Podcasts about universal house

An exploration of the Ridvan Message of 2024 by the Universal House of Justice.The message explores the interaction between the forces of disintegration and integration at work in the world today - highlighting the inescapable need for a sustained, rapid rise in the number of those committing their time, energy and concentration to the success of our peace-building initiatives.CONTENTS:0:00 Introduction1:26 Dark Times8:15 Our Role as Haven11:24 Methods & Instruments12:58 Our Message16:19 Closing Thoughts

In this episode we explore the recent message which the Universal House of Justice sent to the Baha'is in Iran on Naw Ruz (March 20th, 2024).  The message is not only important for the love and admiration which the Universal House of Justice showers on the Persian Bahá'i community, suffering under intense and relentless persecution, but also because in many ways, it represents the next chapter, building on its November 28, 2023 message - helping us navigate a path to universal peace.  The episode also explores the Universal House of Justice's message of January 18, 2019, which they reference here, exploring strategies for peace building and the promotion of the oneness of the human race.  Key referencesMar 20, 2024 Naw Ruz Message: https://payamha-iran.org/en/document/833Nov 28, 2023 Message: https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20231128_001/1Jan 18, 2019 Message: https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20190118_001/1CONTENTS:0:00 Introduction2:12 Love for Persian Baha'is7:55 State of the World12:40 Key Milestones for Peace19:44 Disintegration on the Rise24:07 A Crisis of Identity29:36 Agency & Peace Building34:11 Peace as Meta Narrative37:19 Closing Thoughts

On November 28, 2023, the Universal House of Justice shared its message providing a history of our organic evolution as a community over the past hundred years.  This episode explores parts of that message addressing the 'society building' focus across four key themes: the organic evolution of initiatives, our interaction with wider society, principles for society building and the interplay between the forces of integration and disintegration at work in the world today.

204 The  Baha'i Faith [Part 2] with Steve Matthews and James WalkerJesus once asked His disciples who they thought He was. Rightly did Peter confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Such a confession was not revealed to Peter by flesh and blood, but by the Father, as Jesus told Him. There are adherents of the Bahai'i Faith, an offshoot of Shiite Islam that began in 1844, who claim they follow the teachings of Jesus too. There are some 8,000 Baha'i centers of worship in the U.S. and many Americans adhere to the Baha'i faith. But who do the Baha'i say that Jesus is? Is he the same Jesus of the Bible? This week on the Profile we continue our conversation with counter-cult apologist Steve Matthews, who continues to unpack the syncretistic and contrary doctrines and practices of the Baha'i faith. Steve Matthews  is a Christian countercult apologist who is not only passionate about researching the more established cults, but also in responding to the newer emerging groups as well. He has his M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Trinity International University and is involved in launching ExaminingTheCults.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Baha'i Faith by Robert Pardon: watchman.org/Bahai Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shia Islam by W. Dr. Mike Edens: watchman.org/Shia Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam by Eric Pement: watchman.org/Ahmadiyya Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: watchman.org/IslamProfile Additional Resources FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

You have probably seen the bumper sticker "COEXIST" made up of several different symbols representing different belief systems and religions. But that bumper sticker is a command, an imperative. The fundamental question about that bumper sticker is "Who is issuing this command?" The Baha'i Faith is no exception to this inclusivism. They attempt to affirm that other religions are valid revelations of God and even ascribe to some of the teachings of Jesus. But this inclusivism is not really inclusive, as the only proper interpretation of the world's religions is given through the ultimate authority of the Baha'i faith, Baha'u'llah, who died in 1892. This week James Walker, the president of Watchman Fellowship, speaks with counter-cult apologist Steve Matthews who gives us an in-depth analysis of the Baha'i faith and why their doctrines of inclusivism and of Jesus are both contradictory and in error. Steve Matthews  is a Christian countercult apologist who is not only passionate about researching the more established cults, but also in responding to the newer emerging groups as well. He has his M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Trinity International University and is involved in launching ExaminingTheCults.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Baha'i Faith by Robert Pardon: watchman.org/Bahai Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shia Islam by W. Dr. Mike Edens: watchman.org/Shia Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam by Eric Pement: watchman.org/Ahmadiyya Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: watchman.org/IslamProfile Additional Resources FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Hot off the press, this episode explores the 2023 Ridvan Message of the Universal House of Justice to the Baha'is of the World, celebrating the key achievements of the past year while articulating priorities for the upcoming one.  It's inspiring guidance shaping the society building endeavors for Baha'i communities worldwide.

This episode, the third in our trilogy, continues our study of the message of the Universal House of Justice of December 30, 2021, providing us with our mandate for society building.  The episode features an interview with Dr. Kynan Feeney, a former Auxiliary Board member, summarizing the remaining 27 paragraphs of the message, addressing clusters, training institutes and Baha'i administration.

This episode, the second in our trilogy, continues our study of the message of the Universal House of Justice of December 30, 2021 providing us with our mandate for society building.  In this episode, we explore the fourth section of the message which focuses on social transformation.

This is the first of a three part trilogy exploring the message of the Universal House of Justice of December 30, 2021 laying out the vision for Society Building for the global Baha'i community for the next 25 years.  Part 1 (this episode) explores the 'bookends' of the message - the first and last sections.

Roman Orona takes you on a journey around the world of Indigenous Music. Indigenous Cafe brings you music, conversation and inspiration from the Indigenous People of North America and the Indigenous People from all over the world.   On this weeks journey, we are traveling with a show titled, “The Equal Standard of Indigenous Rights”   Artist's you will hear in the order they are played on this weeks show:   THE INDIGENOUS CAFE PODCAST INTRO “…an equal standard of human rights must be recognized and adopted…all men are equal…there is no distinction or preferment for any soul in the dominion of His (God/Creator) justice and equity.” -Universal House of Justice We should as indigenous people who are fighting for equal rights be guided by this quote, “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” -Bahá'u'lláh We have to fight for all people to have equal rights, we have been and are all about community.  (00:00:00-00:02:08)  1. Ryon Polequaptewa - “Early Morning Mist” (Tuwanasavi) (0:02:08-0:07:44) 2. Joanne Shenandoah - “Deer Dance” (Peace & Power) (0:07:44-00:11:06) PROGRAM BREAK (00:11:06-00:11:11) 3. Jim Pepper - “Witchi Tia To” (The Path) (00:11:11-00:16:10) 4. Twin Flames - “Will I Fall?” (Signal Fire) (00:16:10-00:19:58) Roman Orona (Host) (00:19:58-00:21:47) “…continuing the emphasis on the need for unity in diversity-a unity which implies mutual tolerance among the various populations, a recognition by dominant populations of the freedom of indigenous peoples to exercise their rights in all legitimate varieties of ways, and the corollary recognition of indigenous peoples themselves that such freedom carries with it the responsibility of recognizing the rights of all others to the same expressions. The implications for indigenous peoples also include: realization of the virtues of cross-cultural influences; appreciation of the values of other cultures as accruing to the wealth of human experience and the freedom of all to share in such values without necessarily giving up their respective identities' avoidance of parochial attitudes which degenerate into ethnic and cultural prejudices' and, above all, appreciation of the necessity to maintain a global perspective within which the particulars of indigenous expression can find an enduring context…”  -Universal House of Justice 5. Solawa & Moe Clark - “Sacred Stones” (Tempo) (00:21:47-00:26:03) 6. Kolohe Kai - “This is the Life” (This is the Life) (00:26:03-00:29:38) 7. Musa Mboob & XamXam - “Journey” (Pure Africa) (00:29:38-00:35:59) PROGRAM BREAK (00:35:59-00:35:04)  8. Hubert Francis - “Netu' Nenul (Live)” (L'nuta'ql: Mi'kmaq Music Showcase) (00:35:04-00:37:27) 9. Knifewing - “Step out into the Light” (One Spirit, Two Worlds) (00:37:27-00:40:00) Roman Orona (Host) (00:40:00-00:41:04) “Concerning indigenous rights, it stands to reason that indigenous people are entitled to all the human rights accorded other peoples. For example, they should be guaranteed the full rights of citizenship, and all acts of discriminations against them, which may have developed over the years, should be eliminated. At the same time, it would be unseemly for the demands for their rights to make, on the basis of their indigenousness, a special claim to exclusive rights and privileges which exceed the necessity to redress injustices…” -Universal House of Justice 10. Te Vaka - “Manu Samoa” (Tutuki) (00:41:04-00:44:27) 11. The Blue Stone Project - “John Doe” (Blue Stone) (00:44:27-00:49:02) PROGRAM BREAK (00:49:02-00:49:07) 12. Southern Scratch - “Lindas Nortenitas” (How Sweet the Sound) (00:49:07-00:51:57) 13. Maya Jupiter - “Shake” (Never Said Yes) (00:51:57-00:55:09)  Roman Orona (Host) (00:55:00-00:57:05) “Indigenous people have a slightly significant role to play in the development of the World Order…as is indicated in the oft-quoted words of Abdu'l-bahá concerning the American continent to the effect that “should these Indians be educated and properly guided, there can be no doubt that through the Divine teachings they will become so enlightened that the whole earth will be illumined.” In this period of social evolution, however, minorities, including indigenous peoples, continue to suffer from oppressive and disheartening treatment in many parts of the world… ” -Universal House of Justice  14. Thunderhill - “Contest Song” (The Clash Of The Titans) (00:57:05-00:59:55) DONATION ADVERTISEMENT (00:59:55-01:00:11)   The Indigenous Cafe Podcast is hosted by Roman Orona and brought to you by iamHUMAN Media. iamHUMAN Media is a non-profit 501(c)(3) focused on raising the awareness of social discourse to all humans through development of programs and artistic ventures (music, movies, stage performances, books, workshops, concerts, film festivals, community outreach, community building, panel discussions, etc.)  to  foster and promote unity in diversity and community fellowship acknowledging that all HUMANs are related simply by being HUMAN. Below are ways to help us continue our programming or to learn more about us: https://paypal.me/iamHUMANmedia?locale.x=en_US Website: www.iamHUMANmedia.com Email: indigenouscafe1@gmail.com

Hi everybody, here's a poem on the plight of Burundi, a "small but important country" (the Universal House of Justice, the supreme governing body of the Bahá'í world), and thus the World...

Roman Orona takes you on a journey around the world of Indigenous Music. Indigenous Cafe brings you music, conversation and inspiration from the Indigenous People of North America and the Indigenous People from all over the world. Artist's you will hear in the order they are played on this weeks show: THE INDIGENOUS CAFE PODCAST INTRO “The purpose of God in creating man (Humans) hath been, and will ever be, to enable him to know his Creator and to attain His Presence. To this most excellent aim, this supreme objective, all the heavenly Books and the divinely-revealed and weighty Scriptures unequivocally bear witness…Whoso hath failed to recognize  Him will have condemned himself to the misery of remoteness, a remoteness which is naught but utter nothingness and the essence of the nethermost fire. Such will be his fate, though to outward seeming he may occupy the earth's loftiest seats and be established upon its most exalted throne.” -Bahá'u'lláh “One must remember that the purpose of this life is to prepare the soul for the next.”  -Universal House of Justice (00:00:00-00:01:59)  1. Enrique Males - “Matrimonio” (Quinchuquimanda Imbayacuna) (00:01:59-00:04:44) 2. Dennis Shorty & Jennifer Fröhling - “Gucho Hin” (Dena Zagi - Gucho Hin) (00:04:44-00:09:23) PROGRAM BREAK (00:09:23-00:09:28) 3. Midnight Shine - “Heart of Gold” (High Road) (00:09:28-00:13:11) 4. Ryon Polequaptewa- “War Party” (Tuwanasavi) (00:13:11-00:16:18) 5. Joanne Shenandoah - “I Am Your Friend” (Peace & Power) (00:16:18-00:20:00) Roman Orona (Host) (00:20:00-00:22:29) “ . . in this world he must prepare himself for the life beyond. That which he needs in the world of the Kingdom must be obtained here. Just as he prepared himself in the world of the matrix (in your mother's womb) by acquiring forces necessary in this sphere of existence, so, likewise, the indispensable forces of the divine existence must be potentially attained in this world. What is he in need of in the Kingdom which transcends the life and limitation of this mortal sphere? That world beyond is a world of sanctity and radiance; therefore, it is necessary that in this world he should acquire these divine attributes. In that world there is need of spirituality, faith, assurance, the knowledge and love of God. These he must attain in this world so that after his ascension from the earthly to the heavenly Kingdom he shall find all that is needful in that eternal life ready for him…How shall he obtain these merciful gifts and powers? First, through the knowledge of God. Second, through the love of God. Third, through faith. Fourth, through philanthropic deeds. Fifth, through self-sacrifice. Sixth, through severance from this world. Seventh, through sanctity and holiness. Unless he acquires these forces and attains to these requirements, he will surely be deprived of the life that is eternal.” -Abdu'l-Bahá  6. Black Lodge Singers - “The Land of Gathering” (Recorded Live in Arizona) (00:22:29-00:27:39)  7. Thunder Hill - “Pawnee Song” (Miles From Yesterday) (00:27:39-00:32:29) PROGRAM BREAK (00:32:29-00:32:33)  8. Los Papagos Molinas - “Buttermilk-Polka” (Waila!) (00:32:33-00:34:57)  9. Makaha Sons of Ni'hau - “Waipahu'e Falls” (Unforgettable) (00:34:57-00:37:30) 10. Insingizi - “Siyabonga” (Spirit Of Africa) (00:37:30-00:39:56) Roman Orona (Host) (00:39:56-00:41:09) “But the life of man is not so restricted; it is divine, eternal, not mortal and sensual. For him a spiritual existence and livelihood is prepared and ordained in the divine creative plan. His life is intended to be a life of spiritual enjoyment to which the animal can never attain. This enjoyment depends upon the acquisition of heavenly virtues. The sublimity of man is his attainment of the knowledge of God. The bliss of man is the acquiring of heavenly bestowals, which descend upon him in the outflow of the bounty of God. The happiness of man is in the fragrance of the love of God. This is the highest pinnacle of attainment in the human world.” -Abdu'l-Bahá 11. Margarita Laso - “Viva Vargas Torres” (Putumayo Latin Playground) (00:41:09-00:44:20)  12. Digging Roots - “Brave Enough” (We Are) (00:44:20-00:47:26) PROGRAM BREAK (00:47:26-00:47:31)    13. Sharon Burch - “Sacred Mountains” (Yazzie Girl) (00:47:31-00:51:16)  14. Native Roots - “Unity” (Most High) (00:51:16-00:54:55) Roman Orona (Host) (00:54:55-00:57:29) “Nothing has been created without a special destiny, for every creature has an innate station of attainment . . . The divine teachers desire man to be educated that he may attain to the high rank of his own reality, the deprivation of which is the rank of perdition . . . man needs the light of the Holy Spirit . . . When we come to the estate of man, we find his kingdom is vested with a divine superiority. Compared to the animal, his perfection or his imperfection is superior . . . Yet if man remain content in an undeveloped state viewed from the point of capacity he is the lowest of creatures. If he attains unto his heritage through divine wisdom, then he becomes a clear mirror in which the beauty of God is reflected; he has eternal life and becomes a participator of the sun of truth. This is to show you how considerable are the degrees of human achievement. The aim of the prophet of God is to raise man to the degree of knowledge of his potentiality and to illumine him through the light of the kingdom, to transform ignorance into wisdom, injustice into justice, error into knowledge, cruelty into affection and incapability into progress. In short, to make all the attainments of existence resplendent in him.” -Abdu'l-Bahá 15. Pura Fe - “Duhngeh” (Full Moon Rising) (00:57:29-01:00:15) DONATION ADVERTISEMENT (01:00:15-01:00:31) The Indigenous Cafe Podcast is hosted by Roman Orona and brought to you by iamHUMAN Media. iamHUMAN Media is a non-profit 501(c)(3) focused on raising the awareness of social discourse to all humans through development of programs and artistic ventures (music, movies, stage performances, books, workshops, concerts, film festivals, community outreach, community building, panel discussions, etc.)  to  foster and promote unity in diversity and community fellowship acknowledging that all HUMANs are related simply by being HUMAN. Below are ways to help us continue our programming or to learn more about us: https://paypal.me/iamHUMANmedia?locale.x=en_US Website: www.iamHUMANmedia.com Email: indigenouscafe1@gmail.com

