Clearwater Baha'is

Come and join the Baha’is of Clearwater, Florida and Violetta Zein this Sunday 16 April at 11:00 AM Eastern for Storytelling Sundays # 11: “Place of Gathering”: The story of the Baha’i Faith in Hamadan! Hamadan is one of the great cities or Iran where two figures from the Old Testament are buried, where Tahirih taught the Faith to many, and where large numbers of Jews entered the Faith. Come and learn about the courage of this beautiful, steadfast community that has overcome 150 years of oppression. APOLOGIES DEAR FRIENDS: THERE IS A DELAY BETWEEN THE SPEAKER ❊❊❊❊❊❊ Contents of this video ❊❊❊❊❊❊ 00:00:00 Welcome 00:04:02 Introduction to the talk 00:10:28 Part 1: The history of Hamadán 00:18:01 Part 2: The origins of the Bahá’í Faith in Hamadán 00:27:09 Part 3: Jewish culture and persecution in Qajar Persia 00:33:49 Part 4: First Jewish converts in Hamadán 00:38:01 Part 5: The Dilemma 00:43:39 Part 6: Growth and opposition 00:48:08 Part 7: The visit of Mírzá ‘Abu’l-Faḍl 00:51:26 Part 8: Muslim conversions in Hamadán 00:54:44 Part 9: Institutional developments 00:57:19 Part 10: The story of ‘Abu’l-Qasim-i-Hamadání 01:00:40 Part 11: 14 June 1981: The Seven Martyrs of Hamadán 01:10:21 Part 12: Epilogue: The passing of Hand of the Cause Ismahu’lláh Aṣdaq (Mullá Ṣadiq-i-Muqaddas) 00:17:30 Question, answers and discussion portion

"O peace-maker, before trying to make peace throughout the world, first make peace within thyself!" This episode explores how we can encourage the development of altruism vs. egotism. If we can solve this, the system will only matter a little. So what is the commonality among religions, and how can we tap into that more universally? Daniel Sanderson will hold this discussion with Philosophy scholar and writer Bill Meacham. He studied philosophy at Williams College, Columbia University, and the University of Texas at Austin. After receiving his Ph.D., Bill spent many years as a computer programmer, systems analyst, and project manager. He brings the precision required for good software development to analyzing philosophical concepts and the profound questions posed by philosophy: What's real? How do we know what's real? And what shall we do about it?

We are going to explore how to create a world that exhibits moral traits, where these moral traits are needed more and more today. www.clearwaterbahais.org www.bahai.us www.bahai.org

The essential teachings of the Religion of God are referred to in a number of passages of the Baha’i writings and utterances, many of which will be cited in this document. Separate studies are devoted to a)the two kinds of teachings of the Religion of God; b)the secondary teachings of that Religion; c)the human teachings that have been added to and in many cases have eclipsed the original divine teachings of that Religion; d)the various historical scriptural references to the two kinds of teachings of that Religion; e)the correlation of the station of unity of the Manifestation and the Covenant of God with the essential teachings of religion; and f)the comparison of divine philosophy with essential teachings. In addition to these topics, another document will identify the secondary teachings and laws of Baha'u'llah, those which are specific to this Age and Cycle, which pertain to the outward life of humankind at this time in its evolution.

https://oceanlibrary.com/ https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BIBLIOGRAPHY-FOR-INTENSIVE-AND-PROLONGED-STUDY-OF-THE-KITAB-I-IQAN.pdf https://bahai-library.com/bahaullah_kitab_iqan#glossarynotes091 https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/QUESTIONS-AND-COMMENTS_-KITAB-I-IQAN_QandA_upto_200.pdf https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/The-Religious-Reform-Objectives-of-the-World-Religion.pdf www.clearwaterbahais.org www.bahai.us www.bahai.org

https://oceanlibrary.com/ https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BIBLIOGRAPHY-FOR-INTENSIVE-AND-PROLONGED-STUDY-OF-THE-KITAB-I-IQAN.pdf https://bahai-library.com/bahaullah_kitab_iqan#glossarynotes091 https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/QUESTIONS-AND-COMMENTS_-KITAB-I-IQAN_QandA_upto_200.pdf https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/The-Religious-Reform-Objectives-of-the-World-Religion.pdf www.clearwaterbahais.org www.bahai.us www.bahai.org

