cire perdue

Historically religion has tried to change and destroy native cultures with examples too numerous to count. That the Baha'i Faith does not do so is a source of celebration that is evident in the display of native dress on many occassions. Notable was the presentation of the "peoples" at the World Congress in NYC in 1992. Unfortunately my attire as a WASP-now Baha'i wasn't very visible. The Baha'i Native American Institute is a facility that also supports that culture. The practice of Baha'i consultation that is used for decision making in all levels of Baha'i activity is another trait that supports diverstiy. Decision making is therefore an organic evolution to reach conclusions rather than a dichotomous power play. It is a refreshing and inspiring process not unakin to a creative individual's designing talent that goes through many stages to reach a final form.

Another aspect of this practice is on the personal level. Baha'is do not interfere in the personal lives of each other by instructing each other how they should live their lives. That is reserved for our institutions, not individuals to do. We are to practice having a sin-covering eye and when we have problems with others, our first responsibility is to look at ourselves. I will give you a simplistic example of this.

Not finding a store for which I had received directions I said to myself, "She did not give me accurate directions!" Upon reflection I asked myself if I had asked her all the questions that applied to being able to find it and found that I had not. So to blame the other person would have been the heighth of arrogance, and the same old behavior this world exhibits on a daily basis.

This Faith is nevertheless a religion of devotion, prayer, confirmation, and fellowship. It is philosopohical and mystical proffering a way of life for its adherents. It requires self knowledge and daily practice. Twelve Step Programs are the only other system that I am aware of that resemble the kind of lifestyle that in practice is daily, lifelong, self-evolving, and fulfilling.

However this Faith offers the individual the ability to have the devotional life equivalent to historical cloistered communities, but yet live in the world in service to others, without denial of material needs and even material desires, but in a balance probably never before offered to mankind. One reason this is true is because search is inherent for the believer in Baha'u'llah whose inner life is as a partner to his/her Beloved. By offering that Partner our work in ANY field as service even that becomes worship.

Never before except perhaps in the earliest days of the Prophets' religions has such a complete state of spiritual existence been possible through its institutionalization of this lifestyle in its teachings. Its ability to uplift its adherents demonstrates that effect as they have for over 160 years gone peacefully even joyfully to their deaths and are continuing to do so. So in closing I can only say that truly we are diverse and celebrate it in our daily lives. Thank you, CP (not 3 O)

aidan

The Baha'i community in wee Northern Ireland is a real melting pot.I have met Iranian,English,German,Swedish,Nigerian,American,C hinese Baha'i brethren all marvellous souls