IndependentInvestigator

Dear All,

I want to really switch gears for a while from trying to think through all the implications of different views on the resurrection of Christ. That question, while it has religious implications, is entirely intellectual. I have a tendency to over-intellectualize spiritual things--a tendency I should try to overcome.

To that end, I am going to try to take a break from posting myself on the resurrection topic and instead request input from you on something altogether different, and better.

I know the Baha'i faith is rich in beautiful writings, high spiritual teachings, and profound prayers. I've encountered some of these, but the writings are so extensive, that I know I've only read a tiny fraction.

Please share with me here some of the teachings or prayers you find most edifying or inspiring. I'd also be interested in hearing about the things that led you to faith in Baha'u'llah.

This isn't a thread for arguing about anything. I would just like to learn from you.

Thank you,

Don

cire perdue

I had copies of THE HIDDEN WORDS and THE SEVEN VALLEYS that were given to me about 1971 or so. I did not read them. When I met the final teacher who would impress upon me, along with other Baha'i youth, such things as Baha'u'llah was THE Avatar for this age I read THE HIDDEN WORDS finally and it was like water subtly pouring over my head. It was very special, though at the time I remember it being more of an intellectual experience than mystical. However from that reading I was sure Baha'u'llah was the Maitreya, and the Return of Christ. All the other ideas did not matter. I did not have to resolve issues with the Bible, because the power that I perceived from THE HIDDEN WORDS meant that they did not matter. Anyway all those issues had been made by people that had made themselves important, and they weren't important any more. What I know and have learned now has come from reading and praying twice a day and a faculty has developed in me that is a surprise. I seem to be able to give others some answers. I have worked hard to learn who I am and due to so many problems from my life and history I have had no choice about that. However it appears to have allowed me to know who I am and that allows me to know other people to a large extent as well. That is the achievement of my life which if had to be a choice I think would still be what I would choose. It's not perfect, but it has been a great comfort, possibly the best............

IndependentInvestigator

Wonderful, Cire.

I am deeply moved by some of the Hidden Words too, particularly the first four verses, and then several others scattered throughout, like the one about being as one soul. I also love the very ending verses, about how we should work and how ends depend upon means.

Part of my dilemma has actually been because I perceive God's voice here. I perceive God's voice and power in many things Baha'u'llah wrote. I also perceive them in other places, in ways that make me wonder how these different sources of truth can all fit together.

BTW, do you know Abdul-Baha's prayer for mankind that begins, "O Thou Kind Lord, thou has created all humanity from the same stock"? This is my favorite Baha'i prayer that I've encountered. In it, he so beautifully portrays how we are all the same before God, and he prays in solidarity with the entire human race!

Thanks again for sharing.

Don