Roman Orona takes you on a journey around the world of Indigenous Music. Indigenous Cafe brings you music, conversation and inspiration from the Indigenous People of North America and the Indigenous People from all over the world. Artist's you will hear in the order they are played on this weeks show: THE INDIGENOUS CAFE PODCAST INTRO “Our world is passing through the darkest period in the entire history of civilization, in which unnumbered millions of people suffer grievous wrongs that drive them to the edge of despair. It is one of the mysteries of the spiritual realm that destinies of those who have great contributions to make should entail suffering…” -Universal House of Justice (00:00:00-00:02:08)  1. Joanne Shenandoah - “I Am Your Friend” (Peace & Power) (00:02:08-00:06:12) 2. Karen Pinette-Fontaine - “Yes vines en canot” (Kanen) (00:06:12-00:09:28) PROGRAM BREAK (00:09:28-00:09:33) 3. Connor Chee- “Talking God ft. Keith Chee” (Emergence) (00:09:33-00:12:38) 4. Edwin Endfield - “San Carlos Apache” (Songs of the Arizona Apache) (00:12:38-00:15:39) 5. Indian Hill - “The Woods” (Don't Look Back) (00:15:39-00:20:00) Roman Orona (Host) (00:20:00-00:20:51) “Suffering is both a reminder and a guide. It stimulates us to better adapt ourselves to our environmental conditions and thus leads the way to a self-improvement. In every suffering one can find a meaning and a wisdom. But it is not always easy to find the secret of that wisdom.”  -Shoghi Effendi 6. Anthony Benally - “Native American Church Set six, Pt.4” (Azee Diyin) (00:20:51-00:23:42)  7. The Keen and the Kind - “Sunshine” (The Things We Don't Know) (00:23:42-00:27:29) 8. Estun-Bah - “Dreams” (For The Women) (00:27:29-00:32:38)  PROGRAM BREAK (00:32:38-00:32:43)  9. Nancy Sanchez - “Sanando Heridas (ft. Cuñao)” (La Gran Civilization) (00:32:43-00:35:49) 10. Yothu Yindi - “Yolngu Boy” (Healing Stone) (00:35:49-00:40:00) Roman Orona (Host) (00:40:00-00:41:00) “Although outwardly cataclysms are hard to understand and to endure, yet there lies a great wisdom behind them which appears later. All the visible material events are inter-related with invisible forces. The infinite phenomena of creation are as interdependent as the link of a chain” -Abdu'l-Baha 11. Thunder Hill - “Contest Song 2” (Relentless) (00:41:00-00:45:55) 12. Kalani Pe'a - “You Are So Beautiful” (E Walea) (00:45:55-00:48:23) PROGRAM BREAK (00:48:23-00:48:28) 13. Ahdi ft. Shadi Toloui-Wallace & Shidan Toloui-Wallace - “When Sorrow Comes” (When Sorrow Comes) (00:48:28-00:53:56)  14. Fawn Wood - “Grandmother's Song” (Iskwewak) (00:53:56-00:55:29) Roman Orona (Host) (00:55:29-00:57:09) “In a day such as this, when the tempests of trials and tribulations have encompassed the world, and fear and trembling have agitated the planet, ye must rise above the horizon of firmness and steadfastness with illumined faces and radiant brows in such wise that, God willing, the gloom of fear and consternation may be entirely obliterated, and the light of assurance may dawn above the manifest horizon and shine resplendently…suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning…” -Abdu'l-Baha 15. Nii Okai Tagoe - “Nekeh Noh” (Pure Africa) (00:57:09-01:00:00) DONATION ADVERTISEMENT (01:00:00-01:00:16) The Indigenous Cafe Podcast is hosted by Roman Orona and brought to you by iamHUMAN Media. iamHUMAN Media is a non-profit 501(c)(3) focused on raising the awareness of social discourse to all humans through development of programs and artistic ventures (music, movies, stage performances, books, workshops, concerts, film festivals, community outreach, community building, panel discussions, etc.)  to  foster and promote unity in diversity and community fellowship acknowledging that all HUMANs are related simply by being HUMAN. Below are ways to help us continue our programming or to learn more about us: https://paypal.me/iamHUMANmedia?locale.x=en_US Website: www.iamHUMANmedia.com Email: indigenouscafe1@gmail.com

Artist's you will hear in the order they are played on this weeks show: THE INDIGENOUS CAFE PODCAST INTRO “The time has come when those who preach the dogmas of materialism, whether of the east or of the west, whether of capitalism or socialism, must give account of the moral stewardship they have presumed to exercise. Where is the “new world” promised by these ideologies? Why is the vast majority of the world's peoples sinking ever deeper into hunger and wretchedness when wealth on a scale undreamed of by the Pharaohs, the Caesars, or even the imperialist powers of the nineteenth century is at the disposal of the present arbiters of human affairs? -Universal House of Justice (00:00:00-00:01:46)  1. Black Lodge Singers - “Prayer Song in Honor of Jordan Yazzie” (Recorded Live In Arizona) (00:01:46-00:06:09) 2. Injunuity - “Heat” (Fight For Survival) (00:06:09-00:10:00) PROGRAM BREAK (00:10:00-00:10:05) 3. Iz- “Hawaii'78” (Best of Iz) (00:10:05-00:15:10) 4. Southern Scratch - “Guadalupe Mazurka” (Waila) (00:15:10-00:17:58) 5. Northern Cree - “Straight” (Nikamo “Sing!”) (00:17:58-00:20:00) Roman Orona (Host) (00:20:00-00:20:53) “All too many of these (man-made) ideologies.callously abandon starving millions to the operations of a market system that all too clearly is aggravating the plight of the majority of mankind, while enabling small sections to live in a condition of affluence scarcely dreamed of by our forebears.”  -Universal House of Justice 6. Thunder Hill - “Whistlin' Away” (Miles from Yesterday) (00:20:53-00:26:06) 7. Mose Se Sengo - “Hello Hello” (Putumayo: African Playground) (00:26:06-00:30:12) PROGRAM BREAK (00:30:12-00:30:17)  8. Omara Portuondo - “Guantanamera” (Putumayo: Latin America) (00:30:17-00:33:48)  9. R. Carlos Nakai - “Connections” (Reconnections) (00:33:48-00:40:00) Roman Orona (Host) (00:40:00-00:41:30) “As is well known, the dominant model of development depends on a society of vigorous consumers of material goods. In such a model, endlessly rising levels of consumption are cast as indicators of progress and prosperity. This preoccupation with the production and accumulation of material objects and comforts (as sources of meaning, happiness and social acceptance) has consolidated itself in the structures of power and information to the exclusion of competing voices and paradigms. The unfettered cultivation of needs and wants has led to a system fully dependent on excessive consumption for a privileged few, while reinforcing exclusion, poverty and inequality, for the majority. Each successive global crisis—be it climate, energy, food, water, disease, financial collapse—has revealed new dimensions of the exploitation and oppression inherent in the current patterns of consumption and production.” -Bahá'i International Community 10. Whitehawk And Crowe - “Praise Holy Medicine, Creator” (Wikiwam Ahsin Vol. III) (00:41:30-00:44:57) 11. ODUCHU - “The Healing Spring” (The Healer) (00:44:57-00:48:58) PROGRAM BREAK (00:48:58-00:49:03) 12. Calina Lawrence - “Songbird” (Epicenter) (00:49:03-00:52:57) 13. Elexa Dawson - “Circle Song” (Music Is Medicine) (00:52:57-00:55:00)  Roman Orona (Host) (00:55:00-00:57:02) “In an increasingly interconnected world, more light is being cast on the social conditions of every people, giving greater visibility to their circumstances. While there are developments that give hope, there is much that should weigh heavy on the conscience of the human race. Inequity, discrimination, and exploitation blight the life of humanity, seemingly immune to the treatments applied by political schemes of every hue. The economic impact of these afflictions has resulted in the prolonged suffering of so many, as well as in deep-seated, structural defects in society. No one… can remain unmoved by these consequences. "The world is in great turmoil,” and the minds of its people are in a state of utter confusion. We entreat the Almighty that He may graciously illuminate them with the glory of His Justice, and enable them to discover that which will be profitable unto them at all times and under all conditions…” -Universal House of Justice  14. Lila Downs - “La Bamba” (Una Sangre “One Blood”) (00:57:02-01:01:10) DONATION ADVERTISEMENT (01:01:10-01:01:25) The Indigenous Cafe Podcast is hosted by Roman Orona and brought to you by iamHUMAN Media. iamHUMAN Media is a non-profit 501(c)(3) focused on raising the awareness of social discourse to all humans through development of programs and artistic ventures (music, movies, stage performances, books, workshops, concerts, film festivals, community outreach, community building, panel discussions, etc.)  to  foster and promote unity in diversity and community fellowship acknowledging that all HUMANs are related simply by being HUMAN. Below are ways to help us continue our programming or to learn more about us: https://paypal.me/iamHUMANmedia?locale.x=en_US Website: www.iamHUMANmedia.com Email: indigenouscafe1@gmail.com

Roman Orona takes you on a journey around the world of Indigenous Music. Indigenous Cafe brings you music, conversation and inspiration from the Indigenous People of North America and the Indigenous People from all over the world. Artist's you will hear in the order they are played on this weeks show: THE INDIGENOUS CAFE PODCAST INTRO “Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator. Its manifestations are diversified by varying causes, and in this diversity there are signs for men of discernment. Nature is God's Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world. It is a dispensation of Providence ordained by the Ordainer, the All-Wise.” -Bahá'u'lláh  This quote outlines the essential relationship between humans and the environment: that the grandeur and diversity of nature are purposeful reflections of the majesty and bounty of God/the Creator….There follows an implicit understanding that nature is to be respected and protected, as a divine trust for which we are answerable. (00:00:00-00:02:15)  1. Burning Sky - “Star” (Spirits in the Wind) (0:02:15-0:06:17) 2. Tuvan National Orchestra - “Igilimni” (Tuvan National Orchestra - EP) (0:06:17-00:09:31) PROGRAM BREAK (00:09:31-00:09:36) 3. Quetzal - “Todo Lo Que Tengo (All That I Have)” (Imaginaries) (00:09:36-00:14:16) 4. Raye Zaragoza - “American Dream” (Fight for You) (00:14:16-00:17:32) 5. Jeremy Dutcher - “Koselwintuwakon” (Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa) (00:17:32-00:20:00) Roman Orona (Host) (00:20:00-00:21:54) “”As trustees, or stewards, of the planet's vast resources and biological diversity, humanity must learn to make use of the earth's natural resources, both renewable and non-renewable, in a manner that ensures sustainability and equity into the distant reaches of time. This attitude of stewardship will require full consideration of the potential environmental consequences of all development activities. It will compel humanity to temper its actions with moderation and humility, realizing that the true value of nature cannot be expressed in economic terms. It will also require a deep understanding of the natural world and its role in humanity's collective development - both material and spiritual. Therefore, sustainable environmental management must come to be seen not as a discretionary commitment mankind can weigh against other competing interests, but rather as a fundamental responsibility that must be shouldered - a pre-requisite for spiritual development as well as the individual's physical survival.”  -Bahá'i International Community 6. Buc Wild - “Pumper 1” (Young & Reckless) (00:21:54-00:24:38) 7. Ibimeni - “Vinu Niguirayali” (Garifuna Traditional Music from Guatemala) (00:24:38-00:29:04) 8. Jim Boyd - “Unity” (Unity) (00:29:04-00:32:32)  PROGRAM BREAK (00:32:32-00:32:37)  9. Randy Wood - “For The Horses” (My Heart and Soul) (00:32:37-00:38:06) 10. LeeAnn Brady - “A Cappella NAC Song” (Red Earth Singing) (00:38:06-00:39:57) Roman Orona (Host) (00:39:57-00:42:14) “It has been widely acknowledged that economic prosperity has come at a tremendous cost to our natural environment. In fact, no country has emerged as a major industrial power without a legacy of significant environmental damage, affecting the security and well-being of its own populations and, equally significantly, those of developing nations. The growth-driven economic paradigm rooted in national interests at the expense of social and environmental variables and international well-being is under increasing scrutiny. Challenging ethical questions of resource distribution and responsibility for damages force governments to develop institutional mechanisms and implement policies that consider the prosperity and health of the global community and that of future generations. On an institutional level, a global entity with a strong scientific advisory capacity is needed to streamline reporting and decision-making processes, including the voices of non-state actors. It must coherently link environmental issues to social and economic priorities, for none of these can advance in isolation. At the educational level, curricula must seek to develop a sense of responsibility towards the natural environment as well as foster a spirit of inquiry and innovation so that the diversity of human experience can be brought to bear on the challenge of creating an environmentally sustainable development pathway.” -Bahá'i International Community 11. Annie Humphrey - “The Wizard” (The Wizard) (00:42:14-00:46:17) 12. Freddie Kaydahzinne - “Niya; (I Am Here)” (Apache Songs - Social and War Dance) (00:46:17-00:49:03) PROGRAM BREAK (00:49:03-00:49:08) 13. Tha Tribe - “Buffalo Jump” (Mad Hops And Crazy Stops) (00:49:08-00:51:57)  14. Southern Scratch - “O'odham's Special Chote” (Emwe:Hejed “For All Of You”) (00:51:57-00:54:58) Roman Orona (Host) (00:54:58-00:56:34) “Until such time as the nations of the world understand and follow the admonitions of Bahá'u'lláh to whole-heartedly work together in looking after the best interests of all humankind, and unite in the search for ways and means to meet the many environmental problems besetting our planet, ...little progress will be made towards their solution....” -Universal House of Justice  15. Young Spirit - “YS Rock'n'Roll” (Save Me a Lead) (00:56:34-01:02:07) DONATION ADVERTISEMENT (01:02:07-01:02:23) The Indigenous Cafe Podcast is hosted by Roman Orona and brought to you by iamHUMAN Media. iamHUMAN Media is a non-profit 501(c)(3) focused on raising the awareness of social discourse to all humans through development of programs and artistic ventures (music, movies, stage performances, books, workshops, concerts, film festivals, community outreach, community building, panel discussions, etc.)  to  foster and promote unity in diversity and community fellowship acknowledging that all HUMANs are related simply by being HUMAN. Below are ways to help us continue our programming or to learn more about us: https://paypal.me/iamHUMANmedia?locale.x=en_US Website: www.iamHUMANmedia.com Email: indigenouscafe1@gmail.com

Roman Orona takes you on a journey around the world of Indigenous Music. Indigenous Cafe brings you music, conversation and inspiration from the Indigenous People of North America and the Indigenous People from all over the world. Artist's you will hear in the order they are played on this weeks show: THE INDIGENOUS CAFE PODCAST INTRO “…an equal standard of human rights must be recognized and adopted…all men are equal…there is no distinction or preferment for any soul in the dominion of His (God/Creator) justice and equity.” -Universal House of Justice We should as indigenous people who are fighting for equal rights be guided by this quote, “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” -Bahá'u'lláh We have to fight for all people to have equal rights, we have been and are all about community.  (00:00:00-00:02:08)  1. Ryon Polequaptewa - “Early Morning Mist” (Tuwanasavi) (0:02:08-0:07:44) 2. Joanne Shenandoah - “Deer Dance” (Peace & Power) (0:07:44-00:11:06) PROGRAM BREAK (00:11:06-00:11:11) 3. Jim Pepper - “Witchi Tia To” (The Path) (00:11:11-00:16:10) 4. Twin Flames - “Will I Fall?” (Signal Fire) (00:16:10-00:19:58) Roman Orona (Host) (00:19:58-00:21:47) “…continuing the emphasis on the need for unity in diversity-a unity which implies mutual tolerance among the various populations, a recognition by dominant populations of the freedom of indigenous peoples to exercise their rights in all legitimate varieties of ways, and the corollary recognition of indigenous peoples themselves that such freedom carries with it the responsibility of recognizing the rights of all others to the same expressions. The implications for indigenous peoples also include: realization of the virtues of cross-cultural influences; appreciation of the values of other cultures as accruing to the wealth of human experience and the freedom of all to share in such values without necessarily giving up their respective identities' avoidance of parochial attitudes which degenerate into ethnic and cultural prejudices' and, above all, appreciation of the necessity to maintain a global perspective within which the particulars of indigenous expression can find an enduring context…”  -Universal House of Justice 5. Solawa & Moe Clark - “Sacred Stones” (Tempo) (00:21:47-00:26:03) 6. Kolohe Kai - “This is the Life” (This is the Life) (00:26:03-00:29:38) 7. Musa Mboob & XamXam - “Journey” (Pure Africa) (00:29:38-00:35:59) PROGRAM BREAK (00:35:59-00:35:04)  8. Hubert Francis - “Netu' Nenul (Live)” (L'nuta'ql: Mi'kmaq Music Showcase) (00:35:04-00:37:27) 9. Knifewing - “Step out into the Light” (One Spirit, Two Worlds) (00:37:27-00:40:00) Roman Orona (Host) (00:40:00-00:41:04) “Concerning indigenous rights, it stands to reason that indigenous people are entitled to all the human rights accorded other peoples. For example, they should be guaranteed the full rights of citizenship, and all acts of discriminations against them, which may have developed over the years, should be eliminated. At the same time, it would be unseemly for the demands for their rights to make, on the basis of their indigenousness, a special claim to exclusive rights and privileges which exceed the necessity to redress injustices…” -Universal House of Justice 10. Te Vaka - “Manu Samoa” (Tutuki) (00:41:04-00:44:27) 11. The Blue Stone Project - “John Doe” (Blue Stone) (00:44:27-00:49:02) PROGRAM BREAK (00:49:02-00:49:07) 12. Southern Scratch - “Lindas Nortenitas” (How Sweet the Sound) (00:49:07-00:51:57) 13. Maya Jupiter - “Shake” (Never Said Yes) (00:51:57-00:55:09)  Roman Orona (Host) (00:55:00-00:57:05) “Indigenous people have a slightly significant role to play in the development of the World Order…as is indicated in the oft-quoted words of Abdu'l-bahá concerning the American continent to the effect that “should these Indians be educated and properly guided, there can be no doubt that through the Divine teachings they will become so enlightened that the whole earth will be illumined.” In this period of social evolution, however, minorities, including indigenous peoples, continue to suffer from oppressive and disheartening treatment in many parts of the world… ” -Universal House of Justice  14. Thunderhill - “Contest Song” (The Clash Of The Titans) (00:57:05-00:59:55) DONATION ADVERTISEMENT (00:59:55-01:00:11) The Indigenous Cafe Podcast is hosted by Roman Orona and brought to you by iamHUMAN Media. iamHUMAN Media is a non-profit 501(c)(3) focused on raising the awareness of social discourse to all humans through development of programs and artistic ventures (music, movies, stage performances, books, workshops, concerts, film festivals, community outreach, community building, panel discussions, etc.)  to  foster and promote unity in diversity and community fellowship acknowledging that all HUMANs are related simply by being HUMAN. Below are ways to help us continue our programming or to learn more about us: https://paypal.me/iamHUMANmedia?locale.x=en_US Website: www.iamHUMANmedia.com Email: indigenouscafe1@gmail.com

In honor of the Centenary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i mom and poet Andrea Hope  shares 13 children's books that honor 'Abdu'l-Baha.The resources for this episode are as follows:Quote: from 27 November 2021 tribute by the Universal House of Justice  Resources: Preschool Remembering ‘Abdu'l-Baha - https://amzn.to/3ptlnM0 ‘Abdu'l-Baha Was Kind - https://www.etsy.com/listing/1080746112The Kind Servant - https://amzn.to/3GhKW9kElementary School ‘Abdu'l-Baha Loves Children - https://amzn.to/3Dr80RnMake of Me a Shining Lamp - https://amzn.to/3IhXdwt Sweetness of His Love - https://amzn.to/3rDaLwG The Master - Audio Book - https://sarahperceval.bandcamp.com ‘Abdu'l-Baha: Loving All the World - https://www.bahaibookstore.com/ Mighty! - https://firstvalleybooks.com/ Middle School Daily Reflections and Stories for Children - https://www.bahaibookstore.com Stories about Abdul-Baha - https://www.bahaibookstore.com Voyage of Love - https://amzn.to/3DnXeLQ The Most Mighty Branch - https://amzn.to/3IkZgjy Andrea's Etsy Shop:https://www.etsy.com/shop/AndreaHopeOrgInstagram: @bahaigifts Email: info@andreahope.orgWebsite: www.andreahope.org

