++ Contents UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE Final payment of Rutland Gate loan National Spiritual Assembly Conference for Persian believers Institution of Huququ'llah Baha'i Councils & Training Institutes Training Institute for Scotland Training Institute for England Baha'i Council for Northern Ireland Baha'i Council for England Baha'i Council for Scotland COMMITTEES & DEPARTMENTS Association of Baha'i Women Year of Service Desk Community Schools Service UK COMMUNITY NEWS Booklet aimed at teaching in schools Summer School SOS to all Assemblies! Baha'i children in Solent Sponsored bike ride for the Arc Baha'i prayers at commemorations for bomb victims Golden days of the Summer Schools Spiritual Butlins! ... or Centenary fever at 14th Baha'iland Gathering! World News Baha'i International News Service (extracts) Letters Children and the Feast, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice Baha'i Faith and Yoga, Joan Niblett "Understanding Conversion", Margaret Paton Holy Days The anniversary of the Birth of the Bab Articles "Act, act now, continue to act ...", Viv Craig A Baha'is view of disability, Paul Booth Spiritual systematisation, Paul Profaska NATIONAL CONFERENCE Swans are flying high on music!, Carmen Henry ++ UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE + Final payment of Rutland Gate loan To: The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United Kingdom. The Universal House of Justice was very pleased to receive your letter of 12 June 1998 enclosing the final payment on the loan extended to you for the refurbishment of 27 Rutland Gate, a receipt for which has been sent separately. Further to this, it was particularly touched to receive your letter of 21 July with the beautiful album of photographs documenting the restoration, highlighted by the loving signatures of the dear believers gathered at your National Convention. Kindly assure the beloved friends in the United Kingdom that the House of Justice will offer fervent prayers in the Holy Shrines on their behalf for the confirmation of their dedicated efforts to advance the process of entry by troops in your region. Department of the Secretariat ++ National Spiritual Assembly + Conference for Persian believers The Baha'i Council for England held a conference for the Persian speaking believers in this country which focussed on the Four Year Plan and the Message of the Universal House of Justice to the Persian believers of the World. A report of the Conference was sent to the Universal House of Justice via the National Spiritual Assembly. The following message was recently received in response to that report. Message from the Universal House of Justice The Universal House of Justice received your letter of 27 April 1998 and was pleased to learn of the success of the Conference for Persian Believers held on 6 December 1997. Kindly convey to the participants of the gathering the loving prayers of the House of Justice in the Holy Shrines, that their efforts to serve the Cause of God and fulfill the goals of the Four Year Plan may be confirmed and blessed. Department of the Secretariat + Institution of Huququ'llah Stories about Huququ'llah - the Teacher E.K. was a great scholar and a wonderful Baha'i. The National Spiritual Assembly of Iran had requested him to devote all his time to the Faith, so his days were spent in writing many useful books and in deepening Baha'is, especially the youth. As he had no income of his own, he accepted a very modest monthly allowance from the National Fund. One of his students, Kazim, who would often go to his house to help him in his work, noticed that his teacher never touched the allowance which came from the National Office until he had returned nineteen percent of it as Huququ'llah. Kazim was surprised because he knew that his teacher had no other income, and the allowance he received was barely sufficient for his necessary expenses, so one day he asked about it. He said to his teacher, "You have repeatedly explained to us the laws pertaining to Huququ'llah. You have said that giving Huququ'llah is only binding on those who have savings. How is it, then, that you, yourself, give part of your money for Huququ'llah each month when I know how little you have to live on?" "My son", replied his teacher, "do you suppose that the amount I keep for myself is mine? That, too, rightfully belongs to God. It is His money that I am spending and the little I give back to Him is only to appease my own conscience." Kazim realised that the true lovers are not bound by the standards of the wise. The measure of their sacrifice has no limitations. From a report by a Representative of Huququ'llah Board of Trustees of Huququ'llah Mrs Val McGinley - Rep of Ireland: 00353 662 0442 Dr Wendi Momen - England: 01767 627626 Mr Hadi Rahmani - England: 01672 516205 Mrs Carolyn Wade - England: 01275 372040 Dr Ramin Khadem - Secretary, England: 0171 7947641 Mr Andrew Goodwin - Scotland: 019755 63640 Mr Mathew Kennedy - Rep of Ireland: 00353 51858 597 Mrs Azar Melville - Wales: 01558 822184 Mrs Rena Roohipour - Northern Ireland: 00169 373 8363 Mr Farzin Yourtchi - England: 01732 351769 General enquiries and payments: The Board of Trustees of Huququ'llah for the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, "Woodsmoke", Glen Avenue, Sandy Lane, Abbots Leigh, Bristol