of many different spiritually minded people from many different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. All humanity was created by one God and is part of one human race. Work performed in the spirit of service is a form of worship. The soul, created at the moment of conception, is destined by God to reach the afterlife, where it will continue to progress until it attains the presence. The purpose of life is to know and worship God, to acquire virtues, to promote the oneness of humankind, and to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.

Composed in 1938, near the middle of Shoghi Effendi's Guardianship, it is one of the most important of the Baha'i writings to understand. It is addressed to the Baha'is of the United States and Canada, whose community it extols as the "chief remaining citadel" of the Faith. Please visit www.clearwaterbahais.org to register for this event, where you will receive weekly updates as to zoom events on Sundays, including this event. Previous Sessions and Recordings - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJTw1CWXTEfknhdr5vOCzBJNIgSmn5IXI Inspired by Crimson Academy Course - https://youtu.be/ZIhmrUcVTUA