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha'i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they're interested in, and what makes them tick. In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by Professor Hoda Mahmoudi who holds the Baha'i Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, USA. She tells me about moving to the US as a child and what the Baha'i Chair for World Peace is all about. We talk Abdu'l-Baha and His wonderful insights on what peace is really about, and how all of us can play a role in helping achieve it. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! Find out more about some of the things we mentioned and covered below: * Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX * Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/ * The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN * Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM * The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/ * Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/ * Website in honor of Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America: https://239days.com/ * Find out more about The Baha'i Chair for World Peace and Hoda Mahmoudi here: http://www.bahaichair.umd.edu/people/mahmoudi * BOOK: A World Without War by Janet Khan & Hoda Mahmoudi: https://amzn.to/3rtWIHn * Association for Baha'i Studies, North America: https://www.bahaistudies.ca/ * The Baha'i World Centre: https://www.bwc.org/ * Why is the Baha'i World Centre in Israel: https://bit.ly/3DjRx1k * Tablets of the Divine Plan: https://bit.ly/3rw39Mp * What Are the Tablets of the Divine Plan: https://bit.ly/3rxKr79 * We mention Dr. Nader Saiedi who has also been a guest on the Baha'i Blogcast: - Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Ep. 20: Nader Saiedi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pSyY-vhxuw - Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Ep.48: A Declaration of the Bab Conversation with Nader Saiedi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jPN99xQLOs * Tablets to The Hague by Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/3G7hTFy * Abdu'l-Baha's Tablets to The Hague: An Introduction: https://bit.ly/3oh9Gsn * VIDEO: A World Without War: Abdu'l-Baha & the Discourse for Global Peace - Janet Khan & Hoda Mahmoudi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRlAXd8tr7Q * The Promise of World Peace by the Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/31jtjrc * Children's Classes: https://bit.ly/31tnbMI * Why & How Do Baha'is Pray: https://bit.ly/3GbYHXa * Study Circles: https://bit.ly/3qkIJSR * Ruhi courses: https://bit.ly/3w16G44 * What is the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program: https://bit.ly/3x52jX0 * Who Were the Hands of the Cause: https://bit.ly/2EATuOD * Taking the Politics Out of Politics: https://bit.ly/3DmnnKG * Importance of Service in the Baha'i Faith: https://bit.ly/3rDjg82 * BOOK: God Passes By by Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/2UaWgBH * VIDEO: Abdu'l-Baha in Egypt - Baha'i Blog Interviews Payam Rowhani: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvPh6NSaEnA * BOOK: Paris Talks by Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/3DfhNK5 * VIDEO: Abdu'l-Baha - Servant of Glory: https://youtu.be/tMJoyyEXjr4 Be sure to subscribe to the Baha'i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​ * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ * Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​ * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/​ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Carmel Irandoust was Deputy Secretary-General of the Baháí International Community in the Holy Land until recently. She was appointed in July 2018. The Deputy Secretary-General supports the Office of the Secretary-General acting on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, the international governing council of the Baháí Community, in the conduct of its external affairs. Before assuming this position, Carmel worked for World Vision in Dublin, Ireland in the field of advocacy and policy, promoting and defending the rights of children and young people to be active global citizens in building sustainable and peaceful societies (2015-2018). She also worked at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in the Department of Public Information as well as in the Protocol and Liaison Service with the Office of the Secretary-General (2009-2013). She is the founder of NETLOVE, a consultancy agency promoting the values of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Justice, and Peace by creating meaningful and thought-provoking spaces for schools, universities, and businesses. Carmel holds a Bachelors degree in Public and Political Communications from Paris XII University (2004) and a Master of Philosophy in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin (2014). A citizen of France, Carmel has lived and worked in Europe, North Africa, North America, Latin America and the Middle East. She has been a member of various Baháí communities where she served on different local and regional Bahá'í institutions. She speaks fluent French, English, Spanish and Farsi. If you want to learn more about Carmel, you can reach out to her directly on social media (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmel-irandoust-a13a45100) or through her organization: http://netlove.org (Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Netlove22, Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/netlove16, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/netlove_original) . . . . . For all the latest about the podcast, follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/as-diverse-as-two-peas-in-a-podcast), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/asdiverseastwopeasinapod), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AsDiverseAsTwoPeasInAPod) or Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-UyuMYX-QAvJKztBTm94NQ) To reach out to Julien Lefort, you can contact him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienl) or directly through his website (https://www.wearefutureminds.com)

 The Universal Crisis Affecting Mankind - nursing a sore-tried and disillusioned humanity back to health https://bahai-library.com/pdf/compilations/compilation_state_disorder_confusion.pdfToday's Sentence - “The call of Bahá'u'lláh is primarily directed against all forms of provincialism, all insularities and prejudices.” (The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh) www.bahai.org/r/333528334   Seven letters written by Shoghi Effendi and addressed to the Bahá'ís of the United States and the West, first collected in 1938, comprising “The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh”, “The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Further Considerations”, “The Goal of a New World Order”, “The Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh”, “America and the Most Great Peace”, “The Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh”, and “The Unfoldment of World Civilization”.Bahá'u'llah - https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah‘Abdu'l-Bahá -https://www.bahai.org/abdul-bahaShoghi Effendi - https://www.bahai.org/shoghi-effendi/The Baha'i Faith - https://www.bahai.orgBaha'ís of the United States - https://www.bahai.usResponse to the Call of Baha'u'llah - https://www.bahai.org/action/response-call-bahaullah/The Call of Baha'u'llah and it's effect on the World - https://bahaiteachings.org/call-bahaullah-effect-world/Longman Dictionary - The call of something https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/the-call-of-somethingAnd what voice other than that of Bahá'u'lláh—the Mouthpiece of God for this age—is capable of effecting a transformation of society as radical as that which He has already accomplished in the hearts of those men and women, so diversified and seemingly irreconcilable, who constitute the body of His declared followers throughout the world? (The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh) www.bahai.org/r/827878978 Shoghi Effendi, Haifa, Palestine November 28, 1931“The Call of God,” ‘Abdu'l‑Bahá has written, “when raised, breathed a new life into the body of mankind, and infused a new spirit into the whole creation. It is for this reason that the world hath been moved to its depths, and the hearts and consciences of men been quickened. Erelong the evidences of this regeneration will be revealed, and the fast asleep will be awakened.” (The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh) www.bahai.org/r/771401011 A Covenant in the religious sense is a binding agreement between God and man, whereby God requires of man certain behaviour in return for which He guarantees certain blessings, or whereby He gives man certain bounties in return for which He takes from those who accept them an undertaking to behave in a certain way. https://bahai-library.com/compilation_covenant (23 March 1975, from a letter written by the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)If it is considered with insight, it will be seen that all the forces of the universe, in the last analysis serve the Covenant.(Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l‑Bahá) www.bahai.org/r/162163083The Call of the Divine Beloved Selected Mystical Works of Baha'u'llah. May the publication of this volume contribute to a deeper appreciation of the mystical dimensions of Bahá'u'lláh's Message and inspire a greater zeal and fervour in raising the celestial call of the Divine Beloved: “For whereas in days past every lover besought and searched after his Beloved, it is the Beloved Himself Who now is calling His lovers and is inviting them to attain His presence.”7. Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, CLI, ¶ 2.  https://www.bahaibookstore.com/Search.aspx?k=The+call+of+the+Divine+BelovedBaha'u'llah's Revelation affirms that the purpose of our lives is to know God and to attain His presence. Our true identity is our rational soul, whose free will and powers of understanding enable us to continually better ourselves and our society. Walking a path of service to God and to humanity gives life meaning and prepares us for the moment the soul separates from the body and continues on its eternal journey towards its Maker. https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/life-spirit/The Intellectual Life of the Bahá'í Community - Farzam Arbab  https://journal.bahaistudies.ca/online/article/download/212/323/735.     Episode Host:  Mary JL Rowe - The personal views expressed here in Episode 6 (outside to the quotes) reflect only my individual perspective and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith. Links to authoritative Baha'i Institutions, Authors and Writings are listed above - except for #9, #10, and #17. 

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha'i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they're interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode, I'm joined by my dear friend Todd Steinberg, who helped out in the early days of SoulPancake and runs a teddy bear company - yep that's right - teddy bears! Todd shares his journey to finding the Baha'i Faith and how grateful he is for finding it. We talk about how systems are as important as the people within them; the importance of being in tune with our hearts and the importance of service. He tells us a little about his work with prisoners, and shares a couple of stories about Abdu'l-Baha. I hope you enjoy the conversation! Find out more about some of the things we mentioned and covered below: * Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/ * The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN * Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM * The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/ * Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/ * Todd's family business "Plush in a Rush": https://www.plushinarush.com/ * SoulPancake: https://participant.com/soulpancake * Baha'i Pioneering: https://www.bahaiblog.net/bahai-pioneer-travel-teacher/ * The Baha'i “Pupil of the Eye” Metaphor—What Does it Mean?: https://bahaiteachings.org/bahai-pupil-eye-metaphor/ * Bahaʼi Prayers: https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/life-spirit/devotion/prayer * 6 Questions About the Independent Investigation of Truth: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2021/05/6-questions-about-the-independent-investigation-of-truth/ * An Introduction to the Kitab-i-Iqan – The Book of Certitude: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2021/02/an-introduction-to-the-kitab-i-iqan-the-book-of-certitude/ * The Bahaʼi Fast: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2012/03/the-bahai-fast/ * Book: The Bassoon King by Rainn Wilson: https://amzn.to/3Ccb6Ja * Todd's article about teaching prisoners: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2016/12/experiences-teaching-bahai-faith-prisoners/ * The Training Institute & Ruhi sequence of courses: https://bit.ly/3qkIJSR * Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX * The Shrine of the Bab and its Significance: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2013/07/the-shrine-of-the-bab-and-its-significance/ * A Tribute to Anis Zunuzi: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2016/07/tribute-anis-zunuzi/ * Devotional Meetings: https://www.bahai.org/action/devotional-life/devotional-meetings/ * Website created in honor of Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America: 239Days.com: https://239days.com/ * Becoming a Baha'i: https://bahai.org.au/index.php/the-bahai-faith/becoming-a-bahai/ Be sure to subscribe to the Baha'i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Ep. 50: Baha'i mom and poet Andrea Hope shares ideas for having children contribute to Baha'i Feasts. The resources for this episode are as follows:How often have well-organized Bahá'í children's classes given parents, even those who are not Bahá'ís, the incentive to learn more and study more deeply the Teachings of the Faith! How often have the children, through their songs and recitation of prayers during Feasts and at other gatherings of the friends, added luster and inspiration to the program and created a true sense of belonging to the community in the hearts of those present! How many are the children who have grown into active and enkindled youth, and later into wholly dedicated adults, energetically supporting the work of the Cause and advancing its vital interests! 25 May 1975 from the Universal House of Justice Living the Life: Have Children Contribute to Feast Resource: Mine Rich in Gems - 19 Day Feast Pages for Kids Andrea's Etsy Shop:https://www.etsy.com/shop/AndreaHopeOrgFacebook: @tomotherwithandreahopeEmail: info@andreahope.orgWebsite: www.andreahope.org

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha'i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they're interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode I'm joined by Sovaida Ma'ani Ewing, the founder of 'The Center for Peace and Global Governance' and a person of many talents. She's the author of a number of books, has worked as a lawyer for 20 years, is a 7th generation Baha'i, and she's passionate about the role of women in society, issues around global governance, the environment, peace-building, and leadership. We discuss all of these topics and also look at ideas around Collective Security, the meaning of power, and she even shares some personal stories of her time growing up in the Holy Land. I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I did! Find out more about some of the things we mentioned and covered below: * Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/ * The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN * Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM * The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/ * Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/ * Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX * Sovaida has published the following books: - The Alchemy of Peace - 6 Essential Shifts in Mindsets and Habits to Achieve World Peace: https://amzn.to/3ucNZeq - Collective Security Within Reach: https://amzn.to/3EWIplp - Building a World Federation: The Key to Resolving Our Global Crises: https://amzn.to/3ucxFdw - Bridge to Global Governance: Tackling Climate Change, Energy Distribution, and Nuclear Proliferation: https://amzn.to/3zJofYb * Sovaid's 'Re-Imagining Our World' Vlogcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3EON6xz * Interview with Sovaida about her book 'The Alchemy of Peace': https://bit.ly/3kIpmmE * QUOTE: "Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements." -Baha'u'llah * Sovaida's NGO: Center for Peace and Global Governance (CPGG): https://www.cpgg.org/ * Sovaida's life coaching business: https://unleashyoucoaching.com/ * Siyyid Yahya-i-Darabi, given the title Vahid: https://bit.ly/2Y1qsBq * Nayriz: https://www.awakeningnayriz.org/template.php * Independent Investigation of Truth: https://bit.ly/3h2bd1V * Baha'i principle of Progressive Revelation: https://bit.ly/2Vkay0B * The Baha'i World Centre: https://www.bwc.org/ * Why is the Baha'i World Centre in Israel?: https://bit.ly/3yGYqr1 * Hands of the Cause: https://bit.ly/2EATuOD * Abu'l-Qasim Faizi: https://bit.ly/3AJGkqg * Ruhiyyih Khanum: https://bit.ly/3ugcvLz * Ali-Akbar Furutan: https://news.bahai.org/story/261/ * Paul Haney: https://bahaipedia.org/Paul_Haney * Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Ep.52: Dara Feldman: https://bit.ly/3AM5STR * The Promise of World Peace - Universal House of Justice letter 1985: https://bit.ly/3m56Jsm * Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Ep.35: Michael Karlberg: https://bit.ly/3ibDMdd Be sure to subscribe to the Baha'i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha'i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they're interested in, and what makes them tick. In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by Baha'i author, Rob Weinberg from the UK. Rob talks about the remarkable life of Abdu'l-Baha and why he feels Abdu'l-Baha was an ambassador to humanity. We talk about Abdu'l-Baha's time in Egypt, Baghdad, France, and the example He gave us. Rob tells us about his own Baha'i journey, his time in the Holy Land, and we discuss the need to focus locally, and look at how we can follow the example of Abdu'l-Baha. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! Find out more about some of the things we mentioned and covered below: * Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX * Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/ * The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN * Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM * The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/ * Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/ * BOOK: Ambassador to Humanity by Robert Weinberg: https://amzn.to/3t66HUu * Rob's Bahaʼi Blog Interview 'Ambassador to Humanity': https://bit.ly/3BDEveE * Edward Granville Browne: The Only European Historian Who Met Baha'u'llah: https://bit.ly/3kVsKcG * A Dramatized Reading of E. G. Browne's Meeting with Baha'u'llah: https://bit.ly/3n3a8dE * Dr. William Cormick: https://bit.ly/3gXMBXp * BOOK: The Primal Point: A selection of testimonials and tributes to the Bab and His followers by Robert Weinberg: https://amzn.to/3yCgen9 * The Primal Point book interview with Rob Weinberg: https://bit.ly/3yDHT7m * The Baha'i World Centre: https://www.bwc.org/ * Why is the Baha'i World Centre in Israel?: https://bit.ly/3yGYqr1 * Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Ep 68: Kathryn Hogenson: https://bit.ly/3kNKAyi * Abdu'l-Baha's Tablets to The Hague: https://bit.ly/38DXGbA * QUOTE: “Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.” -Baha'u'llah * Paris Talks by Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/3kNKpD8 * What is the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program: https://bit.ly/3h1NWN5 * BOOK: The Master in Egypt: https://amzn.to/38PqWwt * VIDEO: Abdu'l-Baha in Egypt: https://bit.ly/3zFELcq * QUOTE: “The gift of God to this enlightened age is the knowledge of the oneness of mankind and of the fundamental oneness of religion. War shall cease between nations, and by the will of God the Most Great Peace shall come; the world will be seen as a new world, and all men will live as brothers.” -Abdu'l-Baha * Siah-Chal (The Black Pit): https://bit.ly/3trpwlj * Munirih Khanum: https://bit.ly/3n9xmhY * The Two Gardens of Ridvan: https://bit.ly/3yO4v4Z * BOOK: A Sudden Music by Roger White: https://amzn.to/3zEScJz * Juliet Thompson: https://bit.ly/3tis1Gf * Bahaʼi World Publications: https://bahaiworld.bahai.org/ * A New Cycle of Human Power - Abdu'l-Baha's encounters with modernist writers and artists by Rob Weinberg: https://bit.ly/3tg8gPu * Horace Holley: https://bit.ly/3n1ydRT * BOOK: Ethel Rosenberg: https://bit.ly/3gZR3VI * Lady Blomfield: Her Life and Times – An Interview with Robert Weinberg: https://bit.ly/3zQJc4s Be sure to subscribe to the Baha'i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts, I interview members of the Baha'i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they're interested in, and what makes them tick. In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by Kathryn Hogenson, author, and attorney, who joins me in my home in California. She tells me how she became a Baha'i and about Ruhiyyih Khanum and her time at the Baha'i World Centre. She also talks about the first Western Baha'i pilgrims to Holy Land, and she shares unknown stories of Abdu'l-Baha and the Bahai's of that time. I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much I did! Find out more about some of the things we covered below: * Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX * Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/ * The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN * Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM * The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/ * Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/ * Book: 'Lighting the Western Sky' by Kathryn Hogenson: https://amzn.to/3sevjK3 * Horace Holley: https://bit.ly/3iJ0VV6 * Seals and Crofts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seals_and_Crofts * Baha'i Firesides: https://bit.ly/2QVLfCp * Nineteen Day Feast: https://bit.ly/37J7fpe * Service in the Baha'i Faith: https://bit.ly/3rDjg82 * Baha'i World Centre: https://www.bwc.org/ * Progressive Revelation: https://bit.ly/2Vkay0B * Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab: https://bit.ly/3g07ssE * Hands of the Cause: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2014/06/hands-cause/ * Ruhiyyih Khanum: https://bit.ly/2VVO6O8 * Video: Crossing Frontiers: Portrait of a World Citizen - Featuring the life of Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp9CDnxmpKI * Ali-Akbar Furutan: https://news.bahai.org/story/261/ * Ali-Muhammad Varqa: https://news.bahai.org/story/579/ * Baha'i Pilgrimage: https://bit.ly/2EDykz8 * House of Abdu'llah Pasha: https://bit.ly/3m1STbT * May Maxwell: https://bit.ly/3m7UkG5 * Robert Turner: https://bit.ly/3shNJK7 * Robert Stockman: https://bit.ly/3ma0rt8 * Lua Getsinger: https://bit.ly/3m3fHs6 * International Teaching Centre Building: https://bit.ly/3iKfebU * Baha'i World Volumes: https://bit.ly/3jOenq6 * Why is the Baha'i World Centre in Israel?: https://bit.ly/3xKHsYx * Shrine of the Bab: https://bit.ly/3w3JC4s * Shrine of Baha'u'llah: https://bit.ly/2URrE8J * An Introduction to the Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/2VQHJvR * Phoebe Hearst: https://bit.ly/2XvQzA1 * Helen & Ella Goodall: https://bit.ly/3g21rvw * Martha Root: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2012/10/the-life-of-martha-root/ * Prison City of Akka: https://bit.ly/3jXLGan * Corinne True: https://bit.ly/3yKYres * Baha'i Houses of Worship/Temples: https://bit.ly/3m6QRaz * US Baha'i House of Worship/Temple: https://www.bahai.us/bahai-temple/ * Thornton Chase: https://bit.ly/3ssY6uR * Laura & Hippolyte Dreyfus-Barney: https://bit.ly/2XlWrvj * George Ronald Publishing: https://www.grbooks.com/ * Ian Semple: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2011/12/in-memory-of-mr-ian-semple/ * Edna True: https://bahaipedia.org/Edna_True * Stanwood Cobb: https://bit.ly/2VVOOuM * Website in honor of Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America: https://239days.com/ * You may also be interested in The Journey West podcast: https://bit.ly/3y4dzTo Be sure to subscribe to the Baha'i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