B58 35D Cheques should be made payable to: NSA of Baha'is - Huququ'llah. ++ Baha'i Councils & Training Institutes + Training Institute for Scotland Exciting developments The Training Institute is about to embark on its most exciting development so far. The 31st October will see the launch of its biggest project to date and possibly one of the biggest in the Scottish Community. On that date every Baha'i in Scotland can be involved in the same programme whether attending a community workshop or taking part at home using open learning materials. This is a programme of six half-day workshops or courses spread over a year, to be followed by a project, and designed specifically for the individual, so friends are only being asked to commit some time to a course every two months or so. The first course is likely to last a full day as it covers the introduction, background and support for the programme as well as the first actual course. Later courses are designed for a half day or evening at a minimum but there is sufficient material to last a full day. All Assemblies and Groups have been asked to prepare for the event by organising a community gathering on the first weekend to get things started on the first course, and the Institute for Scotland will be training people (facilitators) in each area to help with the programmes. Training for people to assist the programmes will take place in mid October and is open to all Groups and Spiritual Assemblies. Groups are being encouraged to meet together but where groups are very small or where there are isolated believers there will be an opportunity to take part by open learning. This will be co-ordinated by Tony Henderson. Open learning versions of the material are also available to friends who are unable to make it along to a community workshop, and once piloted, the materials will be available to other Institutes. Other training courses under development include: Training for Children's Class Teachers, The Fund, Baha'i Elections, Music for Everyone, The Family Seminar, The Covenant, Programme for Spiritual Assemblies (starts November), Women, and Children and Youth. These will be added to, and the Institute welcomes requests and suggestions for training from everyone. If you are isolated or in a small group and have not heard from Tony, contact him now so that your materials can be dispatched to you in time. Tony Henderson, Belleville, Setter, Sandwick, Shetland ZE2 9HP. Tel: 01950 431242, e-mail: tis@saxa.demon.co.uk 7 courses for the Individual begin 31 October 7 courses for Spiritual Assemblies begin 28 November + Training Institute for England To all believers in England With less than two precious years left to the end of the Four Year Plan, the National Spiritual Assembly has set very specific goals for the training of the Baha'i community. These include the attendance of special training courses for members of Spiritual Assemblies as well as other courses designed for all the members of the community. The overall aim is to raise up trained believers to (a) teach more effectively, (b) serve the plans of Local Spiritual Assemblies, and (c) to serve on Assemblies, thus increasing the whole tenor of the Baha'i community, using the talents of the believers and achieving "a significant advance in the process of entry by troops". The Training Institute for England is delighted to write to you again to set out its programme (see below) which has been developed in close collaboration with the Learned Arm. Each course has trained facilitators who are able to conduct it locally. We are training more facilitators to make sure that there is ever increasing coverage in all areas. Watch out for more details which we will be sending out to every community in England. We also take this opportunity to introduce the Training Co-ordinator for England, Mrs Joyce Spath, Tel: 01483 274979. Her role will be to provide information on courses, to put you in contact with facilitators who can run particular courses, to inform you where courses are being run near you, and to advise on the logistical arrangements which would need to be made locally to run a course. We hope to see wave after wave of the Baha'i community becoming trained to go forward in service to the Cause, to endeavour to become more knowledgeable and capable to teach and to share the spiritual insights offered to a longing humanity by Baha'u'llah. With loving greetings, Training Institute for England For Individuals: Make me a teacher Baha'i elections Your voice in God's Kingdom Optimising the capacities of the individual For Assemblies and Communities: Creating your best 19 Day Feast ever Building communities others want to join Making consultation magical Other Special Courses: Let's Grow! "Study Circles" studying materials from the Ruhi Institute. Currently being piloted in 6 locations: Get Connected! (A course on Baha'i youth identity, designed for 17+ age range) Marriage and Family (A series of courses developed by the European Task Force for the Family) + Baha'i Council for Northern Ireland What's new? Over the past month the Council has had the bounty of consulting with Counsellors Ilhan Sezgin and Patrick O'Mara, the Board members and the members of our Training Institute. The theme running through all these meetings has been the future rapid development of our beloved Faith