This talk explores the role of the Guardian in the Bahá’í Faith, as well as the importance of the covenant between God and humanity. It also delves into the life and legacy of Shoghi Effendi, the first Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, including his early life, appointment as Guardian, and impact on the growth and development of the Faith. The Kitab-i-Ahd, a central document in the Bahá’í Faith, is also discussed, along with its significance in establishing the line of succession for the leadership of the Faith. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=earl+redman&ref=nb_sb_noss https://www.grbooks.com/search?q=earl+redman

Join us this morning using this link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJctfu2sqT8qHdAblZlT29iCS52xr0S-HSpD 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.

Wade Fransson is joined by Imam Mekye Abdus Salaam, founder of the Interfaith Library, who appeared previously on episode 34 to discuss how religions can coexist. Join us as a former Christian Minister and an Imam tackle the thorny question of why believers of different faiths have traditionally condemned each other to Hell.

We are going to explore how to create a world that exhibits moral traits, where these moral traits are needed more and more today. www.clearwaterbahais.org www.bahai.us www.bahai.org

In times of uncertainty and turmoil, it can be challenging to maintain one's faith and stay grounded in one's beliefs. This can be especially true for people who hold strong spiritual beliefs, as they may feel particularly vulnerable when faced with circumstances that challenge their worldview. One way to keep the faith during uncertain times is to focus on the core principles of one's belief system. For Baha'is, this might include concepts such as the oneness of humanity, the importance of justice and unity, and the role of individual responsibility in building a better world. By focusing on these principles, Baha'is can find strength and inspiration even in the face of adversity. Another strategy for keeping the faith is to find support and community. This can be particularly important for Baha'is, who place a strong emphasis on the importance of fellowship and communal worship. Even if physical gatherings are not possible, Baha'is can still connect with one another through virtual meetings, online discussions, and other forms of digital communication. It can also be helpful to practice mindfulness and gratitude. By taking time to reflect on the blessings in one's life, Baha'is can cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Similarly, by practicing mindfulness and being fully present at the moment, Baha'is can find a sense of peace and calm that can help them weather the storms of uncertainty. Finally, it's important to remember that uncertainty is a natural part of life, and that challenges and difficulties can ultimately lead to growth and transformation. By embracing the uncertainty and learning to navigate it with grace and resilience, Baha'is can deepen their faith and strengthen their connection to their spiritual beliefs. Native American Zooms, the monthly Ancient Cedars Indigenous Baha’i Ceremony is at 5 pm EDT today. All are welcome… the link to join is https://www.ancient-cedars.org/ceremony

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.

https://oceanlibrary.com/ https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BIBLIOGRAPHY-FOR-INTENSIVE-AND-PROLONGED-STUDY-OF-THE-KITAB-I-IQAN.pdf https://bahai-library.com/bahaullah_kitab_iqan#glossarynotes091 https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/QUESTIONS-AND-COMMENTS_-KITAB-I-IQAN_QandA_upto_200.pdf https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/The-Religious-Reform-Objectives-of-the-World-Religion.pdf www.clearwaterbahais.org www.bahai.us www.bahai.org

Join us for "Bring Thy Ego to Account Each Day ~ Part II", a panel discussion featuring some of our previous speakers and presenters. Together, we'll explore important questions about the ego, such as what an unchecked ego looks like versus an ego that is regularly brought to account, and why it's important to bring our ego to account each day. Through open dialogue and thoughtful insights, we'll gain a deeper understanding of how to cultivate a more balanced and humble sense of self for personal growth, healthy relationships, and overall well-being.

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.

Episode 38 picks up our discussions around Artificial Morality from our first spotlight show with Gilbert Hakim. This time, Alex Kolodner will showcase the stunning advances in Applied Artificial Intelligence and how it disrupts how we view the world, interact with it, and manage our lives. As we explore the intersection of AI, Technology, and Religion, we ask ourselves: Are we on a Journey toward Progress and Prosperity? Or do the risks outweigh the benefits?