We finally return to the Universal House of Horrors! In this episode, we explore Rowland V. Lee's 1939 masterpiece Son of Frankenstein, the studio's first horror film since the Laemmles were given the boot in 1936. We also pay homage to the waning era of the "prestige horror film," ever prescient of the rebirth of the once novel genre as the almost exclusive terrain of B-pictures.Works cited:Arthur Lennig, The Immortal Count: The Life and Times of Bela Lugosi (2003)Bryan Senn, Golden Horrors: An Illustrated Critical Filmmography of Terror Cinema, 1931 – 1939 (1996)Tom Weaver, Michael Brunas and John Brunas, Universal Horrors: The Studio's Classic Films, 1931 – 1946 (2007)All original music courtesy of Niel Jakobyhttps://nieljacoby.bandcamp.com/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MonsterCrazeMemoirsOfficialiTunes/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/monster-craze-memoirs/id1491963648Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aSrQ5JFez33XuVanaFYIwPocket Casts: https://pca.st/lkra63chSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-3949861YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBGcDWtQj2wGEnlAB7P4AFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Monster-Craze-Memoirs-106199087480182/Twitter: https://twitter.com/KennethJWaste2

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha'i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they're interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode, I'm joined by my dear Baha'i friend and award-winning actor, Penn Badgley, known for his role in many things including the TV series 'Gossip Girl' and 'You'. Penn tells me about his upbringing, his spiritual journey, and becoming a Baha'i. We talk about being a celebrity and issues around the ego and injustices that exist in society. He tells me about his appreciation of rap music and indigenous culture, and how the Baha'i Faith has inspired his work. We discuss social media, participation in the discourses of society, the power and importance of encouragement, and he leaves us with a story about Abdu'l-Baha. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links: * The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN * Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM * Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/ * The Bab: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/ * Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/ * QUOTE: "As to racial prejudice, the corrosion of which, for well-nigh a century, has bitten into the fiber, and attacked the whole social structure of American society, it should be regarded as constituting the most vital and challenging issue confronting the Baha'i community at the present stage of its evolution. The ceaseless exertions which this issue of paramount importance calls for, the sacrifices it must impose, the care and vigilance it demands, the moral courage and fortitude it requires, the tact and sympathy it necessitates, invest this problem with an urgency and importance that cannot be overestimated." -Shoghi Effendi * QUOTE: "...an enlightened man of wisdom should primarily speak with words as mild as milk..." -Baha'u'llah * QUOTE: "Know ye the value of this time. Strive ye with all your hearts, raise up your voices and shout, until this dark world be filled with light, and this narrow place of shadows be widened out, and this dust heap of a fleeting moment be changed into a mirror for the eternal gardens of heaven, and this globe of earth receive its portion of celestial grace." -Abdu'l-Baha * The Bassoon King by Rainn Wilson: https://amzn.to/2WnPRUC * Introduction to The Seven Valleys: bit.ly/38yX0SI * The Seven Valleys by Baha'u'llah: bit.ly/32VC46Z * The Promise of World Peace: https://www.bahai.org/documents/the-universal-house-of-justice/promise-world-peace * Baha'i Pioneering: https://bit.ly/3jjTmVH * Study Circles: https://bit.ly/3qkIJSR * Ruhi courses: https://bit.ly/3w16G44 * Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program: https://bit.ly/3x52jX0 * Penn's Podcast PODCRUSHED: https://podcrushed.com/ * Baha'i Pilgrimage: https://bit.ly/2EDykz8 * QUOTE: "The world's equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind's ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed." -Baha'u'llah * The Importance of Service in the Baha'i Faith: https://bit.ly/3eDDyKr * Centenary of Abdu'l-Baha's passing: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX Be sure to subscribe to the Baha'i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​ * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ * Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​ * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/​ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha'i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they're interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode, I'm joined by my dear Baha'i friend, Michael O'Neal, the founder of 'Parent University', a community collaborative that supports families and encourages parent involvement and participation in the education of a community's children and youth. Michael tells us how he became a Baha'i, what it was like growing up in a poor family, why grassroots initiatives are important, and why perseverance is a must. I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much I did! To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links: * Find out more about Parent University here: https://www.parentuniversitysav.org/ * The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN * Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM * Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/ * The Bab: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/ * Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/ * An Introduction to The Seven Valleys: https://bit.ly/3hHPLiM * An Introduction to The Four Valleys by Baha'u'llah: https://bit.ly/2VAUVEM * Book: Theif in the Night by William Sears: https://amzn.to/3xG0gZC * Seals & Crofts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seals_and_Crofts * The Book of Certitude (Kitab-i-Iqan): https://bit.ly/2UIdIxA * We refer to this quote by Shoghi Effendi found in The Advent of Divine Justice: “As to racial prejudice, the corrosion of which, for well-nigh a century, has bitten into the fiber, and attacked the whole social structure of American society, it should be regarded as constituting the most vital and challenging issue confronting the Baha'i community at the present stage of its evolution. The ceaseless exertions which this issue of paramount importance calls for, the sacrifices it must impose, the care and vigilance it demands, the moral courage and fortitude it requires, the tact and sympathy it necessitates, invest this problem … with an urgency and importance that cannot be overestimated.” * Why Cluster Reflection Meetings Are So Important: https://bit.ly/2Tb5PAi * Consultation: A Perspective: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2015/10/introduction-consultation/ * The Baha'i Black Men's Gathering: https://bit.ly/2Td3O6P * Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Episode 56: William H. “Smitty” Smith: https://bit.ly/3kqHjqh * We refer to this quote by Baha'u'llah: "Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom." * Children's Classes: https://bit.ly/3yYivd1 * Study Circles: https://bit.ly/3qkIJSR * Ruhi sequence of courses: https://bit.ly/3w16G44 * The Importance of Service in the Baha'i Faith: https://bit.ly/3eDDyKr * Thornton Chase: https://bit.ly/3B0LlLT * We refer to this quote from a talk given by Abdu'l-Baha: "Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path." * Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX Be sure to subscribe to the Baha'i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​ * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ * Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​ * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/​ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha'i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they're interested in, and what makes them tick. In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by Baha'i author, Angelina Diliberto Allen. Angelina shares how her family became Baha'is, some pioneering experiences, and how being in a chewing-gum commercial helped her and her twin sister go on pilgrimage. We talk about what the House of Justice calls "this infinitely poignant moment", and Angelina tells us some fascinating stories about the six Western Baha'is who were in the Holy Land at the time of Abdu'l-Baha's passing. I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much I did! Find out more about some of the things we covered below: * Centenary of Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX * Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/ * The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN * Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM * The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/ * Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/ * Website in honor of Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America: https://239days.com/ * The Journey West podcast: https://bit.ly/3y4dzTo * Book: John David Bosch: In the Vanguard of Heroes, Martyrs, and Saints by Angelina Diliberto Allen: https://amzn.to/3qz4JdR * Baha'i Blog interview with Angelina about her book: https://bit.ly/3y1rCcv * Book: When the Moon Set Over Haifa by Angelina Diliberto Allen: https://bit.ly/35YJxEK * John Bosch (https://bit.ly/3h20Meu) and Louise Bosch (https://bit.ly/2UOlpT1) * Baha'i actor Lloyd Haynes: https://bit.ly/3x40wBv * Book: God Passes By by Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/2UaWgBH * Florian Krug: https://bit.ly/361HsI2 * Pioneering: https://bit.ly/3jjTmVH * John Allen: https://bahaipedia.org/John_Allen * Knights of Baha'u'llah: https://bit.ly/2YE1hBS * Baha'i Pilgrimage: https://bit.ly/2EDykz8 * Louis Gregory: https://bit.ly/33aTONF * Shrine of the Bab: https://bit.ly/3w3JC4s * Shrine of Baha'u'llah: https://bit.ly/2URrE8J * Independent Investigation of Truth: https://bit.ly/3h2bd1V * William Sears: https://bit.ly/3jmV1d2 * Hands of the Cause: https://bit.ly/2EATuOD * Study Circles: https://bit.ly/3qkIJSR * Ruhi courses: https://bit.ly/3w16G44 * Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program: https://bit.ly/3x52jX0 * Angelina talks about my father, Robert Wilson, whom I discuss on the Baha'i Blogcast with Sean Hinton: https://bit.ly/3hcr5h7 * Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/3xUtaoG * Curtis Kelsey: https://bit.ly/3jkV5dd * Bahiyyih Khanum: https://bit.ly/3h20rZg * QUOTE: "The content of the Will of the Master are far too much for the present generation to comprehend, it needs at least a century of actual working before the treasures of wisdom hidden in it can be revealed..." -Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi * Shrine of Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/3h9aOJO * Munireh Khanum: https://bit.ly/3w6g3iK * US Baha'i Publishing Trust: https://www.bahaibookstore.com/ * Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum: https://bit.ly/34DYRHj * Amelia Collins: https://bit.ly/3doqmZ4 * Book: Priceless Pearl: https://bit.ly/3y4jjfU * Baha'i Covenant: https://bit.ly/3A8mFk8 Be sure to subscribe to the Baha'i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​ * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ * Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​ * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/​ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha'i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they're interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode, I'm joined by Bitahnii Wayne Wilson, a Navajo Baha'i from the remote community of Pine Springs on the Navajo Nation in Arizona. We talk about the service work he's doing in his community, Navajo traditions and prophecies, and how they relate to the Baha'i Faith. Bitahnii also tells us about the changes he made in his own personal life and how he became a Baha'i, the meaning behind a "clan", and he shares Baha'i and Navajo prayers with us. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much I did! Find out more about some of the things we mentioned and covered below: * Help support Bitahnii's service work via K'eh Native Action: https://www.classy.org/campaign/native-covid-relief-campaign/c319516 * Follow and connect with Bitahnii on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/Navajo-Wayne-Wilson * Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/ * The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN * Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM * The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/ * Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/ * Native American Baha'i Institute [NABI]: http://www.indigenousbahais.com/native_american_bahai_institute.php * Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Episode 19: Kevin Locke: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2017/08/bahai-blogcast-rainn-wilson-episode-19-kevin-locke/ * Bitahnii mentions the following excerpt from a prayer by the Bab: "Immeasurably exalted art Thou, O Lord! Protect us from what lieth in front of us and behind us, above our heads, on our right, on our left, below our feet and every other side to which we are exposed. Verily, Thy protection over all things is unfailing." * Baha'i academic and author Christopher Buck: http://christopherbuck.com/articles/blog/ * The Importance of Service in the Baha'i Faith: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2015/10/the-importance-of-service-in-the-bahai-faith/ * Baha'i Temples: A Brief Introduction: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2018/07/bahai-temples-a-brief-introduction/ * The Baha'i Principle of Progressive Revelation: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2015/01/bahai-principle-progressive-revelation-2/ If you find Native American culture and the Baha'i Faith as interesting as I do, here are some more links you may enjoy: - Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Episode 55: Anisa & Doug White: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2020/09/bahai-blogcast-with-rainn-wilson-episode-55-anisa-doug-white/ - The Path Home: Reflections on Truth and Reconciliation: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2016/05/20675/ - Re-Telling Reconciliation – A Talk by Roshan Danesh: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2015/02/re-telling-reconciliation-talk-roshan-danesh/ - ARTICLE: Some Native American Prophecies and the Baha'i Faith: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2020/07/some-native-american-prophecies-and-the-bahai-faith/ - AUDIO: Some Native American Prophecies and the Baha'i Faith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC349l5rzsU Be sure to subscribe to the Baha'i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​ * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ * Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​ * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/​ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by Anne and Tim Perry, the couple behind the fabulous documentary about Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America called 'Luminous Journey'. They tell me how they became Baha'is, what inspired them to make the documentary, and share stories about the making of the film, and of Abdu'l-Baha. I know you'll enjoy the conversation as much I did! Find out more about some of the things we covered below: * Watch 'Luminous Journey' here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx4Vj0KUNSYBc1lY7_UAVyQ * Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bahaiworld.bahai.org/special-collections/the-mystery-of-god/ * Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/ * The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN * Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM * The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/ * Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/ * The Baha'i World Centre: http://www.bwc.org/ * Greenacre Baha'i School: https://www.greenacre.org/ * Sarah Farmer: https://bahaichronicles.org/sarah-jane-farmer/ * Book by Anne Perry called 'Green Acre on the Piscataqua': https://www.bahaibookstore.com/Green-Acre-on-the-Piscataqua-Originally-16-P6883.aspx * Seals & Crofts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seals_and_Crofts * The Nineteen Day Feast and Why it’s Important: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2012/11/the-nineteen-day-feast-and-why-its-important/ * 1992 Baha'i World Congress: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD_World_Congress * 239Days.com: https://239days.com/ * Thronton Chase: https://bahaichronicles.org/thornton-chase-disciple-of-abdul-baha/ * Baha'i Firesides: https://bit.ly/2QVLfCp * Louis Gregory: https://bahaipedia.org/Louis_Gregory * Agnes Parsons: https://bit.ly/3v4HHx0 * Liz Dwyer: https://bahaiteachings.org/author/liz-dwyer/ * Anne shares quote from Abdu'l-Baha: "...for any movement animated by love moveth from the periphery to the centre, from space to the 198 Day-Star of the universe. Perchance thou deemest this to be difficult, but I tell thee that such cannot be the case, for when the motivating and guiding power is the divine force of magnetism it is possible, by its aid, to traverse time and space easily and swiftly." * Tim shares quote by Abdu’l-Baha relating to the election of the United States president: "The president must be a man who does not insistently seek the presidency. He should be a person free from all thoughts of name and rank; rather, he should say, ‘I am unworthy and incapable of this position and cannot bear this great burden.’ Such persons deserve the presidency. If the object is to promote the public good, then the president must be a well-wisher of all and not a self-seeking person. If the object, however, is to promote personal interests, then such a position will be injurious to humanity and not beneficial to the public." * The Importance of Service in the Baha’i Faith: https://bit.ly/3rDjg82 * Juliet Thompson: https://bahaichronicles.org/juliet-thompson-need-dates/ * Paris Talks: https://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/PT/ Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​ * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ * Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​ * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/​ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá'ís of the World, Ridvan 2021. Copyright © Bahá'í International Community. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20210420_001/1#750707520