through the systematic use of training institute courses. The Council strongly urges all the friends to seize this opportunity to enrol on these courses, firstly because they address the fundamental verities of the Faith and will have a potent effect on those who attend, and secondly because this is not training for the sake of training! The energy and inspiration gained will be channelled into projects which will increase the tempo of the teaching work and further advance the process of entry by troops. It is the regional teaching projects that the Council is busily working on at this moment and the task is both challenging and exciting. This first stage of development will end in December at which time the success will be appraised in consultation again with the National Spiritual Assembly, the Counsellors and Board members. Two Local Spiritual Assemblies have already started their Teaching Projects which were planned after attending Training Institute Courses, by the full members of one and large majority of another, at the invitation of the Council. Response to the tragedy in Omagh The tragedy in Omagh has sent a shock wave through the whole community. The Council has written on behalf of the Baha'i community, in sympathy to Omagh District Council, assuring them of our collective prayers and offering help now or in the future at their request. Our hearts go out to the Omagh Baha'is. They are struggling to know how best to respond to the tragedy and of course are themselves grieving the loss of friends. A very special session was held at the summer school to generate ideas. Baha'u'llah writes: "The well being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established. This unity can never be achieved so long as the counsels which the Pen of the Most High hath revealed are suffered to pass unheeded." Perhaps we should take a moment to pause and reflect on the significance of these words. Surely the way we can best respond to the awful suffering resulting from this horrendous and tragic act would be to strengthen our resolve to redouble our efforts to increase the tempo of the teaching work in the Province. It falls to us, His followers, His privileged few, to bring the healing remedy of the Divine Physician to a suffering people. This is the only lasting solution to the divisions that have torn apart the peoples of these islands for centuries. Our response, if it is to teach the Cause with such audacity and conviction that many souls will be attracted to the Faith, can truly make a difference. The Friends gathered at the Northern Ireland Summer School in Portrush attended the memorial meeting organised by the Local Council to commemorate the Omagh bombing. A Baha'i prayer for unity was read from the stage to a very large audience. Baha'is were easily recognised as most wore T shirts with a distinctive logo and the words "Working for World Unity - Baha'i" clearly visible. The Ballymena Community also read prayers at their local commemoration, and Baha'i prayers were faxed to the dedication service in Omagh itself. The Summer School at Portrush was a resounding success, very enjoyable and most of the friends witnessed a very special spirit. The rain which seem to be falling every day did not dampen the enthusiasm of the record number of participants this year and the Council for Northern Ireland wishes to thank the Summer School Task Force and everyone, especially those in charge of children's classes, for an excellent school. The organisers recommend very early bookings for the 1999 Summer School to avoid disappointment. + Baha'i Council for England Centenary commentary Our best is achieved when we simplify our vision and purpose. The UK community seems to have taken this to heart and has thrown tremendous effort into promoting a common goal - the Centenary of the Faith in the UK. If we continue as we started - creative exhibitions, balloon launches, car stickers - the remaining 13 months will boast an incredible range of celebrations, teaching activities, and more importantly, will lead to collective action and growth. Youth have been among the first to revel in their spiritual heritage by organising the excellent Warrington Centenary Youth Conference. The heart of the Conference was a two-part exhibition: a meditation around a delicate floral sculpture while listening to stories of 'Abdu'l-Baha's visit to England, followed by an elegant multi-media exhibition with artifacts and the other facts. The entire exhibition was put together by two youth in two weeks. Centenary Book and resources available A beautifully-bound large book has been created as a scrap book for the Centenary 19-month festival. Anything and everything can go inside. It will be on view at the National Conference. Envelope labels and car stickers are available by mail order (see box advert, p20). For information on the exhibition the resources available, or to offer your own, please contact Jessica Dacey: 1 Lansdown Place West, Bath BA1 5EZ. e-mail: jessica@compassmaps.com + Baha'i Council for Scotland Communication The Scottish Newsletter is one tool which helps to keep everyone informed of what is going on. This can only be a success, however, if individuals and communities send their contributions. The Council are looking at the possibility of increasing the number of issues to six per year. This would