Wanderings

The principles of the Teachings of Bahá’u'lláh should be carefully studied, one by one, until they are realized and understood by mind and heart

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 22

I LOVE this quote.  There is something very special to me about the way that we are encouraged to slow down and focus on the meaning of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings—not to rush through, but to reflect.  However, there is encouragement that we can actually understood them by mind and heart by doing so.

TeacherJay Paris Talks reflection, spiritual journey

He who lightly promises is sure to keep but little faith; he who is continually thinking things easy is sure to find them difficult. Therefore the sage sees difficulty even in what seems easy, and so never has any difficulties.

~ Tao, Tao Te Ching (J. Legge tr)

Only a fool would walk into the challenges of life with the arrogance that only a superficial belief in God will suffice to help him on his way, when really it is the deeper faith that is necessary.  There are challenges everywhere in life, and even those things that would seem easy may turn out to be more difficult than they first appeared without the assistance of God.  But, the wise person has made an ardent vow of profound devotion to God and those difficulties will disappear and become easy.

TeacherJay Taoism difficulties, promise, reflection

I am in the midst of preparing curriculum for a weekend of Children’s Classes at the Green Lake Baha’i Conference at the end of the summer.  I am excited about this opportunity to be coordinating classes and planning the lessons and thankful that I was asked to contribute in this way.  As part of my responsibilities I was charged with recruiting my teaching team.  A friend from NYC whom I had previously taught with and I know to be highly capable and an inspiration to me was a natural choice.  She responded to my email with the same sentiment… thanking me for the opportunity to serve the Faith in such a capacity.  I noticed that we both felt this way and I suppose it has something to do with being happy to have a way to share in the Faith, and to contribute in a way that not only utilizes our skills, but is something we enjoy as well.  Such a refreshing change from feeling that service to the community is a burden, or an obligation.  Rather, for us, our service is the way that we become a part of the community.

TeacherJay Reflections children, community, human capacity, reflection, service

This is my 99th post on Wanderings.  I wanted to make a special note today about what this blog is all about, and what it is not.  This blog was intended to spur conversation on Baha’i topics.  But, even more so it was to provide the viewpoint of a Baha’i.  I certainly would not try to speak for all Baha’is, nor do I feel that my thought process and reactions are exemplar of the faith.  Rather, this is a demonstration of how I approach writings from the Baha’i Faith and many other world religions.  My approach may be different and yours and that is because we are all questioning what is truth on our own.  The most fascinating part of the Baha’i Faith for me was the concept that we are not only encouraged, but expected to question everything in the world around us as we search for universal truth.  This blog is just my way of putting my thoughts out there.  It is not designed nor intended to “convert” anyone to the Baha’i Faith, but merely to show how this particular Baha’i thinks about things.

TeacherJay Reflections independent investigation of truth, reflection

So-called "interracial marriage" is also encouraged in the Bahá’í teachings, which stress the essential oneness of the human race.

~ Baha’i International Community, 1992, Magazine – The Baha’is

It is very interesting to me that the Baha’i Faith promotes interracial marriage as a form of world unity, bringing the world one step closer.  I have found an additional effect, however.  Meeting so many interracial couples when I first entered into the Baha’i community challenged some of my own conceptions.  I would meet people of different races and make assumptions about their spouses, and/or not realize who was married to whom.  Although it was a bit embarrassing and sometimes frustrating, it also helped me to grow more accepting of something that I had thought I already accepted.  I did not object to such unions, but because I had such little previous experience with them, I was not accustomed to them.

TeacherJay Baha'i International Community prejudice, racism, reflection, unity

I took this photo in May, 2008 at the Baha’i Temple in New Delhi.

Nicknamed the “Lotus Temple”, the building certainly bears a resemblance to a Lotus flower, and is often mistaken for the Sydney Opera House.  I had seen many pictures of it before, but there was something about these projections that jut out relatively low on the building that I wanted to see.  From the edge of the reflecting pools at the very base of the temple I was able to capture this shot.  It was important to me because I was seeing this well-known symbol of the Faith from a different perspective which is somewhat of a metaphor for the way in which I strive to see life from a different angle.  Traveling across the globe to India was as far from “home” as I had ever been, but it was still comforting to know that even as I experienced a new culture, I was in the midst of something familiar.

TeacherJay Reflections independent investigation of truth, international, reflection

O SON OF BEING!
How couldst thou forget thine own faults and busy thyself with the faults of others? Whoso doeth this is accursed of Me.

~ Baha’u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words

I must admit that I am occasionally guilty of this myself.  All too often we spend our energies looking for the faults of others, or letting them define the relationships we will have another.  This problem is twofold—first, we begin to obsess on the negative aspects of life and not on the positives, and second we ignore the faults we have ourselves and thereby prevent ourselves from working on them, or even using them to our advantage to find common ground with others.