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by my good friend Shahin Sobhani, who among many other things, was the creator of 239days.com, a site dedicated to the time Abdu'l-Baha spent in North America. Shahin tells us about his childhood and his Baha'i ancestors, and shares stories about Abdu'l-Baha, whom Baha'u'llah called "The Mystery of God". I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much I did! Find out more about some of the things we covered below: * Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3meSCjX * Website created in honor of Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America: https://239days.com/ * Read this Baha'i Blog interview with Shahin Sobhani about 239Days.com: https://bit.ly/3cKzWWo * Find out more about: - The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN - Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM​ - Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/​ - The Bab: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/​​ - Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/ * Shahin mentions the following: - Mulla Husayn: https://bit.ly/31Id0kg - Battle of Fort Tabarsi: https://bit.ly/3wiY8qu - Nabil-i-Azam: https://bit.ly/3mfIJme - The Dawn-breakers: https://bit.ly/3cK6q35 - Quddus: https://bahaipedia.org/Qudd%C3%BAs - Islamic/Iranian Revolution: https://bit.ly/2OhbsdV - Persecution of the Baha'is in Iran: https://bit.ly/3rIjaLx - Landegg International University: https://bit.ly/2OglkV7 - Dr. Hossein Danesh: https://bit.ly/31GKLlU - Suheil Bushrui: https://news.bahai.org/story/1065/ - Townshend International School: https://www.townshend.cz/ - Baha'i Firesides: https://bit.ly/2QVLfCp - May Maxwell: https://bit.ly/3sKDj4Z - John Robarts: https://bahaipedia.org/John_Robarts - Audrey Robarts: https://bahaipedia.org/Audrey_Robarts - Baha'i Pioneering: https://bit.ly/3cLWrde - Tablet of Ahmad: https://bit.ly/2QSHZru - Louis Gregory: https://bahaipedia.org/Louis_Gregory * Shahin talks about Douglass Martin: https://news.bahai.org/story/1455/ * Douglas Martin 'Historical Consciousness and the Divine Plan' talks: https://bit.ly/2POBEgq * Shahin mentions Nader Saiedi, who was also a guest on the Baha'i Blogcast: https://bit.ly/3rMYmCN * Shahin mentions Rhett Diessner, who was also a guest on the Baha'i Blogcast: https://bit.ly/31DdtEi * Rainn mentions Mona Foundation CEO, Mahnaz Javid, who was also a guest on the Baha'i Blogcast: https://bit.ly/3cMuhz8 * Website about 'One Common Faith': http://onecommonfaith.net/en * 'One Common Faith' article: https://bit.ly/39xhnD1 * Audio reading of 'One Common Faith': https://bit.ly/3sLgePz * Here's the animation Shahin helped with: 'What is the Baha'i Faith? An Introduction by Rainn Wilson': https://bit.ly/3wjCKBn * Book: 'God Passes By' by Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/2OerdSG * Quote by Baha'u'llah about Abdu'l-Baha: "Blessed, doubly blessed, is the ground which His footsteps have trodden". * You may also be interested in listening to 'The Journey West' podcast: https://bit.ly/3wfmd1k * QUOTE: “Freedom is not a matter of place. It is a condition." -Abdu'l-Baha Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​ * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ * Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​ * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/​ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Traveling the world of Indigenous Music. Indigenous Cafe brings you music, conversation and inspiration from the Indigenous People of North America and all over the world. Artist's you will hear in the order they are played on this weeks show: THE INDIGENOUS CAFE PODCAST INTRO (00:00:00-00:02:41) 1. Kalolin Johnson - “Kesalul (live)” (L'nuta'ql:Mi'maq Music Showcase) (0:02:41-0:05:35) 2. Cree Confederation - “Everyone” (Medicine Horse) (0:05:35-0:09:37) 3. Tony Duncan & Darrin Yazzie - “Rhythms of Sunrise” (Singing Lights) (00:09:37-00:13:16) 4. Dennehotso Singing Wranglers - “Skip Dance Songs” (Navajo Two Step and Skip Dance Songs) (00:13:16-00:16:47)  ADVERTISEMENT (00:16:47-00:17:02)  5. Yothu Yindi - “Maralitja” (Healing Stone- The Best of Yothu Yindi) (0017:02-00:21:02) Roman Orona (Host) (00:21:02-00:23:30) “Above all, if a judicious and resourceful individual should initiate measures which would universally enrich the masses of the people, there could be no undertaking greater than this, and it would rank in the sight of God as the supreme achievement, for such a benefactor would supply the needs and insure the comfort and well-being of a great multitude. Wealth is most commendable, provided the entire population is wealthy. -Abdu'l-Baha, The Secret of Divine Civilization, p. 24 6. Piqsiq - “What Child Is This” (Quviasugvik: In Search of Harmony- EP) (00:22:30-00:25:36) 7. Zully Murillo - “La Vaca Topa” (Los Pregones de Mi Tierra) (00:25:36-00:30:20) PROGRAM BREAK (00:30:20 -00:30:25)  8. Elemotho - “Neo” (Pure Africa) (0030:25-00:33:40) 9. Huun-Huur-Tu - “Ancestors” (The Orphan's Lament) (00:33:40-00:37:26)  ADVERTISEMENT (00:37:26-00:37:40) 10. Andy Palacio & The Garifuna Collective - “Sin Precio” (Wátina) (00:37:40-00:40:46) Roman Orona (Host) (00:40:46-00:42:20) “dishonesty in one's transactions or the economic exploitation of others. There should be no contradiction between one's economic conduct and one's beliefs. By applying in one's life principles of fairness and equity, each person can uphold a standard far above the low threshold by which the world measures itself." (Universal House of Justice, To the Baha'is of the World, Ridvan 2012) 11. Southern Boyz - “Intertribal” (Live At St. Croix) (00:42:20-00:46:12)  12. Pacific Curls & Sarah Beattie- “Kalimba Trance” (Pacific Celta) (00:46:12-00:52:24) PROGRAM BREAK (00:52:24-00:52:29) 13. Charlie Hoffman & San Carlos Apaches - “Apache Mountain Spirit Dance” (Traditional Voices) (00:52:29-00:55:34)  Roman Orona (Host) (00:55:34-00:57:42) “Vigilance must be exercised in distinguishing "means" from "ends”. The acquisition of wealth is acceptable and praiseworthy to the extent that it serves as a means for achieving higher ends: providing people with basic necessities, fostering social progress, promoting the welfare of society, and contributing to the establishment of a world civilization. To make the accumulation of wealth the central purpose of one's life is unworthy...the end does not serve to justify the means. However constructive and noble the goal..., it must not be attained through improper means. Regrettably, a number of today's leaders--political, social, and religious--as well as some of the directors of financial markets, executives of multinational corporations, chiefs of commerce and industry, and ordinary people who succumb to social pressure and ignore the call of their conscience, act against this principle; they justify any means in order to achieve their goals.” (Universal House of Justice, To Baha'is in the Cradle of the Faith, 2 April 2010) 14. Mehmet Alti - “Pisik” (I Love Kurdish Music) (00:57:42-01:01:21) The Indigenous Cafe Podcast is hosted by Roman Orona and brought to you by iamHUMAN Media. iamHUMAN Media is a non-profit 501(c)(3) focused on raising the awareness of social discourse to all humans through development of programs and artistic ventures (music, movies, stage performances, books, workshops, concerts, film festivals, community outreach, community building, panel discussions, etc.)  to  foster and promote unity in diversity and community fellowship acknowledging that all HUMANs are related simply by being HUMAN. Below are ways to help us continue our programming or to learn more about us: https://paypal.me/iamHUMANmedia?locale.x=en_US Website: www.iamHUMANmedia.com Email: indigenouscafe1@gmail.com

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode, I'm joined by multi-award-winning writer, Paul Hanley, who has written thousands of articles and several books mainly about the environment, sustainable development, and agriculture. Paul tells us how he became a Baha'i, and about the extraordinary life of Richard St. Barbe Baker, the first global conservationist. We also discuss population growth, urban farming, how everything is interconnected, and the need for an ethical revolution in the world. I hope you enjoy this fascinating conversation! Some of Paul Hanley's books are: - Eleven: https://amzn.to/2PUDQ5Z - Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist: https://amzn.to/3vbF8cM - Richard St. Barbe Baker: Child of the Trees: https://amzn.to/2OFVDNq - The Spirit of Agriculture: https://amzn.to/3qBxo08 * Baha'i Blog interview about 'Eleven': https://bit.ly/2OHTSiO * Baha'i Blog interview about 'Man of the Trees': https://bit.ly/3t5yTFK * Paul and his group received the Food System Vision 2050 prize: https://bit.ly/3eu6R2K * Find out more about 'Men of the Trees' here: https://bit.ly/3esZhFi * Find out more about: - The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3erOPhB - Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM - Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/2Ok3tN8 - The Bab: https://bit.ly/3tc1nNV​ - Baha'u'llah: https://bit.ly/38roigm - The Shrine of the Bab: https://bit.ly/3vdUqOj - Baha'i Pioneering: https://bit.ly/2N944kc - The Three Protagonists: https://bit.ly/3veFmjl - Baha'i Firesides: https://bit.ly/3epOMmb - Importance of Service in the Baha’i Faith: https://bit.ly/3rDjg82 - Baha'i World Centre: http://www.bwc.org/ * Paul shares this quote from a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi: "We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us and say that once one of these is reformed everything will be improved. Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts upon the other and every abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual reactions." * Film: Frontiers of Learning: https://bit.ly/3by4fyU * Film: Light to the World: https://bit.ly/3bAm8x5 * Film: The Man Who Stopped the Desert: https://amzn.to/2OFib0N * Paul mentions Rattan Lal: https://bit.ly/3etcxKo * Rainn mentions Mahnaz Javid: https://bit.ly/3l66igL * Paul mentions Richard St. Barbe Baker's book called Sahara Challenge: https://amzn.to/2MUlfWs * Rainn shares this quote from a letter from The Universal House of Justice: "Every choice a Baha’i makes—as employee or employer, producer or consumer, borrower or lender, benefactor or beneficiary—leaves a trace, and the moral duty to lead a coherent life demands that one’s economic decisions be in accordance with lofty ideals, that the purity of one’s aims be matched by the purity of one’s actions to fulfil those aims. Naturally, the friends habitually look to the teachings to set the standard to which to aspire. But the community’s deepening engagement with society means that the economic dimension of social existence must receive ever more concentrated attention." - Read the full letter here: https://bit.ly/3t7xcHJ - Listen to an audio reading of this letter here: https://bit.ly/3cjPrmv Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​ * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​ * Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​ * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​ If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/​ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

As part the Tea House, we did three separate sessions introducing the major sources of the Baha'i Writings so that people new to those writings could have a road map to exploring them. The final introduction we did was on the writings of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice.  In this presentation, Dr Williams gave a brief presentation on who Shoghi Effendi was and his major writings, punctuated with discussion from among the friends present. We then reviewed the Universal House of Justice and highlighted some of the letters of the House of Justice. These presentations and discussion were intended to be informative and help people new to the Baha'i Faith get oriented to some of the major sources of the Baha'i Writings. We hope you find them helpful in your exploration!

The presentation will focus on the guidance in Baha'i teachings to engage in social action; efforts in Northern Ireland to put that guidance in practice in the context of escalating violence (and some of the direct interventions of the Universal House of Justice that pointed us in the right direction); and how the development by Baha'is and friends of junior youth groups and other activities in Belfast has demonstrated the transformative potential of such actions. Tara and Erfan Fadaei were both born into Baha'i families. Tara grew up in NI in one of the most contested spaces during the conflict - the Garvaghy Road in Portadown - the scene of massive riots that brought all of NI to a standstill. She worked for a period in London before returning to Belfast. Erfan grew up in England and lived for a year in Tanzania before moving to Belfast. They have both been instrumental in developing a programme of activities to support young people in the neighbourhood where they are living. Edwin grew up in the small market town of Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh and, with friends, was involved in community initiatives from an early age. In 1987 life changed fundamentally when 12 friends and neighbours were killed as a result of the Remembrance Day bomb in the town. To view the video visit our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/hUINtfqjq7s

Prepared under the supervision of the Universal House of Justice and published in 2001, Century of Light reviews, in the context of the Bahá'í Teachings, the profound changes that the world underwent during the 20th century and their relationship with the emergence of the Bahá'í Cause during the same period. Copyright © Bahá'í International Community. https://www.bahai.org/library/other-literature/official-statements-commentaries/century-light/

Message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá'ís of the World, November 25, 2020. Copyright © Bahá'í International Community. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20201125_001/1#300076430

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode, I'm joined virtually by Dr. Louis Venters, an author and history professor who specializes in African American studies and the Baha'i Faith in South Carolina. Louis tells us how he became a Baha'i, and also explains how the Baha'i Faith became the second largest religion in South Carolina, sharing some of the history and the nuances that come with that, especially as a result of the Jim Crow era. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links: * Louis Venters' website: https://www.louisventers.com/ * Louis Venters is a professor at Francis Marion University: https://www.fmarion.edu/ * Baha'i Communities in South Carolina: https://find.bahai.us/community/south-carolina * Louis Gregory: https://bahaipedia.org/Louis_Gregory * Who Were the Hands of the Cause?: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2014/06/hands-cause/ * Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute: https://www.lgbi.org/ * Louis Venters' book 'No Jum Crow Church': https://amzn.to/2UjTOWp * Louis Venters' book 'A History of the Baha’i Faith in South Carolina': https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/Products/9781467117494 * Bahai Blog interview with Louis Venters about 'No Jim Crow Church': https://bit.ly/3eKJpMs * Video news report by Mandy Noell about the Baha'i Faith in South Carolina: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t0F7HyFf1Y&feature=emb_logo * Baha'i House of Worship for North America (also known as a temple) in Wilmette, USA: https://www.bahai.us/bahai-temple/ * Baha’i Temples: A Brief Introduction: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2018/07/bahai-temples-a-brief-introduction/ * Louis talks about not knowing what to do when he became a Baha'i, so we thought this article may be interesting: 'So you’ve become a Baha’i. Now what?': https://www.bahaiblog.net/2014/08/youve-become-bahai-now/ * Baha'i Year of Service: https://bahaipedia.org/Year_of_service * Baha'i community in Togo: https://www.bahai.org/national-communities/togo * The Nineteen Day Feast and Why it’s Important: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2012/11/the-nineteen-day-feast-and-why-its-important/ * The Universal House of Justice: https://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/ * Shoghi Effendi: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2013/11/shoghi-effendi-a-bridge-to-the-world/ * Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/ * The Bab: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/ * Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/ * Abdu'l-Baha in the United States: https://centenary.bahai.us/abdul-baha-in-america * 'Century of Light' document commissioned by the Universal House of Justice: https://www.bahai.org/library/other-literature/official-statements-commentaries/century-light/ * The Training Institute: https://www.bahai.org/action/response-call-bahaullah/training-institute * Ruhi sequence of courses: https://www.ruhi.org/materials/list.php * Children's Classes: https://www.bahai.org/action/family-life-children/childrens-classes * What is the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program?: https://www.bahaiblog.net/junior-youth/ * What is the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program? [VIDEO]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrfGBM0kGfc&feature=emb_logo Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4 * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Baha'i mom and poet Andrea Hope shares her own challenges and reflections on the concept of crisis and victory highlighted in the Baha'i Faith. The resources for this episode are as follows:Letter from the Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 150:https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19930421_001/1#675541342Baha'i Blogcast - Rainn Wilson and Billy Roberts:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H9b1eiSpgsRemember Who You Are from To Mother:https://www.etsy.com/listing/882399653/to-mother-poetry-by-andrea-hope-book-ofIf you'd like to support Andrea's Kickstarter for her picture book:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andreahope/excuse-me-teacher-a-picture-book-for-super-teachersFacebook: @tomotherwithandreahopeEmail: info@andreahope.orgWebsite: www.andreahope.org

Baha'i mom and poet Andrea Hope shares the letter that originated the term "youth can move the world", and discusses how to share your concerns with your youth, rather than condemning them. The resources for this episode are as follows:Bahai.org Youth Materials:https://www.bahai.org/action/youth/Letter from the Universal House of Justice: https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19840103_001/1#837069074Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andreahope/excuse-me-teacher-a-picture-book-for-super-teachersThe Power by Karim and Oling Njang:https://karimrushdy.bandcamp.com/track/the-powerFacebook: @tomotherwithandreahopeEmail: info@andreahope.orgWebsite: www.andreahope.org

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode, I'm joined virtually by Novin and Juliet who are based in the UK and are the founders of Oneworld Publications, an awesome boutique publisher that punches way above their weight with tons of awards to their name! We talk about working in the circus, becoming a Baha'i, living in Cyprus, starting Oneworld, and the power of books in creating social change and also showing us what's possible for the future. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links: * Oneworld Publications website: https://oneworld-publications.com/ * Check out this Baha'i Blog article interviewing Novin and Juliet about Oneworld Publications: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2011/12/an-interview-with-oneworld-publications/ * Listen to The Oneworld Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/oneworldpodcast * Novin mentions the philosopher John Hick: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hick * We mention The Universal House of Justice: https://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/ * We mention Shoghi Effendi: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2013/11/shoghi-effendi-a-bridge-to-the-world/ * We mention Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/ * We mention The Bab: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/ * We mention Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/ * Novin mentions Edward Granville Browne: The Only European Historian Who Met Baha’u’llah: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2017/07/tribute-edward-granville-browne/ * Novin mentions The 200th Anniversary of the Birth of the Bab: https://bicentenary.bahai.org/the-bab/ * The Book of Certitude (The Kitab-i-Iqan) by Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-iqan/ * Juliet mentions Juliet Thompson: https://bahaichronicles.org/juliet-thompson-need-dates/ We talk about the following books: * A Brief History of 7 Killings by Marlon James: https://amzn.to/3kiu87C * The Book of Night Women by Marlon James: https://amzn.to/3dG1g6Z * The Bassoon King by Rainn Wilson: https://amzn.to/3jggm4i * Memories of Mohammed: Why the Prophet Matters by Omid Safi: https://amzn.to/2HfZygO * Oneworld's book series called 'Makers of the Muslim World': https://amzn.to/34cX3UZ * The Baha'i Faith in Words and Images by John Danesh, Seena Fazel, Paul Slaughter: https://amzn.to/35f0M3Z * The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine by Ilan Pappe: https://amzn.to/2H7BSeB * The Sellout by Paul Beatty: https://amzn.to/37BfuoP * An American Marriage by Tayari Jones: https://amzn.to/37pA3UL * How We Disappeared: A Novel by Jing-Jing Lee: https://amzn.to/2H8S27z * From Copper to Gold: The Life of Dorothy Baker by Dorothy Freeman Gilstrap: https://amzn.to/2IN2vWC * The Bab and the Babi Community of Iran by Fereydun Vahman: https://amzn.to/2H7EwB3 * Juliet talks about the principle of bringing yourself to account each day, as found in the Writings of Baha'u'llah: "O SON OF BEING! Bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning; for death, unheralded, shall come upon thee and thou shalt be called to give account for thy deeds." Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4 * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Baha'i mom and poet Andrea Hope gives some ideas for celebrating the Birth of the Bab and the Birth of Baha'u'llah by decorating your yard with a Baha'i quote and doing a sticker activity with preschoolers using the years 1817 and 1819.The resources for this episode are as follows:Letter of the Universal House of Justice, 2014:https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20140710_001/1#492839047AGladsomeHeart on Etsy:https://www.etsy.com/shop/AGladsomeHeartSticker Activity for Preschoolers:https://www.facebook.com/tomotherwithandreahope/posts/155968219511102Facebook: @tomotherwithandreahopeEmail: info@andreahope.orgWebsite: www.andreahope.org

A Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. August 2020 Copyright © Bahá'í International Community https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/social-action/

A Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. August 2020 Copyright © Bahá'í International Community https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/social-action/