make the news more up-to-date, but remember, your contributions are needed to make it worthwhile. Send annual reports Assemblies are reminded to send a copy of their last annual report to the Council. This helps to give an overview of what is happening all over the country. The Council members try to keep in regular contact with all the Baha'i communities in Scotland. However, if you have some information to share with the Council, please don't hesitate to make contact yourself. Phone book entries The Council now has a phone line, entered in all eleven telephone directories in Scotland. The new number is: 01259 753436. ++ COMMITTEES & DEPARTMENTS + Association of Baha'i Women Women's weekend in Carmarthenshire The following was taken from an article by Jan Fussell to her local paper. It gives a little flavour of this inspiring weekend. What it doesn't tell you is how each participant was lovingly cared for and made to feel special, amidst the stimulating talks, devotionals (everyone received a rose) and plenty of laughter, just some of the vital ingredients of a truly successful weekend conference. Thank you Jan and Tracey! The Carmarthenshire branch of the Association of Baha'i Women hosted a weekend residential course 26-28 June at the CCTA's Gelli Aur Campus. Forty-four women attended. The aim of the weekend was to explore the role of women in today's emerging global society and to then empower them to focus and channel their thoughts into positive actions that will influence mankind as a whole and bring about world peace. Dr Wendi Momen introduced the weekend by speaking about the true potential of women, which has not yet been realised. Ms Lucille Hughes and Mrs Mair Stevens, representatives from the Welsh Association of Women, gave an entertaining insight into some of the difficulties they have experienced in being women in a man's world. Mrs Kathryn Delpak MBE, spoke about all aspects of marriage, stressing the importance of the spiritual bond between husband and wife, and conducted a series of thought-provoking workshops. Mrs Rita Bartlett spoke with great enthusiasm and eloquence, outlining the lives and achievements of six women in the last two centuries who triumphed over extreme hardship and adversity to bring about change in prevailing conditions within the fields of politics, medicine, education and the law, in order that the lot of women might be improved, and that they be afforded equal rights with men. On the Saturday night, Fidelma Meehan gave a dramatic presentation of Juliet Thomson's meeting with 'Abdu'l-Baha in the early part of this century. The emotion of her performance was intensified by the wonderful fragrance of masses of roses wafting throughout the huge room and the light of many fluttering candles reflected in the great mirrored end-wall of the old Library. It was an unforgettable experience. As the weekend drew to a close, the wish was expressed that the Baha'is put on more such occasions - bringing together women from all walks of life in an atmosphere of warmth and friendship, building firm foundations upon which they can reach new heights of service to mankind. A series of workshops on the theme "Women - Our True Potential" is on the way - look out for details in Baha'i Journal UK. Two excellent website addresses for Women are: The Baha'i International Community UN Office Statement Library with a page on the Advancement of Women: http://www/bic-un.bahai.org/i-e-wom.htm. The UN has a page called "Women Watch" where you can find out what the UN is doing on behalf of women world wide and also exchange ideas: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/ Pottery Away-day in Oxfordshire On June 20th the Association of Baha'i Women in Oxfordshire had a "Pottery Away-day". Nine women and one man, joined potter, Jo Lewington at her wonderful thatched cottage and studio in deepest Oxfordshire, to embark on what most of us have not done since our schooldays - potting! We started by joining together to discuss the day, we were asked to consider our female aspects and to make something that reflected this. Books on pottery were available for us to peruse for ideas, but it was Jo's work, which was dotted around her beautiful home and garden which gave most of us our inspiration. Jo gave us the clay and tools and off we went. We had found our own space in the kitchen or studio or even the occasionally dry garden and created. Jo encouraged detachment in our work, as things very often did not survive the drying and firing in the kiln. After a delicious picnic lunch in the sun dappled garden, we continued our work, Jo always on hand to give us advice or ideas. Some of us managed to finish three items while others only managed one - it did not matter, we all had fun and could talk and laugh whilst we fashioned uniquely. It was a brilliant day and I look forward to seeing the finished results when Jo recovers them from her kiln. Jan Fixsen Connecting through the media I should like to see us go forward into the new century as a more developed species and suggest there is a model we can refer to if we are tired of the present situation. I recall that Baha'u'llah over a century ago said "The well-being of mankind, its peace and security are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.2 In other words, not until we care deeply about the needs of