We are going to explore how to create a world that exhibits moral traits, where these moral traits are needed more and more today. www.clearwaterbahais.org www.bahai.us www.bahai.org

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. www.bahai.org www.bahai.us www.bahaiteachings.org www.clearwaterbahais.org

What does an ego that hasn't been brought to account look like vs an ego that is regularly brought to account? Why is it important that we bring our ego/self to account each day? What does bringing our ego to account look like? These are a few important questions that we'll be taking a closer look at together. The ego is often described as the part of ourselves that holds our sense of self, identity, and personality. It is the part of us that is concerned with our survival, success, and social status. The ego can play an important role in our lives, helping us to feel confident, motivated, and capable. However, an unchecked ego can lead to a range of problems, including arrogance, selfishness, and a lack of empathy. An ego that hasn't been brought to account can look like someone who is always seeking attention and validation, putting themselves first and disregarding the needs and feelings of others. They may have a strong sense of entitlement and feel that they deserve special treatment or privileges. They may also struggle with criticism or feedback, becoming defensive or hostile when their actions or behaviors are questioned. On the other hand, an ego that is regularly brought to account is someone who is able to recognize and acknowledge their own limitations, weaknesses, and blind spots. They are open to feedback and willing to learn from their mistakes. They are also able to balance their own needs and desires with the needs and desires of others, showing empathy, kindness, and generosity. Bringing our ego to account each day is important because it allows us to stay grounded, humble, and self-aware. When we are able to recognize our own flaws and limitations, we are more likely to be able to grow and improve as individuals. We are also able to develop stronger relationships with others, as we are able to show empathy and understanding. Bringing our ego to account can look like reflecting on our actions and behaviors each day, seeking feedback from others, and being open to criticism and constructive feedback. It can also involve engaging in practices such as mindfulness or meditation, which can help us to cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and perspective. Overall, bringing our ego to account is an important practice for personal growth, healthy relationships, and overall well-being. By developing a more balanced and humble sense of self, we can become more compassionate, understanding, and effective in our interactions with others.

https://oceanlibrary.com/ https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BIBLIOGRAPHY-FOR-INTENSIVE-AND-PROLONGED-STUDY-OF-THE-KITAB-I-IQAN.pdf https://bahai-library.com/bahaullah_kitab_iqan#glossarynotes091 https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/QUESTIONS-AND-COMMENTS_-KITAB-I-IQAN_QandA_upto_200.pdf https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/The-Religious-Reform-Objectives-of-the-World-Religion.pdf www.clearwaterbahais.org www.bahai.us www.bahai.org

Tonight's episode is about Authors Alise Cortez and Stratton Horres, who have each utilized their life journey to guide others in the context of Grieving and Growing. Dr. Alise Cortez is the chief purpose officer at Alise Cortez and Associates, a management consulting firm specializing in activating meaning and purpose. She thrives on helping companies, leaders, and individuals across the globe to live with "gusto" and make the most of their one precious life through her expertise within the human capital industry over the last 25 years. Today Dr. Cortez is focused on helping individuals find their purpose after loss through her upcoming book, Coloring Life: How Loss Invites Us to Live More Vibrant Lives. With a remarkable career that spans over four decades, Stratton Horres is a well-regarded litigator in crisis management. His expertise is defending clients during grave catastrophes and high-risk mass casualty scenarios in multiple areas. From mass shootings and commercial disasters to product liabilities, health care problems, fires, explosions, transportation incidents, and even construction collapse occurrences, Stratton has vast experience in such matters. He frequently speaks to local and international audiences on a range of legal topics such as technology, health care, and professional negligence and is the author of numerous articles, including, with partner Karen Bashor, "Defending Billion-Dollar Claims: Nine Best Practices for 10-Figure Losses" for the August 2021 issue of CLM Magazine. He also authored "Fire at Will," published in Texas Business magazine.

We are going to explore how to create a world that exhibits moral traits, where these moral traits are needed more and more today. www.clearwaterbahais.org www.bahai.us www.bahai.org

The idea for this session is to provide an opportunity for the friends, especially new believers, to ask any questions relating to the Baha'i fasting. Questions pertaining to the spiritual aspect of Fasting but also things pertaining to the physical experience.