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode, I'm joined via zoom by Dr. William H. Smith, or “Smitty” as he's affectionately known. Smitty is the Founding Executive Director of the National Center for Race Amity, and he's truly lived an exceptional life. He talks to me about growing up during segregation, and shares how he became a Baha'i. We talk about the challenges of balancing social activism while trying to obey the law, and he stresses the importance and serious impact genuine friendships can have on creating justice and lasting social change. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links: * Smitty is the Founding Executive Director of the 'National Center for Race Amity': https://raceamity.org/ * Smitty is the Creator and Executive Producer/Co-Producer of 'An American Story: Race Amity and The Other Tradition': https://raceamityfilm.org/ * Smitty is the Executive Producer/Producer/Co-Writer 'The Invisible Soldiers: Unheard Voices': https://bit.ly/3l87YFt * Smitty talks about his love as a Baha'i for Jesus Christ. You may find this article interesting 'The Station of Jesus Christ in the Baha’i Faith': https://bit.ly/30xkeYf * Smitty shares the following quote from the Bible: "And I have other sheep which are not of this fold. It behooves Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd." (Berean Literal Bible) * Smitty mentions: - Baha'i Firesides: https://bit.ly/31SILYP - Baha'i World Congress in London, 1963: https://bit.ly/33aTpL9 - Fort Tabarsi: https://bit.ly/3kQc5pa - The Dawnbreakers: https://bit.ly/3mU2nUR - The National Spiritual Assembly: https://bit.ly/2S6Bv5F - Glenford Mitchel: https://bit.ly/3kZo1VZ - Agnes Parson: https://bit.ly/3jfq9se - Louis Gregory: https://bit.ly/33aTONF - Alain Locke: https://bit.ly/3407wlm - Nat Rudstein: https://bit.ly/2Ghr4to - The 1919 Red Summer: https://bit.ly/3jcTOSD - The Orangeburg Massacre: https://bit.ly/2FYYb5G * Smitty shares the following quote by Baha'u'llah: "So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth." * I share the following quote from the Universal House of Justice: "Ultimately, the power to transform the world is effected by love, love originating from the relationship with the divine, love ablaze among members of a community, love extended without restriction to every human being. This divine love, ignited by the Word of God, is disseminated by enkindled souls through intimate conversations that create new susceptibilities in human hearts, open minds to moral persuasion, and loosen the hold of biased norms and social systems so that they can gradually take on a new form in keeping with the requirements of humanity’s age of maturity. You are channels for this divine love; let it flow through you to all who cross your path. Infuse it into every neighborhood and social space in which you move to build capacity to canalize the society-building power of Baha’u’llah’s Revelation. There can be no rest until the destined outcome is achieved." * Read the above letter here ( https://bit.ly/3jEvsAZ ) and listen to an audio version here: https://bit.ly/2S7ZBNG Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4 * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Letter from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies. Copyright © Bahá'í International Community https://bahaicanada.bahai.ca/letter-from-the-universal-house-of-justice-to-all-national-spiritual-assemblies-9-may-2020/

Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá'ís of the United States. Copyright © Bahá'í International Community https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20200722_001/1#870410250

Prepared in 2005 under the supervision of the Universal House of Justice, this commentary reviews relevant passages from both the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and the scriptures of other faiths against the background of the contemporary religious crisis. Copyright © Bahá'í International Community https://www.bahai.org/documents/bwc/one-common-faith

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode, I'm joined by Anisa and Doug White, a wonderful and dynamic indigenous Canadian couple who both work in the field of law. We discuss indigenous culture in North America and some of the challenges and experiences of their people. They tell me how they found the Baha'i Faith, how they found each other, and Doug tells me what it was like being a chief for his people. We talk about raising children, and explore what's needed to foster love and understanding amongst all peoples. I hope you enjoy the conversation! To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links: * Baha'i Pilgrimage: https://bit.ly/2Gp7TxX * Youth year of service: https://bit.ly/3hU7phb * Baha’i Firesides: https://bit.ly/31SILYP * Study Circles: https://bit.ly/34Unu2K * Dr. Hossain Danesh: http://www.hbdanesh.org/ * Dr. Danesh's talks: https://bit.ly/3gUOwcG * Prayer for newborn babies: “I have come by God’s command, have been made manifest for His remembrance and been created for the service of Him Who is the Almighty, the Well-Beloved.” -Baha’u’llah (Quoted by Martha Root, ‘Star of the West [The Baha’i Magazine], Vol. 23, no. 3, June 1932) * 'Love, Power, and Justice' by William S. Hatcher: https://amzn.to/33TqrzV * Quote by Baha'u'llah: "O SON OF SPIRIT! The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest 4 Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor. Ponder this in thy heart; how it behooveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes." * 'Obasan' by Joy Kogawa: https://amzn.to/3gxeKTf * 'Medicine Walk' by Richard Wagamese: https://amzn.to/33wCFOY * 'Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner': https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atanarjuat:_The_Fast_Runner * 'Coyote Science': https://bit.ly/3jIHEky * Children's Classes: https://bit.ly/3gNTfwE * Tahirih Justice Center (https://www.tahirih.org/) founded by Layli Miller-Muro, also a guest on the Baha'i Blogcast: https://bit.ly/2QNzgDV * Excerpt from a letter from the Universal House of Justice to the Baha'is of the United States: "Ultimately, the power to transform the world is effected by love, love originating from the relationship with the divine, love ablaze among members of a community, love extended without restriction to every human being. This divine love, ignited by the Word of God, is disseminated by enkindled souls through intimate conversations that create new susceptibilities in human hearts, open minds to moral persuasion, and loosen the hold of biased norms and social systems so that they can gradually take on a new form in keeping with the requirements of humanity’s age of maturity. You are channels for this divine love; let it flow through you to all who cross your path. Infuse it into every neighborhood and social space in which you move to build capacity to canalize the society-building power of Baha’u’llah’s Revelation." * Read full letter here: https://bit.ly/3jEvsAZ, and listen to audio version here: https://bit.ly/2EQol9S Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Baha'i mom and poet Andrea Hope shares her experience having a C-section and natural birth. Thank you Leah for sharing your tips! The resources for this episode are as follows:Quote from the Universal House of Justice: https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19840823_001/1#037789377Music - Badasht Project: https://badasht.bandcamp.com/Birth Weight and Baby's First Haiku from the Andrea's poetry book, To Mother: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086Q86ZCW/Email: info@andreahope.orgWebsite: www.andreahope.org

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. As anti-racism protests continue across the United States and in different parts of the world, in this episode I'm joined by Masud Olufani, an African-American multidisciplinary artist, activist, writer, and Baha'i, who hosts a podcast called 'America's Most Challenging Issue', aimed at tackling the subject of racism in the US. Masud and I discuss racism and some of the challenges of eradicating it. He tells me what it's like to be a black man in the US, and the complexities of identity, and some of the mythologies tied into the fabric of American society. We talk about the idea of discomfort and growth, and how we have to be willing to grapple with it and bear the burden for the greater good. Masud tells me how he became a Baha'i, his work as an artist, and how the Baha'i Teachings and activities have not only changed his life, but can contribute towards racial harmony. I hope you find this important conversation as fruitful and enlightening as I did. Find out more about some of the things we covered by checking out the following: * Masud's website: https://www.masud-olufani.com/ * America's Most Challenging Issue podcast: https://bit.ly/2AoXW0N * We share quote: "As to racial prejudice, the corrosion of which, for well-nigh a century, has bitten into the fiber, and attacked the whole social structure of American society, it should be regarded as constituting the most vital and challenging issue confronting the Baha’i community at the present stage of its evolution. The ceaseless exertions which this issue of paramount importance calls for, the sacrifices it must impose, the care and vigilance it demands, the moral courage and fortitude it requires, the tact and sympathy it necessitates, invest this problem with an urgency and importance that cannot be overestimated." -Shoghi Effendi * Masud interview about his podcast: https://bit.ly/37mfvuu * Masud article on racism & discomfort: https://bit.ly/2UOMDWT * Masud's talk Freeing Ourselves of the Stain of Racism: https://bit.ly/37kj18F * Masud's talk Healing Through Reclamation & Art: https://bit.ly/3dTHunQ * Masud shares: "They whose hearts are warmed by the energizing influence of God’s creative 198 love cherish His creatures for His sake, and recognize in every human face a sign of His reflected glory." -Shoghi Effendi * Rainn quotes Universal House of Justice: "When society is in such difficulty and distress, the responsibility of the Baha’is to make a constructive contribution to human affairs becomes more pronounced. This is a moment when distinct but interrelated lines of action converge upon a single point, when the call to service rings aloud. The individual, the community, and the institutions of the Faith—inseparable protagonists in the advancement of civilization—are in a position to demonstrate the distinctive features of the Baha’i way of life, characterized by increased maturity in the discharge of their responsibilities and in their relationships with each other. ... At a time when the urgency of attaining higher levels of unity, founded on the incontestable truth of humanity’s oneness, is becoming apparent to larger and larger numbers, society stands in need of clear voices that can articulate the spiritual principles that underlie such an aspiration." Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: *YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL *Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/3hjMjZN *Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb Find out more about the Baha'i Faith by visiting BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode, I'm joined by my dear friend Mahnaz Aflatooni Javid, CEO of the Mona Foundation, and one of its founding members. Mahnaz tells me the inspiration behind the Mona Foundation, and how a childhood car ride with her mom changed her life forever. She tells me about coming to the US as a teenager in the 1960s, and being one of only 15 youth volunteers at the Baha'i World Centre. We talk about education, attitudes around development work, the importance of grassroots service, and adopting a humble posture of learning in all that we do. I hope you enjoy our conversation! * Please note that this episode was recorded before the pandemic, so it may sound a little strange that there's no mention of it. If you haven't heard our episode with Dr. Robert Kim Farley about the pandemic when it first hit, I think you'll find interesting: https://bit.ly/2TUFCTK To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links: * Mona Foundation website: https://www.monafoundation.org/ * We mention the importance of service in the Baha'i Faith: https://bit.ly/2XMxyFW * Mahnaz talks about the Arc on Mt. Carmel (https://bahaipedia.org/The_Arc) and serving at the Baha’i World Centre (http://www.bwc.org/). You may also find this Baha’i Blog article interesting: https://bit.ly/2ySs3Nj * Mahnaz mentions the 1978 Islamic/Iranian revolution and the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran. You can find out more from this article: https://bit.ly/2MjWKyg * Mahnaz mentions the Universal House of Justice (https://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/), and the 1983 letter from Universal House Justice establishing the Office of Social and Economic Development [OSED], which you can read here: https://bit.ly/2BnJUN9 * Find out more about the Baha’i contribution to social and economic development here: https://bit.ly/2XkhsnG * Mahnaz mentions Shoghi Effendi (https://www.bahai.org/shoghi-effendi/) and Hands of the Cause of God (https://www.bahaiblog.net/2014/06/hands-cause/). * Mahnaz mentions the following individuals: - Mr. Furutan: https://news.bahai.org/story/261/ - Mr. Fatheazam: https://news.bahai.org/story/964/ - Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum: https://bit.ly/36NQ4BI - Mr.Faizi: https://bahaipedia.org/Abu%27l-Q%C3%A1sim_Faizi - Dr. Muhajir: https://bahaipedia.org/Ra%E1%B8%A5matu%E2%80%99ll%C3%A1h_Muh%C3%A1jir - Dr. Khadem: https://bahaipedia.org/Zikrullah_Khadem - Paul Haney: https://bahaipedia.org/Paul_Haney - Mr. Nakhjavani: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2019/11/a-tribute-to-mr-ali-nakhjavani/ - Dr. Arbab: https://bahaipedia.org/Farzam_Arbab * Mahnaz talks about the book called 'Olya's Story' by Olya Roohizadegan (https://amzn.to/3gydI9N), Mona Mahmudnizhad (which the Mona Foundation is named after), whom together with nine other women, were killed in Iran for being Baha'is. Find out more about Mona Mahmudnizhad here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_Mahmudnizhad * Watch the music video for the pop hit song by Doug Cameron called 'Mona With The Children': https://bit.ly/2ZRPlOy * You may also enjoy this version of 'Mona With The Children' by Tom Francis on Baha'i Blog's Studio Sessions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzAbMDmvMLQ Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content, check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode, I'm in Los Angeles with four wonderful sisters who live down the road from me named Vadi, Nava, Nika, and Nura Esmailizadeh. Can't pronounce their last name? Don't worry, I still can't get it right and I've known the sisters and their parents for over 15 years now! I wanted them on the podcast to learn how to pronounce their last name once and for all, and also because they've been such great examples of young Baha'is who are actively engaged in serving their community. They tell me about their studies and the community service they're involved in. We discuss the Institute Process, the importance of service and community-building work, and they share their own personal experiences in this process. I hope you enjoy the conversation with these four wonderful sisters as much as I did! To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links: * Rainn mentions the Baha'i Blogcast episode with Dr. Robert Kim-Farley: https://bit.ly/2UXlvFn Find out more about Baha'i Study Circles and the Training Institute here: https://bit.ly/3a6yyc8 * Find out about the Ruhi sequence of courses here: https://bit.ly/2wAHuc0 * We talk about the 'Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program' [JYSEP]: https://www.bahaiblog.net/junior-youth/ * We mention 'Devotional Gatherings': https://bit.ly/2UX0SsS * We mention 'Children's Classes': https://bit.ly/34yBZHd * We mention the Bosch Baha'i School: http://www.bosch.org/ * We talk about the importance of service in the Baha'i Faith: https://bit.ly/3emWlrA * I mention 'The Dawnbreakers': https://bit.ly/3ed5Yc7 * We talk about the Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity [ISGP]: https://www.globalprosperity.org/ * We mention the Baha’i World Centre (www.bwc.org/). You may find this Baha’i Blog article interesting: Why is the Baha’i World Centre in Israel? bit.ly/2IsLihu * Nika reads the following quote from Baha'u'llah: "If it be Thy pleasure, make me to grow as a tender herb in the meadows of Thy grace, that the gentle winds of Thy will may stir me up and bend me into conformity with Thy pleasure, in such wise that my movement and my stillness may be wholly directed by Thee." -Baha'u'llah * You may also enjoy this musical rendition of the above quote on Baha'i Blog Studio Sessions called "If it be Thy Pleasure" by Alicia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXskVRFYGg * Nura mentions letters from the Universal House of Justice: https://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/ * Nura talks about the Baha'i Faith and partisan politics: https://bit.ly/2XprnJ4 * Nava shares a quote from 'The Tablets of the Divine Plan' (https://bit.ly/2UWm827), and you can read this article called 'What Are the Tablets of the Divine Plan?' to find out more: https://bit.ly/2wwbsOk * We mention Baha'i pioneering, which you can learn more about here: https://bit.ly/34rqh12 * We mention 'The Advent of Divine Justice' written by Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3aZXgw1 * At the end of the podcast, the sisters sing the following quote from Abdul-Baha: "When one is released from the prison of self, that is indeed freedom! For self is the greatest prison." -Abdu'l-Baha Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Baha'i mom and poet Andrea Hope shares why and how you can celebrate during social distancing. This episode includes a reading of the poem Remember Who You Are from her upcoming book, TO MOTHER. Naw-Ruz message from the Universal House of Justice: https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messagesThe Stage Tel Aviv: https://www.facebook.com/TheStageSlamSeries/ The Tonight Show: At Home Edition (with Tina Fey): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8o85dhujQM Little Songs Music Makers: https://www.facebook.com/littlesongme/ Email: info@andreahope.org Website: www.andreahope.org