others and take on board the concept that humanity is one, can we ever hope to see peace. And peace, in this context, is not only cessation of war but the well-being and security, which encompass the whole of our lives, our health, education, job prospects, etc. We will have to do whatever it takes to create this peace, it will not float down miraculously from heaven. Isn't it time to stop sparring and earnestly seek to find a way forward with a united purpose? C M Abbas, Association of Baha'i Women, Secretary: Sally Dacey, 1 Lansdown Place West, Bath, BA1 5EZ Tel: 01225 338851 e-mail: sally@compassmaps.com + Year of Service Desk Southam entry by troops project When the Stratford-on-Avon Spiritual Assembly sent out its first YOS volunteer little did it realise what would happen when she came back! Having experienced and shared in "Entry by Troops" in South Africa, Helena Vickers resolved that by next Ridvan there should be 100 Baha'is in Southam, the small town where her family lives. So the first week she was home she spent a day at the school where her father Paddy works, telling his RE classes about South Africa and about the Faith. She also invited everyone to an after-school arts workshop which she ran for the remaining weeks of term. About eight girls attended each week and produced some dances which they performed at the end of term assemblies. Invitations were given to everyone at these assemblies to a week-long arts workshop in the summer holidays. Then this workshop had to be planned and materials prepared! Helena did all this (including writing a play) whilst also preparing for her wedding to Daniel Tully, who had shared her experiences in South Africa. The workshop was due to start the day after the honeymoon finished. This workshop was actually intended for teenagers but in the event there were quite a few young children as well. The programme for the week was planned by Helena in consultation with Shirin Tahzib, our Propagation Assistant, and was designed to explain the basics beliefs and principles of the Faith so that by the end of the week the participants would know enough to declare their belief in Baha'u'llah if they wished. Adults from Warwick and Nuneaton came to help. We also hoped for one or two Baha'i youth to help with the week but eight turned up from all over the country which was wonderful and generated a tremendous spirit. The result was that five out of the six teenagers who attended the workshop declared their belief in Baha'u'llah. All are girls aged 13 to 14 years. (The photograph in the printed journal shows, from left to right, Amanda, Elizabeth, Hayley, Sarah and Coral.) Apart from learning directly about the Faith, they sang songs, created dances and rehearsed a play about Tahirih. On the Thursday evening they performed for their parents and the local Baha'is. This was a very moving occasion. Apart from the play performed by the teenagers, the younger children produced a play about unity in diversity. There were also skits and songs and dances which included both youth and children. The success of this project was due to many factors. Among them are: the vision, experience and absolute faith of the individual who initiated the process; the involvement of the Learned Arm; the support and enthusiasm of the Baha'i youth; the support and practical help from adult Baha'is; and the warm relationship which Paddy, as a teacher in the area for many years, has with his pupils and ex-pupils. And now one of the parents has also declared. When school starts, the girls have plans to share the news with their friends and fellow- pupils. Unfortunately for us, Helena will be starting university in London but we hope to have support from other youth from round about, so us old folk are not left on our own! We are very, very grateful to everyone who helped and would also be extremely thankful if people could remember us in their prayers. It's official, youth can move the world! (But how do the middle-aged keep up?) Ann Vickers + Community Schools Service Would you like help preparing lesson plans? Would you like support implementing the Baha'i National Curriculum? The Community Schools Service has developed an approach to teacher training to suit everybody's needs. During the next year there will be four one-day courses designed to help you devise lesson plans. The first two will take place in November and January. From now on, if you would like training for your school or children's classes, all you have to do is call the CSS and we will arrange for a trainer to come to you. We are building up a bank of trainers across the country so you can have your own personal teacher training course, to meet your needs, when you need it! For details and to arrange training please contact Mitali Peckham Secretary CSS, 45 Suez Road, Cambridge CB1 3QB Tel: 01223 573873 (eves) Now available "O God Guide Me" A thematic syllabus based on the Baha'i National Curriculum Given a 3 out of 5 star rating by the NSA Syllabus Review panel, "O God Guide Me" is now available for Baha'i schools and children's classes. Price œ5.50 inc.p&p. Please make cheques payable to The NSA of the Baha'is of the UK. Contact: Alan Woodhurst, 16 Freshfields Avenue, Upminster, Essex RM14 2BZ Tel: 01708 250985 ++ UK COMMUNITY NEWS + Booklet aimed at teaching in schools The local Spiritual Assembly of