You’ve probably noticed the plethora of self-care articles and posts over the last couple of months. It’s hardly surprising given the ongoing chaos which surrounds us. As I suggested in my last column, self-care is essential but it’s not enough if we are to begin to heal the world.
Baha’is, guided by Baha’u’llah’s vision for a peaceful and united world, are taking small but consistent steps toward that goal. One of the ways they are doing this is through what Baha’is call the “core activities.” These activities are open to all and, though they are based on Baha’i teachings, they do not aim to “convert” anyone. These activities include devotional meetings, children’s classes, junior youth groups and study circles for adults and youths.
Devotional meetings are simply gatherings for prayer, meditation, readings from the scriptures of various faiths and music. At these meetings, the Universal House of Justice tells us, “Feelings of fellowship and common cause are generated.” People hosting these meetings are “encouraged to creatively incorporate the richness of the cultural makeup of their neighborhoods, and to celebrate unity as they foster inclusion and loving relationships through prayer and fellowship.” (Source: Baha’i Council of the Southeastern States). Communities where these devotional programs have been established and sustained over time have found that they generate close friendships and provide opportunities for meaningful conversations, ultimately leading to service projects which address the needs of the local community or neighborhood. Thus, these grassroots efforts give rise to both personal transformation and social action.
Since children are our most precious commodity and represent our hope for the future, their education – academic, spiritual and moral, is of utmost importance. These Baha’i-sponsored classes, open to all children, make use of music, stories and other arts. They include memorization of verses and prayers and other lessons illustrating virtues. The teachers strive to establish a loving, affectionate relationship with the children and involve the parents as much as possible.
Because children between the ages of 11 and 14 are at a pivotal stage of life, in which “it’s easy to fall prey to the pressures and temptations that characterize this stage of life,” says author and Baha’i teacher Joan Barstow Hernandez, great importance is given to junior youth groups. Hernandez goes on to explain that participants in these groups “develop a sense of purpose, grasp fundamental spiritual verities, strengthen the spirit of service and nourish the ability to use the power of language.” By participating, the junior youth become increasingly capable of acting as agents-of-change in their neighborhoods and communities.
Study circles are designed for adults and youth. They consist of a series of workbooks designed to strengthen each participant’s awareness of their spiritual identity and prepare them to carry out community service projects. They aim to encourage discussion and respect for thoughts and opinions of each group member.
In addition to these core activities, Baha’is are increasingly reaching out to other groups to collaborate with them on social justice projects, to form and deepen friendships across racial and religious lines and join them in their religious services.
Because Baha’is believe that racism is this country’s “most vital and challenging issue,” wherever a Baha’i community exists, its members will be involved in programs and activities to combat this evil and proclaim the oneness of humanity.
I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Baha’is are neither arrogant enough nor naïve enough to believe we are the only ones who can propel humanity to its ultimate destiny: a peaceful and united world civilization. We are living in dark times; it will take effort from all well-wishers of humankind to light our way forward.
This article appears in Opioid overdoses increase.