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. With the recent pandemic of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading globally, and as the situation continues to unfold, I thought it would be timely to get Dr. Robert Kim-Farley on the Baha'i Blogcast. Dr. Kim-Farley is an epidemiologist and a dear Baha'i friend who currently serves as a Professor in both the Departments of Epidemiology, and the Community Health Sciences at the Fielding School of Public Health at the University of California, and from 2004 to 2018, he served as the Director of the Division of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. In this episode, Dr. Kim-Farley (or Dr. Bob as I like to call him), tells us about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and what we know about it so far. He shares some possible scenarios of what could happen in the coming months and gives examples of how certain countries are fighting it. he tells us how we can help slow down the spread of the virus, and he also shares his personal experience in how they were able to completely eliminate polio from Indonesia. Skip ahead to the 24-minute mark of the podcast if you don't want to hear any more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and find out how Dr. Bob got into epidemiology, how he discovered the Baha'i Faith, met his wife, and recently joined a rock band. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did, and also find it helpful! To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links: * You can learn more about COVID-19 and keep up to date at The World Health Organization website: https://www.who.int/ * Find out more about Dr. Robert Kim-Farley's professional work here: https://ph.ucla.edu/faculty/kim-farley * Dr. Kim-Farley explains the idea of humanity being like the human body, and this concept was actually put into a small editorial in the American Journal of Public Health which you can read here: https://bit.ly/2Ql21I6 * Dr. Kim-Farley refers to the following quote by Baha'u'llah: "Religion without science is superstition. Science without religion is materialism." * Dr. Kim-Farley relates a story about Abdu'l-Baha relating to science and religion. Find out more about Abdu'l-Baha here: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/ * Dr. Kim-Farley mentions the Universal House of Justice: https://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/ * Dr. Kim-Farley talks about being a Baha'i pioneer: https://bit.ly/2w0jrD5 * Rainn mentions the following quote from 'The Hidden Words' of Baha'u'llah (https://bit.ly/2Wg56Nu): "Say, O brethren! Let deeds, not words, be your adorning." * Dr. Kim-Farley mentions the word Allah-u-Abha: https://bit.ly/2U3xVKg * Dr. Kim-Farley mentions the following quote from Baha'ullah: "The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens." * Rainn mentions the following article from the Baha'i World News Service: 'Hope and Support in Italy During a Global Health Crisis': https://news.bahai.org/story/1401/ * Dr. Kim-Farley mentions the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program (JYSEP) which you can learn more about here: https://www.bahaiblog.net/junior-youth/ * And finally, you can watch this video with Dr. Kim-Farley performing as his alter ego named "Gage", singing "Born to be Wild" with Ryan and the Runaways: https://bit.ly/39WfJJo Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: @bahaiblogcast * Spotify: spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode, I'm at my home in Los Angeles with my uncle, Rhett Diessner, a Professor of Psychology who has a special interest in aesthetics and beauty. We talk about moral reasoning, materialism, and how he became a Baha'i. We discuss the psychology of beauty, how there's no love without beauty, and that love holds the whole universe together. Rhett tells me how humans are all intimately linked, and how beauty will literally help save the world. I hope you enjoy the conversation! To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links: * I mention my podcast with Reza Aslan called 'Metaphysical Milkshake’: https://bit.ly/3avGT9K * Rhett mentions the Baha'i principle of the ‘independent investigation of truth’: https://bit.ly/39vceJv * Rhett mentions Baha’i Firesides: https://bit.ly/3arsZW2 * Rhett and I talk about 'Some Answered Questions' by Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/39vc8S3 * Rhett mentions the 'The Promise of World Peace’ by the Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3aAKT98 * Rhett mentions ‘The Book of Certitude (Kitab-i-Iqan)’ by Baha’u’llah: https://bit.ly/38qovxG * Rhett shares the following quote from 'The Most Holy Book (Kitab-i-Aqdas)’ by Baha'u'llah: "Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty.”: https://bit.ly/2IuKGbb * Rhett and I talk about Shoghi Effendi spending time in Switzerland. Find out more about Shoghi Effendi from this article: https://bit.ly/39rk9HW * View the photograph Rhett took of the bench he mentions in the podcast here: https://bit.ly/38tkmJh * Rhett mentions Dr. Hossein Danesh, and you can listen to some of his talks here: - ‘Making Peace Our New Year's Resolution’: https://bit.ly/3cDTyJt - ‘Decisions, Decisions, Decisions: The Challenge of Making Right Decisions’: https://bit.ly/2Ipz2hT * Rhett mentions working with the renowned American psychologist, Lawrence Kohlberg: https://bit.ly/2TJ7XeY * Rhett mentions the works of Carol Gilligan and her book 'In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development’: https://amzn.to/2PO9UFQ * Rhett and I mention Dr. Steven Phelps, who was a guest on the Baha'i Blogcast twice: - Baha’i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Episode 7: Steven Phelps: https://bit.ly/2PTN7Zf - [VIDEO] Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 37: Physics and Mysticism with Steven Phelps: https://bit.ly/2VWea9Q * Rhett mentions the ‘Baha’i World Centre’ (http://www.bwc.org/), and you may find this Baha’i Blog article ‘Why is the Baha’i World Centre in Israel?’ interesting: https://bit.ly/2IsLihu * Rhett mentions 'The Tablet of Ahmad' by Baha'u'llah which you can read here: https://bit.ly/2vxvM1j and also read about in this article called ‘The Tablet of Ahmad: Who Was Ahmad?’: https://bit.ly/2ImpgwT * Rhett mentions the 'Long Obligatory Prayer' by Baha'u'llah, which you can read here: https://bit.ly/2v25HqQ and also read about in this article called 'A Prayer to Power Up Your Day: The Long Obligatory Prayer': https://bit.ly/38vTvw2 * Rhett quotes from the 'The Seven Valleys' by Baha'u'llah: "...see every face with the beauty of a friend...". You can read 'The Seven Valleys' here: https://bit.ly/32VC46Z and learn more about it from this article called ‘An Introduction to The Seven Valleys’: https://bit.ly/38yX0SI Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: @bahaiblogcast * Spotify: spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode, I'm in Reykjavik, Iceland with Halldor Thorgeirsson, the Chair of Iceland’s Climate Council, and retired Senior Director of the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC). We talk about the environment, and Halldor teaches me about how Carbon Matter really matters. He tells me about Iceland, his work, how he became a Baha'i, the importance of consultation and accompaniment, Baha'is who have influenced his life, and the importance of moral leadership and engaging in constructive forces in our society. I hope you enjoy the conversation! To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links: * Find out more about the UNFCCC here: https://unfccc.int/about-us/about-the-secretariat * Here's the official website for the Baha'is of Iceland: https://www.bahai.is/node/51?language=en * I mention that I'm in Iceland for SoulPancake: https://soulpancake.com/ * At the beginning of the podcast, Halldor shares the following prayer by Baha'u'llah in Icelandic: "Ég ber því vitni, ó Guð minn, að Þú hefur skapað mig til að þekkja Þig og tilbiðja Þig. Ég staðfesti á þessu andartaki vanmátt minn og mátt Þinn, fátækt mína og auðlegð Þína. Enginn er Guð nema Þú, hjálpin í nauðum, hinn sjálfumnógi." Here's the English translation of that prayer: "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." * Halldor makes reference to the following Writings of Baha'u'llah: "Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O servant." * Halldor mentions Baha'i pioneers: https://bahaipedia.org/Pioneer * Halldor mentions the following Hands of the Cause (https://www.bahaiblog.net/2014/06/hands-cause/): - Ugo Giachery (https://bit.ly/2uUhAyH) - William Sears (https://bit.ly/36WiFE5) - Abu'l-Qasim Faizi (https://bit.ly/384fRVE) - Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum (https://bit.ly/2RjaET7) - Rahmatu’llah Muhajir (https://bit.ly/2tacvln) * Halldor talks about the Kyoto Protocol: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Protocol * Halldor mentions the Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/2tnb6aX * Halldor mentions the "Mashriqu’l Adhkar", which means a Baha'i "House of Worship", also commonly referred to as a Baha'i temple. Find out more about Baha'i temples here: https://bit.ly/2Nu4rCO * We talk about Devotional Gatherings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iop-CFOdgFg * Halldor talks about Richard St. Barbe Baker "The Man of the Trees", who was the first global conservationist and was a Baha'i. You can read this book about him by Paul Hanley: https://amzn.to/36Xi4SH * Halldor talks about this book by Arthur Dahl 'Unless and Until': https://amzn.to/35ZFJ3P Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: @bahaiblogcast * Spotify: spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

The Significance of Yá Allahu’l-Mustaghath I found a very comprehensive blog post about the explanation of Yá Allahu’l-Mustaghath, and decided to include it in full below for reference. Beneath it are additional explanations found elsewhere. “When Ali Kuli Khan served the Cause in the United States, it happened that he frequently met with representatives of Iran in that country. In some of those situations, he had to take instant decisions of diplomatic character. In such situations, although he did his best, he felt that his limited wisdom restricted him from taking the best possible decisions. He therefore, wished he had a prayer he could recite to be guided in such situations. He had this question in His mind and thought of asking the Master about it. When the Master arrived to Washington, Ali Kuli Khan met Him at the station. Ali Kuli Khan had this question in his heart and about halfway back from the station, the Master suddenly told a story to Ali Kuli Khan. `Abdu’l-Bahá told of the time in Bagdad when Bahá’u’lláh had retired to the mountains. His family did not know where He had gone and were extremely worried. `Abdu’l-Bahá was a boy at that time and the absence of His Father was very difficult. One night, `Abdu’l-Bahá recited and supplicated with all his heart saying “Ya Allah el Mustaghas! Ya Allah el Mustaghas!” all night. In the morning after, at the break of dawn, `Abdu’l-Bahá received a message which he understood to be about the return of Bahá’u’lláh. Ali Kuli Khan understood that the invocation of “Ya Allah el Mustaghas!” would be the prayer to utter in moments of need. It seems that `Abdu’l-Bahá used this powerful prayer at different occasions. Mirzieh Gail recounts the following (Arches of the Years, page 312). Shoghi Effendi also had the burden of the believers’ personal griefs. Florence once asked him for a very powerful prayer, and he answered, ‘What could be better than Yá Allahu’l-Mustaghath?’ … It was her understanding that this was the prayer repeated over and over by the Master, as He paced His garden when the Turkish ship was coming to take Him away. The Universal House of Justice clarifies that the phrase “Yá Allahu’l-Mustaghath”, … is an invocation revealed by the Bab. He prescribed it for recitation by His followers in times of trouble and difficulty. Shoghi Effendi has translated the word “Mustaghath” as “He who is invoked for help”. (Universal House of Justice, 25 Nov 1999) In the same letter, The Universal House of Justice clarifies that “In the Writings of the Bab, “Mustaghath” refers to Bahá’u’lláh, and “the time of ‘Mustaghath‘” refers to the time of Bahá’u’lláh’s Dispensation. … Mustaghath literally means “He Who is invoked. It denotes the cycle of every Divine Manifestation, referred to in the writings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.” (Universal House of Justice, 25 Nov 1999) It seems that the One being invoked for help is Bahá’u’lláh. Perhaps the following explanation of `Abdu’l-Bahá about the phrase “He is God”, can explain why Bahá’u’lláh is invoked. “Regarding the phrase ‘HE IS GOD!’ written above the Tablets. By this Word is intended that no one hath any access to the Invisible Essence. The way is barred and the road is impassable. In this world all men must turn their faces toward ‘Him-whom-God-shall-Manifest.’ He is the Dawning-place of Divinity and the Manifestation of Deity. He is the Ultimate Goal, the Adored One of all and the Worshipped One of all. Otherwise, whatever flashes through the mind is not that Essence of essences and Reality of realities; nay, rather it is pure imagination woven by man—consequently, it returns finally to the realm of suppositions and conjectures.” (Star of the West, Vol 4, issue 18, page 304) The Universal House of Justice also clarifies that the number of times this phrase is to be repeated is up to the individual. With regard to the number of times these words are to be repeated, the repetition of this invocation is not definitely fixed, and there is a great deal of flexibility concerning the repetition of this and other prayers. While the invocation is prescribed in the Writings of the Báb to be repeated 2098 times during occasions of great need, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in one Tablet states that this verse is to be repeated 95 times and, in another Tablet, 81 times. Letters from the Guardian concerning this invocation, as well as other prayers, indicate that repetition is a matter of individual choice. In a postscript added in his own handwriting to a letter to an individual he stated: “There is no objection to saying “Yá Ilaha‘l-Mustaghath” any time you like and as often as you like.” (Universal House of Justice, 25 Nov 1999) And finally, as to the correct transliteration, we have the following guidance. “This phrase can be correctly transliterated in two ways, as set out below: (elaha’l … ) “Yá Ilaha‘l-Mustaghath”, which has been translated as “O Lord of the time of ‘Mustaghath’ “[or] “Yá Allahu’l-Mustaghath”, which has been translated as “O Thou God Who art invoked” (Universal House of Justice, 25 Nov 1999)” Additional information has been included from the following sources, From Mme. Khan’s Pilgrim’s Notes on Feb 23, 1938: To be prayed or repeated 1000 times between midnight and dawn for 9 or 19 nights (though to use the prayer once daily or even 9 or 19 times is enough). It seems infallible, even marvellous in power. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said it for 3 days just before WW2 ended: Ya Allau’l-Mustagath! O God Our Deliverer, whom we invoke in times of extreme need, danger, or crisis! The Báb used these terms when He addressed the possible opposition of the divines and people of the Bayán to the coming Revelation. You may wish to study other references to “the mystery of the ‘Mustagháth‘” in the Bahá’í Writings, such as The Kitáb-i-Íqán (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1983), pages 229–30, God Passes By (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1987), page 27; and The Dawn-Breakers: Nabíl’s Narrative of the Early Days of the Bahá’í Revelation (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1974), pages 304–305. (Universal House of Justice, 28 December 2001) According to Star of the West, Sep 1923, Vol. 14, No. 6, p. 166: This prayer is to be used at midnight. followed by the recitation of the Greatest Name 95 times, using "Ya Allah El-Mustagath", which means: "O Thou God from Whom relief and help is sought most urgently." This prayer was revealed by Baha'u'llah for Mirza Abul Fazl when the latter went into exile with the promise that if he would use it any juncture, help would come. Why say Yá Allahu’l-Mustaghath 95 Times? In the references above, the Universal House of Justice has mentions that the phrase Yá Allahu’l-Mustaghath is not fixed and may be repeated 2098, 81, 95 times or up to any number of times. For the purposes of the Bicentenary Meditation Project, the number 95 has been chosen for the following reasons. In the book ‘Gate of the Heart’ by Nader Saiedi, he explains that the significance of the number 95 originates from the Persian Bayán, where the Báb states that ninety-five stands for the numerical value of "for God" (lillāh), symbolizing the recognition of the manifestation of God and obedience to his laws, which are inseparable from each other, as confirmed by Bahá'u'lláh in the opening paragraph of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. 95 Yá Allahu’l-Mustaghath Audio Meditation The 95 Yá Allahu’l-Mustaghath audio meditation is a meditation that includes a repetition of the invocation Yá Allahu’l-Mustaghath, which means ‘He Who is invoked’, 95 times by the Artist Sarah Hosny; an Egyptian Baha’i Musician. She has generously and freely donated her time for the Bicentenary Meditation Project in order to ensure the authenticity of the invocations accent in Arabic. Thank you so much Sarah! If you would like to donate your time or services to the Bicentenary Meditation Project as a meditation content creator, Illustrator or photography, please don’t hesitation to contact us at meditationsofbbobb@gmail.com! We would love to include you as a participant and contributor to the Bicentenary Meditation Project as well

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICEOctober 2019 To all who have come to honour the Herald of a new DawnDearly loved Friends,Consider with us. Whenever a divine Educator appears in the world, a Figure Whoseteachings will come to shape human thought and action for centuries thereafter—at such adramatic, seismic moment, what would we expect?The appearance of every such Educator, as recorded in the Sacred Texts of the world’sgreat faiths, is a pivotal event that propels the advancement of civilization. The spiritualstimulus each has provided throughout history has enabled the radius of human cooperation toextend from the clan, to the tribe, to the city-state, and to the nation. And each of these greatTeachers promised that, in time, another divine Figure would appear, Whose advent should beanticipated and Whose influence would reform the world. No wonder, then, that the coming of the Báb, Whose Birth two centuries ago we now honour, gave rise to unprecedented ferment in the country where He was born. The moment of His appearance, like the appearance of all such Figures, precipitated the release of powerful spiritual forces—but there was no accompanying spectacle. There was instead a late evening conversation, in a modest Persian dwelling, between a student of religion and his youthful Host, during which that Host revealed that He was the Promised One, the divine Educator His guest had been seeking. “Observe attentively,” He remarked, “Might not the Person intended … be none other than I?” It is this Youth, the Báb, that we acclaim as the One Whose coming—after an interval of a thousand years—shed the light of divine guidance once again upon the human world.From this first moment unfolded all that has since come to pass. The Báb’s Writingsflowed profusely from His pen, disclosing profound truths, dismissing superstitions that heldsway in His day, urging the people to recognize the significance of the times, castigating thehypocrisy of their leaders, and summoning the world to an exalted standard of conduct.“O peoples of the earth!” He declares in one of His major works, “Verily the resplendent Light of God hath appeared in your midst … that ye may be guided aright to the ways of peace and, by the leave of God, step out of the darkness into the light and onto this far-extended Path of Truth.” His influence spread with extraordinary rapidity, reaching beyond the limits of Persia. Observers were astonished alike by the fast-swelling numbers of His followers and by their deeds of unsurpassed bravery and devotion. Accounts of the Báb’s life—the swift arc it traced and the tragic drama that ended it—induced curious souls to travel to Persia and investigate further, and inspired a range of artistic tributes to His Person.The brilliance of the light of the Báb seems the more dazzling when set against thedarkness of the social milieu in which He appeared. Nineteenth-century Persia was farremoved from its glory days when its civilization was the envy of the world. Ignorance now prevailed; senseless dogmas went unchallenged; inequality was fuelled by rampant corruption. Religion, the foundation of Persia’s former prosperity, had become a body devoid of its animating spirit. Each succeeding year offered the subjugated masses only disillusionment and hopelessness. Oppression was complete. Then, like a spring storm, the Báb came to purge and purify, to uproot the withered and spent customs of a wayward age, and to wash away the obscuring dust from the eyes of those blinded by illusion. But the Báb had a special object in view. He sought to prepare people for the imminent appearance of Bahá’u’lláh—the second of the Twin Luminaries destined to bring new light to humankind. This was His most insistent theme. “When the Daystar of Bahá will shine resplendent above the horizon of eternity”, He instructed His followers, “it is incumbent upon you to present yourselves before His Throne.” Thus did the Báb and, with even greater splendour, Bahá’u’lláh illuminate a society andan age shrouded in darkness. They inaugurated a new stage in social evolution: the stage of the unification of the entire human family. The spiritual energies They released into the worldinfused a new life into every sphere of endeavour, the results of which are evident in thetransformation that has occurred. Material civilization has advanced immeasurably; astounding breakthroughs in science and technology have been achieved; the gates to the accumulated knowledge of humanity have been flung open. And principles set out by Bahá’u’lláh for the upliftment and progress of society and for ending systems of domination and exclusion have come to be widely accepted. Consider His teaching that humanity is one people, or that women are equal with men, or that education must be universal, or that rational investigation of the truth must prevail over fanciful theories and prejudices. Across all nations, a large segment of the world’s people now agrees with these fundamental values.Nevertheless, arguments against these values, previously confined to the margins ofserious thought, are also resurgent in society—a reminder that ideals require the force ofspiritual commitment to cement them. For it is one thing to acknowledge something inprinciple; it is quite another to embrace it with all of one’s heart, and harder still to refashionsociety in ways that give collective expression to it. Yet this is the aim of communitiesemerging across the globe that are patterned on Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings. These communitiesare striving to focus the light of those teachings on the chronic problems that afflict the societies around them; they are devising programmes of practical action centred on spiritual precepts. These are communities that champion the education of both girls and boys under all circumstances; that subscribe to an expanded conception of worship which includes work carried out in the spirit of service; that look to spiritual aspirations, rather than self-interest, as the ever-flowing springs of motivation; and that inculcate a resolve to advance individual and social transformation. They seek to bring about spiritual, social, and material progress simultaneously. Above all, these are communities that define themselves by their commitment to the oneness of humanity. They value the rich diversity represented by all the world’s kindreds, while maintaining that one’s identity as a member of the human race has precedence before other identities and associations. They affirm the need for a global consciousness, arising from a shared concern for the well-being of humankind, and they count all the peoples of the earth as spiritual brothers and sisters. Not content with simply belonging to such communities, Bahá’u’lláh’s followers are making constant effort to invite like-minded souls to join them in learning how to put His teachings into effect.This brings us to the crux of our case. The matter at hand is a challenging one, andrequires candour. There are many noble and admirable causes in the world, and they arise from particular perspectives, each with its own merit. Is the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh merely one amongst them? Or is it universal, embodying the highest ideals of all humanity? After all, a Cause that is to be the wellspring of enduring justice and peace—not for one place or one people, but for all places and all peoples—must be inexhaustible, must possess a heavenly vitality that allows it to transcend all limitations and encompass every dimension of the life of humanity. Ultimately, it must have the power to transform the human heart. Then let us, like the Báb’s guest, observe attentively. Does not the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh possess these very qualities? If the teachings brought by Bahá’u’lláh are what will enable humanity to advance to thehighest levels of unity, then one must search the soul for the right response. The multitudeswho recognized the Báb were summoned to heroism, and their magnificent response is recorded by history. Let every one who is awake to the condition of the world, and to the persistent evils that warp the lives of its inhabitants, heed Bahá’u’lláh’s call to selfless and steadfast service— heroism for the present age. What else will rescue the world but the efforts of countless souls who each make the welfare of humanity their principal, their dominating concern? [signed] The Universal House of Justice