Brent has produced a booklet aimed specifically at teaching the Faith in schools. This has been compiled by Petiphar John, a Baha'i and secondary school RE teacher. This material is aimed at teachers who are considering teaching about the Baha'i Faith and who wish to have a concise outline of some of the major topics of importance in the Baha'i Faith. It is by no means complete in its depth of dealing with the issues or the coverage of all the topics. However, it serves as a good introduction to the faith at either key stage 3 or 4. Copies can be purchased by sending a cheque for œ2.50 payable to "Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Brent" to: Baha'is of Brent, PO Box 392, Wembley HA9 8AW. In addition to this, we still have some copies left of "Quest" which is a unit based study guide to the Faith originally developed for correspondence learning. This can be purchased for œ5.00 inc p&p. + Summer School SOS to all Assemblies! Do you know how Sidcot started? Someone suggested to an individual: "Wouldn't it be nice if an Assembly took on the Summer School?" That person researched all the possible venues in the area and put forward a proposal to the local Spiritual Assembly and Sidcot has been happening ever since. It takes the willingness of a local assembly to oversee the project and three or four committed members to form a committee to plan the event. The Mendip Local Spiritual Assembly is urging other communities to consider running a Summer School in 1999. Sidcot was fully booked by May of this year and sadly we had to return many deposits received after this time. It is really disappointing to think that Baha'is who wanted to attend had no opportunity to do so. Sidcot is part of a process, a combined effort between the Elected and Learned arm. The next phase of this process is to encourage large numbers of non-Baha'i participants, which will mean even fewer places for the Baha'i friends. Friends! We need more Summer Schools. For this reason we urge Assemblies to discuss the possibilities of running other Summer Schools so that three or four may run through the summer period. The Mendip Assembly is happy to share their experience in negotiating venues, fixing prices, programmes and organisation of the day-to-day running of the School. The Guardian talks of the importance of the Summer Schools for Baha'i and non-Baha'i participants alike: ...(Summer School) "should be organised in such a way as to attract the attention of the non-believers to the Cause and thus become an effective medium for teaching. Also, it should afford the believers themselves an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Teachings, through lectures and discussions and by means of close and intense community life." (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, October 17, 1936: Centres of Baha'i Learning pp2-3) + Baha'i children in Solent Solent Baha'i Children's School celebrated the end of the academic year with a presentation afternoon on Sunday 28th June at the Unitarian Church Hall, Portsmouth. Several teachers and Head teachers attended this event and praised the hard work of the children. The Minister of the Church Rev Brian Anderson, also addressed the guests on his view of the Baha'is, whom he has known for a number of years. The School teaches its eleven students using the Baha'i curriculum and has been running for five years. If you would like more information about the Solent Baha'i Children's School please contact Mrs Soussan Hosseini- Sech, Tel: 01329 220651. + Sponsored bike ride for the Arc A sixteen year old who loves bike-riding organised a sponsored bike ride for youth to raise money for the Arc fund. Seven 13 - 17 year olds, and an accompanying adult, went along. They met at Portbury outside Bristol and rode thirty-one miles along country roads to Sidcot, arriving at the start of the Summer School. There was one minor accident rounding a muddy bend and they got lost once. When all the money comes in from sponsors, they will have raised about œ380 for the Arc - well worth the leg-ache! + Baha'i prayers at commemorations for bomb victims When a terrorist bomb in Omagh, Northern Ireland, killed twenty-nine adults and children, as well as two unborn babies, on Saturday 15th August it was the biggest single outrage of the recent Northern Ireland "Troubles". Members of the Omagh Baha'i community were involved professionally and as volunteers in helping the hundreds of casualties. The huge public outcry against the atrocity led to special commemorations taking place a week later at the time the bomb had gone off, in towns across Northern Ireland. Many thousands of people attended these. The participants at the Northern Ireland Baha'i Summer School, which was taking place in Portrush, attended en masse the memorial in Portrush town. Baha'i prayers were offered from the platform as part of the official programme in two of the public commemorations that day, at Portrush and Ballymena. In addition a Baha'i prayer was included in a service of remembrance held on another occasion in Omagh itself. Poem - The Baha'i Faith Everything was so calm around me. I forgot time and places after I first read about you. It was so calm like never before. Things which were heavy to carry became light. To be able to read about you everyday became a dream. I didn't think, that I