EternalStudent

Hey, my name's Alex! I'm here because I'm interested in the Baha'i Faith, and this seemed like the best place to ask questions about it. I've got a whole lot, but before I get started on them there's one pretty important question I need to ask. See, I'm not ready to become a member of the Baha'i Faith, but I'd like to try it for a while to see if it's the right path for me. From the teachings I've read so far, it seems like it is, but I don't want to make a commitment until I'm sure. So I was wondering if it is alright to practice the Baha'i Faith before becoming a member?

InvestigateTruth

Hello, and Welcome to the Forum!

With regards to your question, in my openion, it is absolutely alright to practice the Baha'i Faith before becoming a member.
In fact as AbdulBaha said, a person could be a Baha'i even if he never heard the name of Baha'u'llah. Because it's all about the actions and sprituality, and on the other hand, a person could call himself a Baha'i for many years, but he may not be a Baha'i in reality.
Having said that, if you haven't done any rouhi books, and if you have access to some rouhi gatherings, I recommand that.

EternalStudent

Thanks for your reply!

Glad to know it's okay for me to practice it a while until I'm sure it's where God wants me.

About the rouhi books... I don't know where to find those, or even what they are, actually... I've heard people talk about them here and there, but not explain what they are. And what's a rouhi gathering?

I checked on find.bahai.us, and they said that there are Baha'is in Beebe, which is about an hour from me, but I can't find any information on contacting them, or how many Baha'is there are there.

arthra

Welcome to the Forum Eternal Student!

The Ruhi books are recommended to get to know the Faith better and many communities across the US offer these courses... They are not obligatory to take to become a Baha'i. I give you a site where you can learn more about them:

The Ruhi Institute

To contact Baha'is nearest you

I would suggest calling the following toll free number:

1-800-22-UNITE

They can also send you free information..literature.

I'm not familar with Arkansas but there is a site:

http://find.bahai.us/community/arkansas/little-rock

BruceDLimber

Hi, and welcome to the neighborhood! :-)

Three pieces of information for you:

- You can find out about any closer Baha'is by phoning 1-800-22-UNITE; the folks there will inform you of any nearby Baha'is and can also send you free literature if you like.

- The spelling is "Ruhi," and these are training courses on a variety of topics which are generally studied in groups of Baha'is and others. There are currently seven main courses with more in preparation.

- Another great forum you might like to check out is the discussion area at Planet Baha'i, which you can find here:

Planet Baha'i

It has a great mix of Baha'is and others, and plenty of fascinating conversations there.

Regards, and I wish you good hunting! :-)

Bruce

EternalStudent

Thanks for the info everyone!
I already called that number, and got a machine. I left my number, but haven't received a call back yet.

cire perdue

and eagerness. There are 3 communities of Baha'is in North Arkansas in Fayetteville, Rogers, and uh, uh, uh.....Bentonville. I guess our National offices close on Sunday....LOL!!!!

I reccommend HIDDEN WORDS..................

Caution, uh mild one anyway: Ruhi is not something to be read like an informational book. It is done as a group and I harp over and over that it is experiential. It is a group experience which is not the same you get if you just read it. In fact if judged only on intellectual content Ruhi courses are not appealing. I do not have trouble believing in the courses, because I attend 12Step meetings where one can come out of one of those with a greatly uplifted heart which is all I think it takes to have a spiritual experience.

I don't think we should see the simple joy that a "mere" flower gives us for example as a spiritual experience, and take for granted that praying is a spiritual experience...

Oh, oh, oh, get a Baha'i Prayer Book ASAP. That is one of the best things about being a Baha'i, a whole book of prayers that sing to one's being....What a joy to have that..................................

cire perdue

Beebe is a short distance from Little Rock and there is a great community there, Alex. If they aren't glad to see you, tell me and I'll come tell them how to welcome an interested soul. I'm only 3 hours from Little Rock.....Bless you, bless you, bless you!

511 North Pine Street Little Rock, AR 72205-3937
(501) 666-7867

How's that!

tonyfish58

Welcome & I hope your journey is rewarding

Regards TONY

EternalStudent

Thanks! I live near Pleasant Plains, which is about an hour from Beebe. Glad to know there's a good community near by. I'll call the number you gave me, thanks.

Nuck81

I have been a practicing Baha'i since May, but have yet to register.

I filled out this form on the US Baha'i Website and two days later received and Email from a local Baha'i, that weekend I had a Sunday Dinner with about 12 Local Baha'is who were all very encouraging, loving and helpful. One was very kind to give me a copy of The Hidden Words, and we still keep in touch. Also this forum has been wonderful, even though I don't post often, and I consider the members here my brothers.

Hope this helps!!

arthra

Nuck,

Thanks for your post...

Sometimes I'm not always sure of the Forum here but it's great you enjoy it!

You made my day!

EternalStudent

Thanks y'all

IndependentInvestigator

Hey Eternal Student,

I feel similarly. I'm not in a position where being an enrolled and active Baha'i seems to make the most sense. But I really love the teachings, and want to apply them in my life.

Don

cire perdue

I suggest obtaining a Baha'i Prayer Book, or Baha'i prayers online and print them out and use them. It is one of the best things of being a Baha'i, to have prayers.

EternalStudent

I've been writing them out by hand, lol. I don't have a printer. :/