TeacherJay Hidden Words, The reflection, unity

He, verily, rewardeth beyond measure them that endure with patience.

~ Baha’u'llah, Gems of Divine Mysteries, p. 72

I hope that I am getting better with this as I get older.  Yesterday, I spent a lot of time waiting around in an airport for a connecting flight because there was no crew to fly the plane.  When they did arrive, they were not happy either.  There had been a scheduling mix up.  In every status update and announcement we received, it always began by asking for us to be patient – as if we had a choice.  I was able to think back to a time not too long ago, when I would have become impatient, upset, and unruly.  Remembering the teachings of Baha’u’llah has helped me in many times to stay calmer and to help situations such as that move more smoothly.

TeacherJay Gems of Divine Mysteries reflection, travel, virtues

O Thou kind Lord! These lovely children are the handiwork of the fingers of Thy might and the wondrous signs of Thy greatness. O God! Protect these children, graciously assist them to be educated and enable them to render service to the world of humanity. O God! These children are pearls, cause them to be nurtured within the shell of Thy loving-kindness.

Thou art the Bountiful, the All-Loving.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i Prayer

Today I return to a children’s class within my local community.  I try to pray this prayer whenever I come into that class.  There is something about that always makes me smile.  The imagery in a lot of Baha’i writings I find to be quite vivid, and the the analogy of God’s children being His handiwork wrought by His might is a nice one.  This prayer not only emphasizes their education, but also their ability to serve humanity, in addition to their protection.  Every time I say it, I stop to consider if I am saying it for their benefit, or for my own.

TeacherJay Abdu'l-Baha, Prayers children, education, God's Love, reflection, responsibility, service

Let deeds, not words, testify to thy faith, if thou art a man of true learning.

~ Shoghi Effendi, The Dawn-Breakers, p. 286

Shoghi Effendi reminds us here that it is what we do, and not we say, that matters most.  Although a person can claim to be very wise, to have read all of the sacred texts, and even to be a great leader, there is nothing that provides evidence of his faith like the acts that he commits.  Rather than being someone who tells others to “do as I say, and not as I say”, Baha’is are encouraged to let our actions teach others what the love of God is.

TeacherJay Shoghi Effendi action, faith, reflection, service

O MY SERVANT!
Free thyself from the fetters of this world, and loose thy soul from the prison of self. Seize thy chance, for it will come to thee no more.

~ Baha’u'llah, The Persian Hidden Words

This world we live in has many chains that bind us to it, keep us a prisoner and shackle us to materialistic ways. We have the power to fight it, to free ourselves, but we must make an effort to do so. If we do not, we will forever be caught up in attempts to become better than one another, but make no real progress towards anything.

TeacherJay Hidden Words, The materialism, progress, reflection, spiritual journey

The sovereign soul
Of him who lives self-governed and at peace
Is centred in itself, taking alike
Pleasure and pain; heat, cold; glory and shame.

~ Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr)

I find the poetry of the Hindu verses to be beautiful in its simplicity and indirectness.  These verses speak to me that to maintain a holy and spiritual life, I must take all things that come along and yet remained peaceful and in control of myself and my emotions—something that can be a bit of a challenge for me.

TeacherJay Hindu meditation, reflection

O SON OF MAN!
Rejoice in the gladness of thine heart, that thou mayest be worthy to meet Me and to mirror forth My beauty.

~ Baha’u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words #36

I love the imagery of the mirror… it comes up frequently in Baha’i writings.  There is something special about becoming worthy of reflecting the illimitable radiance of God’s love.  Worthy is a word that I wanted to focus on though.  It is an awesome gift and privilege to be permitted to carry on God’s grace, but also one that comes with responsibility.  The Hidden Words, are just that… they have so many hidden meanings.  The more I look at writings such as this, the more I see.  For example, could the word ‘mayest’ be taken to mean that the gladness is in the reader’s heart and s/he will mirror forth Baha’u’llah’s beauty, or is there a test that must be passed?  What is meant by the word ‘meet’?  Should that be taken as a literal meaning, or is that just figurative that we will meet in a more spiritual connection.  I don’t have answers to these questions, and never well, but it is these daily readings that keep me interested and asking questions in my own quest to make sense out of the world.

TeacherJay Hidden Words, The God's Love, independent investigation of truth, reflection, responsibility

How wondrous is the unity of the Living, the Ever-Abiding God — a unity which is exalted above all limitations, that transcendeth the comprehension of all created things! He hath, from everlasting, dwelt in His inaccessible habitation of holiness and glory, and will unto everlasting continue to be enthroned upon the heights of His independent sovereignty and grandeur.

~ Baha’u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u'llah, p. 261

Today is the Feast of Azamat, which means grandeur in Arabic.  I like this month because it reminds us to reflect on how perfect, how immeasurable and how grand is the glory of God.