In Episode 3, I take you through a history lesson of the sport of basketball and the Baha'i Faith world religion, focusing on 5 historical moments.5 Historical Moments in Basketball and the Baha'i Faith1) 1861 - James Naismith is born and Baha'u'llah pens the Kitab-i-Iqan (Book of Certitude)2) 1893 - Basketball's first international matches and the Baha'i Faith is first mentioned in the United States3) 1936/1937 - Basketball is first played as an Olympic medal sport and the Baha'i Faith has is first systematic teaching plan, the "7 Year Plan"4) 1946 - Formation of the National Basketball Association and the Baha'i Faith has it's second "7 Year Pan"5) 1963 - Michael Jordan is born and the supreme governing body of the Baha'i Faith, the Universal House of Justice, is first elected.Bonus) 1996 - Formation of the Woman's National Basketball Association and the start of the "4 Year Plan" of the Baha'i Faith, one in a series of plans spanning 25 years, through 2021. ReferencesThe Baha'i Faithhttps://www.bahai.org/The Kitab-i-Iqanhttps://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-iqan/1The Divine Plan of the Baha'i Faithhttps://bahaipedia.org/Divine_PlanThe Universal House of Justicehttps://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/History of Basketballhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BasketballWNBAhttps://www.wnba.com/NBAhttps://www.nba.com/Michael Jordanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan

In Episode 3, I take you through a history lesson of the sport of basketball and the Baha'i Faith world religion, focusing on 5 historical moments.5 Historical Moments in Basketball and the Baha'i Faith1) 1861 - James Naismith is born and Baha'u'llah pens the Kitab-i-Iqan (Book of Certitude)2) 1893 - Basketball's first international matches and the Baha'i Faith is first mentioned in the United States3) 1936/1937 - Basketball is first played as an Olympic medal sport and the Baha'i Faith has is first systematic teaching plan, the "7 Year Plan"4) 1946 - Formation of the National Basketball Association and the Baha'i Faith has it's second "7 Year Pan"5) 1963 - Michael Jordan is born and the supreme governing body of the Baha'i Faith, the Universal House of Justice, is first elected.Bonus) 1996 - Formation of the Woman's National Basketball Association and the start of the "4 Year Plan" of the Baha'i Faith, one in a series of plans spanning 25 years, through 2021. ReferencesThe Baha'i Faithhttps://www.bahai.org/The Kitab-i-Iqanhttps://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-iqan/1The Divine Plan of the Baha'i Faithhttps://bahaipedia.org/Divine_PlanThe Universal House of Justicehttps://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/History of Basketballhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BasketballWNBAhttps://www.wnba.com/NBAhttps://www.nba.com/Michael Jordanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan

What does basketball have to do with spirituality? In the debut episode of my new "Elevated Conversations" podcast, I discuss 5 spiritual lessons we can learn from my favorite sport: basketball!5 spiritual lessons:You need to know the rules to succeedEveryone has different talents and strengthsCheerleaders and fans helpWe need to have a good coachPractice makes progressReferences:The Function of Sports in Life by Shoghi Effendihttps://bahai-library.com/shoghieffendi_function_sports_lifeLetter from the Universal House of Justice to the President of Brazil on the eve of the 2014 World Cup: https://news.bahai.org/story/1008/

What does basketball have to do with spirituality? In the debut episode of my new "Elevated Conversations" podcast, I discuss 5 spiritual lessons we can learn from my favorite sport: basketball!5 spiritual lessons:You need to know the rules to succeedEveryone has different talents and strengthsCheerleaders and fans helpWe need to have a good coachPractice makes progressReferences:The Function of Sports in Life by Shoghi Effendihttps://bahai-library.com/shoghieffendi_function_sports_lifeLetter from the Universal House of Justice to the President of Brazil on the eve of the 2014 World Cup: https://news.bahai.org/story/1008/

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. This is a special episode called "Physics and Mysticism", which we filmed on July 7, 2019 in front of a live audience at Foundation Hall at the Baha'i House of Worship in Chicago. It's a conversation with physicist, data scientist, philosopher and translator, Dr. Steven Phelps, who's also been on the Baha'i Blogcast before. We covered a wide range of topics and there were also some great questions from the audience at the end, which I've also included. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! Watch the video of this event here: https://bit.ly/2Y3hOkK Find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode using the following links: * Listen to this talk by Steven called Science, Religion & the Coming Spiritual Revolution: https://bit.ly/2JVyhyT * Check out my previous Baha'i Blogcast episode with Dr. Steven Phelps here: https://bit.ly/32OmMAF * Read about Baha'i Houses of Worship here: https://bit.ly/2Gy3gP8 * We mention the Baha'i World Centre: https://bit.ly/2OjFZa8 * We mention Yuval Noah Harari's book 'Sapiens'': https://amzn.to/2YmFHzb * We mention writer Reza Aslan: http://rezaaslan.com/ * 'The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys'are mentioned: https://bit.ly/2YoZ36p * We mention 'Flatland' by Edwin A. Abbott: https://amzn.to/2JTR25D * Steven mentions Baha'u'llah has "recast the whole conception of religion as the principal force impelling the development of consciousness." This statement is from 'One Common Faith' written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice called : https://bit.ly/2LIJPr7aith/ * The following quote by Abdu'l-Baha is referred to: "Know thou of a certainty that Love is the secret of God’s holy Dispensation, the manifestation of the All-Merciful, the fountain of spiritual outpourings. Love is heaven’s kindly light, the Holy Spirit’s eternal breath that vivifieth the human soul. Love is the cause of God’s revelation unto man, the vital bond inherent, in accordance with the divine creation, in the realities of things. Love is the one means that ensureth true felicity both in this world and the next. Love is the light that guideth in darkness, the living link that uniteth God with man, that assureth the progress of every illumined soul. Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly cycle, the unique power that bindeth together the divers elements of this material world, the supreme magnetic force that directeth the movements of the spheres in the celestial realms. Love revealeth with unfailing and limitless power the mysteries latent in the universe. Love is the spirit of life unto the adorned body of mankind, the establisher of true civilization in this mortal world, and the shedder of imperishable glory upon every high-aiming race and nation." * Frank Wilczek's book 'A Beautiful Question' is mentioned: https://amzn.to/2YhZPSP * We talk about 'Progressive Revelation': https://bit.ly/2OldlWg Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: * YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL * Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast * Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode I'm sitting in a cabin in the woods with Michael Karlberg, as we take part in a Baha'i-inspired retreat for youth in White Salmon, Washington called Windstock. Michael is a professor of Communication Studies at Western Washington University, and he's the author of 'Beyond a Culture of Contest', a book I often reference in my podcast. He tells me how he used to make acoustic guitars and how he became a Baha'i, and we talk about the power of media and how we need to rethink some of the fundamental assumptions we have about the world and how it's moving forward. We discuss nonviolent social change through constructive and peaceful resilience, and the challenges of taking collective action. Michael shares how the Baha'i Faith is a radical movement which addresses change on both the individual and social level, and he explains the ways in which the Baha'is are working towards this. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! To find out more about Michael Karlberg and some of the things we covered in this podcast, check out the following links: * Learn more about Michael Karlberg and his works here: https://wp.wwu.edu/karlberg/ * Watch Michael Karlberg's TEDxInnsbruck talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0ZCAbYrQ7Q&feature=youtu.be * 'Beyond a Culture of Contest' by Michael Karlberg can be purchased here: https://amzn.to/2WHWvne * Michael's children's book is called 'Rooth Sees a Trooth': https://www.bahaibooks.org.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=14201439 * Michael mentions that his first Baha’i book was 'The Book of Certitude (Kitab-i-Iqan)': https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-iqan/ * Read the 'The Promise of World Peace' by the Universal House of Justice here: https://www.bahai.org/documents/the-universal-house-of-justice/promise-world-peace * Use these links to find out more about the Baha'i World Centre (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1%27%C3%AD_World_Centre) and the Universal House of Justice (https://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/). * Use these links to find out more about The Training Institute (https://www.bahai.org/action/response-call-bahaullah/training-institute) and the Ruhi sequence of courses (https://www.ruhi.org/materials/list.php). * Rainn and Michael talk about the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program [JYSEP], which you can learn more about here: https://www.bahaiblog.net/junior-youth/ * Michael talks about the Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity [ISGP]: https://www.globalprosperity.org/ * Learn more about Rainn's non-profit organization called LIDÈ and how you can support its programs here: https://www.lidehaiti.org/ * Michael shares one of his favorite quotes from the Writings of Baha'u'llah: "He Who is your Lord, the All-Merciful, cherisheth in His heart the desire of beholding the entire human race as one soul and one body." Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: *YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL *Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast *Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/ Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Today I read a letter from the Universal House of Justice dated March 1, 2017 to the Bahá’ís of the world, a passage by Shoghi Effendi from Baha’i News, no. 13, dated September 1926, a passage from Vignettes from Abdu’l-Baha by Annamarie Honnold page 69, and a passage from Abdu’l-Baha in Their Midst by Earl Redman, page 164. I continue reading The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh with the 9th and 10th Hidden Word from the Persian. I close with the prayer for the Intercalary Days by Baha’u’llah.

Today’s reading is from a long list of sources beginning with The Kitab-I-Aqdad by Baha’u’llah, pp 73, Some Answered Questions by Abdu’l-Baha, chapter 77, Guidance on Self-Defence by the Universal House of Justice written to the National Spiritual Assambly of the Bahá’ís of Canada dated 5-26-1969, a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice fo an individual believer on 1-24-1993, Unfolding Destiny by Shoghi Effendi, page 427, Baha’u’llah and the New Era by J.E. Esslemont, pages 169-171. I continue reading The Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah with the 7th and 8th Hidden Word from the Persian. I close with a prayer by Baha’u’llah from the Baha’i Prayer Book, page 236-237.

Today I read the letter from the Universal House of Justice dated 18 January 2019. I continue our reading of the Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah with the 69th and 70th Hidden Word from the Arabic. I close with a prayer by Abdu’l-Baha from the Baha’i Prayer Book on pages 112-113.

Today’s reading is from The Promise of World Peace written by the Universal House of Justice in October 1985, pages 3-6. Also a short passage by Tahirih as quoted by Abdu’l-Baha in Star of the West, Volume 10, page 233. I continue reading The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh with the 65th and 66th Hidden Word from the Arabic. I close with a prayer for detachment by Abdu’l-Baha from the Bahá’í Prayer Book on pages 56-57

Today's reading is from The Promise of World Peace by The Universal House of Justice pages 10-13. I continue reading The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah with the 43rd and 44th Hidden Word from the Arabic. I close with a prayer from Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah page 121-122, LXXIV. 

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode I'm in London, England with my dear friend, fellow actor and comedian, the hilarious Omid Djalili. Omid takes me on a ride full of stories and banter, where he tells me about his family and what it was like growing up in the UK as the only 13 year old with a mustache. We talk about soccer, prayer, dreams, gratitude, and the importance of connecting our lives to service and community building. Omid tells me how he got into comedy, and he shares four life-changing points about his career, which I think you'll find extremely interesting! Join me and Omid in this thought-provoking and fun conversation! To find out more about Omid Djalili and some of the things we covered in the podcast, check out the following links: * Find out more about Omid Djalili here on: www.omidnoagenda.com * Check out 'Hopeful: An Autobiography' by Omid Djalili: Book: https://amzn.to/2qp7LTD ; Audiobook: https://amzn.to/2SDJUwy * Rainn's autobiography 'The Bassoon King' can be found here: Book: https://amzn.to/2AEXrgs ; Audiobook: https://amzn.to/2QbHlQx * Omid mentions the term "Allah'u'Abha" and “Ya Baha’u’l-Abha” which you can read about here: https://bit.ly/2znwuMu * Omid mentions the Universal House of Justice: universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org * Omid mentions the passing of Shoghi Effendi, known to Baha'is as 'the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith', which can find learn more about here: https://www.bahai.org/shoghi-effendi/ * Omid talks about the 'Shrine of the Bab' which you can learn more about here: https://bit.ly/2F1yKPz * Omid and Rainn talk about the Institute Process and Ruhi books: www.ruhi.org * Omid and Rainn talk about the 'Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program' [JYSEP], which you can learn about here: https://bit.ly/2QnTeD2 * Omid shares the following passage about prayer from the Universal House of Justice: "Prayer is the essential spiritual conversation of the soul with its Maker, direct and without intermediation. It is the spiritual food that sustains the life of the spirit. Like the morning’s dew, it brings freshness to the heart and cleanses it, purifying it from attachments of the insistent self. It is a fire that burns away the veils and a light that leads to the ocean of reunion with the Almighty. On its wings does the soul soar in the heavens of God and draw closer to the divine reality. Upon its quality depends the development of the limitless capacities of the soul and the attraction of the bounties of God, but the prolongation of prayer is not desirable. The powers latent in prayer are manifested when it is motivated by the love of God, beyond any fear or favour, and free from ostentation and superstition. It is to be expressed with a sincere and pure heart conducive to contemplation and meditation so that the rational faculty can be illumined by its effects. Such prayer will transcend the limitation of words and go well beyond mere sounds. The sweetness of its melodies must gladden and uplift the heart and reinforce the penetrating power of the Word, transmuting earthly inclinations into heavenly attributes and inspiring selfless service to humankind." * Omid mentions Baha'i Blog Studio Sessions: https://bit.ly/1LtjUx9 Be sure to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: *YouTube: bit.ly/2JTNmBO * iTunes: apple.co/2leHPHL *Soundcloud: @bahaiblogcast *Spotify: spoti.fi/2IXRAnb If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out BAHAIBLOG.NET. Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode I interview Kevin Locke, which in Lakota is "Tokaheya Inajin" meaning “First to Rise”. Both Lakota and Anishnabe, Kevin is a Native American Baha'i who is a world famous visionary Hoop Dancer, preeminent player of the Indigenous Northern Plains flute, traditional storyteller, cultural ambassador, recording artist and educator with nearly 40 years of performing to over hundreds of thousands of people in over 90 countries. Living in Standing Rock, USA, Kevin talks to me about Lakota culture, some of their traditional prophecies and the power of women in their society. He tells me how he became a Baha'i, explains the power of engaging in the arts and connecting to the creator, and how the revelation of Baha'u'llah touches all the peoples of the earth, no matter what cultural background they come from, and how important it is for us learn from each other and about our collective heritage and so many other fascinating things. At the end of the conversation, Kevin shares a beautiful song on the flute called 'The Eagle's Flight'. To find out more about Kevin Locke and some of the things we covered in the podcast, check out the following links: * You can find out more about Kevin Locke from his website: KevinLocke.com * In the interview, Kevin recommends the book 'Black Elk Speaks' by John G. Neihardt, which you can get here: http://amzn.to/2hAEoMU * Kevin mentions the 1992 'Tribute by the Universal House of Justice to Baha'u'llah on the Centenary of His Passing', which you find here: http://www.bahai.org/documents/the-universal-house-of-justice/tribute-universal-house-justice You can find out more about this episode here: Be sure to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on: *iTunes: itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/bahai…son/id1127132519 *Soundcloud: @user-545312385 You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/79COyQTbVGXHcT3Y5VL52n If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out BAHAIBLOG.NET. Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. In this episode I interview professional life coach Susan Gammage from Canada. We talk about how she became a Baha'i, why she became a life coach, and how she uses the Baha'i Writings in her work and everything she does. We delve deep into the idea of "sin" and "shame" and she explains why she believes "it's the stories that separate us and the reactions that unite us". We talk about her very popular blog SusanGammage.com, and all of the books she's written and working on. We discuss the spiritualization of money; workaholism and other addictions; what she's currently reading, and how forgiveness is the key to solving so many things within us. To find out more about Susan Gammage, read her articles, discover her books and all that she does, go to her website: SusanGammage.com Here are a few links to some of the things we mentioned in our conversation, and some of the quotes from the Baha'i Writings we mentioned as well: * Susan mentions the book 'The Promulgation of Universal Peace' which is a compilation of talks delivered by Abdu'l‑Baha in New York, Montclair, and Jersey City: http://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/#f=f8-547 * Susan talks about the book 'A More Excellent Way' by Henry W. Wright: http://amzn.to/2opfhfz * I mention 'Brilliant Star' magazine: brilliantstarmagazine.org * Susan mentions 'Ocean', a free library of the world's religious literature: bahai-education.org * We discuss the recent March 1st, 2017 letter from the Universal House of Justice regarding economic life: http://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/activities-bahai-community/20170301_001 * We talk about the Ruhi sequence of books, which you can find out more about here: www.ruhi.org/materials/list.php * I ask Susan about her book 'Fear Into Faith - Overcoming Anxiety': http://susangammage.com/are-you-ready-to-turn-fear-into-faith * We talk about the Baha'i Funds, which you can read more about in this Baha'i Blog article called 'The Baha'i Fund: An Introduction': http://bahaiblog.net/site/2015/06/the-bahai-fund-an-introduction/ * Susan quotes this portion of a prayer by Baha'u'llah: "Glorified art Thou, O Lord my God! Every time I venture to make mention of Thee, I am held back by my mighty sins and grievous trespasses against Thee, and find myself wholly deprived of Thy grace, and utterly powerless to celebrate Thy praise. My great confidence in Thy bounty, however, reviveth my hope in Thee, and my certitude that Thou wilt bountifully deal with me emboldeneth me to extol Thee, and to ask of Thee the things Thou dost possess." * Susan quotes this prayer by Abdu'l-Baha: "O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being. O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord." Be sure to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud. You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4SR6lNJPMSBFTYY8rfpDP0 Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson Thanks for listening! -Rainn Wilson