TeacherJay Gleanings Feast, holiday, reflection, unity

Knowledge is love. Study, listen to exhortations, think, try to understand the wisdom and greatness of God. The soil must be fertilized before the seed can be sown.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, “Star of the West” Vol. 20, No. 10, p. 314

To the Baha’is, the Independent Investigation of Truth and devotion to studying the word of God are very important.  In order to learn and understand, to be true receptacles of such knowledge, we must become educated.  All Baha’is are asked to read something of the many volumes of authoritative texts every day.  There is no specified amount to satisfy this obligation—simply enough to cause the reader to pause, reflect and think about the wonders of God.

TeacherJay Star of the West education, independent investigation of truth, meditation, reflection

It is not uncommon for people to go through some hard times in their lives—whether it is from the death of child, difficulty resisting temptation, a mental illness, or even just a Monday morning, we all have troubles.  I have seen many people respond that because something bad has happened to them they should stop believing that there is a loving God who wants the best for them.  They reject God’s teachings.

Whenever I see this I am reminded of people in relationships such as a marriage, a parent and teenager or even close friends.  When one person feels vulnerable, confused, alone or hurt, some terrible things can be said.  It is illogical that we would be so callous to one of the people who is the most dedicated to us in the world—one of the few who actually cares very deeply about us personally and will love us unconditionally.

Unfortunately, it seems to be human nature to take out our aggressions and make external all of our negative feelings and unleash them upon this person who loves us so much.  Perhaps, this is not entirely self-defeating… I have a theory that our sub-conscious minds select the people to be the recipients of our grief who are able to take it on and still love us for who we are because of who they are.  Are we, perhaps, able to know who can absorb our anger and turn it into love, and therefore, feel safe lashing out at this person this way?

I have a feeling that many people are doing the same things when they turn away from God.  The comments that a just God cannot exist if such a tragedy should befall them, are hurtful to God and akin to the teenager daughter telling her mother she hates her, or of the husband frustrated at not getting a promotion at work berating his wife, or even the woman who was just dumped by her boyfriend and starts an argument with her best friend.  Every time we question His authority, whether or not He is working our lives, or why He has done what he has, we are lashing out at God.

Why do we lash out at God?  Why do we lash out at the one who loves us the most?

NOTE: Although the saying “lashing out at the one who loves us the most” has been heard before, it was hearing it in a song by Rich Mullins, who was a wonderfully talented Christian musician, that first inspired this post.

TeacherJay Reflections God's Love, music, reflection, relationships, temptation, tests

O my Lord and my Hope! Help Thou Thy loved ones to be steadfast in Thy mighty Covenant, to remain faithful to Thy manifest Cause, and to carry out the commandments Thou didst set down for them in Thy Book of Splendours; that they may become banners of guidance and lamps of the Company above, wellsprings of Thine infinite wisdom, and stars that lead aright, as they shine down from the supernal sky.

Verily art Thou the Invincible, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i Prayer

I like to read this prayer whenever I feel myself losing my way and straying from the path that God has set forth for me.  More than just asking for firmness in the covenant for myself, this prayer leads me to request the strength to carry out God’s commandments in order to set an example for the children I teach and the youth I mentor.  By becoming a star that will lead this next generation aright I have taken on a responsibility that is bigger than myself.

TeacherJay Abdu'l-Baha, Prayers children, covenant, education, meditation, prayer, reflection, responsibility, youth

Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths.

~ Baha’u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 85

I have appreciated this quote since I first ran across it.  Having (almost) always lived near the ocean, I find the imagery of immersing myself into an ocean of words to be comforting.  The salty ocean water does not allow a person sink—it envelops the body, yet supports it.  I was also fascinated, yet intimidated by the vast depth of the ocean and the mysteries that lay beneath that dark water.  In this directive from what the Baha’is call ‘the Most Holy Book’, we see how we are encouraged to seek out the truths that lie beneath the surface of the Baha’u’llah’s words.  When we do, we will discover beautiful pearls of wisdom.

TeacherJay Kitab-i-Aqdas independent investigation of truth, meditation, reflection

O God, guide me, protect me, make of me a shining lamp and a brilliant star. Thou art the Mighty and the Powerful.

~ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Baha’i Prayer

This prayer is frequently the first one learned by many children of Baha’i parents.  It is probably the shortest of all of them, and, like a lot of Baha’i writings, its message at first appears to be direct, but upon deeper reflection we can see something more in it.  I ahv the opportunity to teach this prayer not only in English, but also in Spanish.  I have included it below as a side-by-side example of how the beautiful language of the Baha’i writings in English translates to other languages as well.

¡Oh Dios! Guíame, protégeme, ilumina la lámpara de mi corazón y haz de mí una estrella brillante.  Tú eres el Fuerte y el Poderoso.

TeacherJay Abdu'l-Baha, Prayers children, guidance, language, prayer, reflection