could fall in love. Not so fast. Amir Dehghan + Golden days of the Summer Schools Beseech ye the one true God to grant that ye may taste the savour of such deeds as are performed in His path, and partake of the sweetness of such humility and submissiveness as are shown for His sake. Forget your own selves, and turn your eyes towards your neighbour. Bend your energies to whatever may foster the education of men. Nothing is, or can ever be, hidden from God. If ye follow in His way, His incalculable and imperishable blessings will be showered upon you. (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah) Sidcot = amazing! A large contingent of Baha'is enjoyed a glorious annual Summer School, at the Sidcot Quaker Boarding School in Somerset. Some camped in adjoining fields, bordered by horses and sheep, whilst others experienced the hectic life of the school dormitory. For ten days the majestic house and gardens rang with happy sound as friends arrived from all over the world to recharge their spiritual batteries together. There was a full programme throughout the week, with a number of recurring themes such as the Baha'i World Order, the history of the Faith, healing and meditation, a study of Islam, Agenda 21 and gender issues, presented by eminent Baha'is. Many practical workshops led by craftsmen, musicians, various committees and Institutions of the Faith ran throughout each day and evening. There were artistic presentations and video and slide presentations about the spread of the Faith throughout the world, and the progress of the development of the Bahaþi World Centre. Baha'is from Afghanistan, Cyprus, China, Central Africa, India, Russia, America and elsewhere contributed with perspectives from their own areas. The children were not forgotten - so many of them registered for the school that there was a class for each age group up to 15, with other activities for youth. The pool and sports facilities were an attraction as was the good food. During the week the quickly-assembled and rehearsed Baha'i choir entertained at a Concert in nearby Bridgewater, along with the dance group, "Express Freedom" which had travelled down from the North-East. It was with the greatest reluctance that the participants tore themselves away, to try and take some of the spirit of the School back to their home communities. From a local press release by Carolyn Neogi and Thelma Batchelor (hmm, write a press release - what a good idea..) + Spiritual Butlins! ... or Centenary fever at 14th Baha'iland Gathering! One happy participant at the Summer School described the experience as a "spiritual Butlins" and we certainly agree with it. Our family travelled (as usual) from South West to the North East of Scotland to attend the Aberdeen Summer School for the first week of August. Our children (Carmelia 14, Naysun 12 and Justin 9) have grown up with this Summer School, and as they have matured so has the School. This year four members of the National Spiritual Assembly and ex-Continental Coun- sellor Betty Reed attended. We enjoyed talks from Hassan Sabri, John and Ruhi Paris, Rita and Fleur Bartlett, Betty Reed, Khazeh Fananapazir, Carolyn Wade and Andrew Goodwin. The one-man play by Keith Sabri was another highlight of the week. The day sessions were complemented by Khazeh's inspiring late nighters, especially on the prophecies about the Baha'i dispensation mentioned in the Quran and the Bible. We couldn't forget to mention the children's teachers who gave so much time and energy to productively occupying the children. Mona and ammi Helmy have been the backbone of the organisation of the school for years. Alex Reid and family, together with an energetic and creative group of Youth provided excellent musical entertainment for all ages. For our family the Aberdeen Summer School is a spiritually uplifting time, a time for all of us to meet old friends and make new ones, to feel, to know, that we are part of the worldwide Baha'i community rather than singly isolated at work, school or home. Being a Bahaþi in this age can be a lonely experience and so being surrounded, if only for a week, by those who share common values and a common interest is a much needed and exciting experience. The shock comes when we return from this glimpse of a better world to our routine lives at home. However some of the spirit does stay and spread through our nearby Baha'i communities making us appreciate our local Baha'i friends all the more. Ken and Venus Alae-Carew ++ WORLD NEWS + Baha'i International News Service (extracts) Cameroon The government's Provincial Delegate for Social Affairs contacted the Baha'is of Bamenda to request per- mission to use the Baha'i Centre as the venue for the public celebration of the International Day of the Family on 15th May. The Baha'is agreed, and a small but enthusiastic crowd gathered to hear a discussion on the theme of the family as the basis of human rights education. During the programme the Baha'i speaker emphasised the concepts of the family as a nation in miniature, and that attitudes toward human rights are often first learned in the home. "In the past", the Baha'i stated, "the family was like a dictatorship where the father ruled, sometimes brutally, over the rest of the family. Now there is a new partnership model of the family in which the husband and wife treat each other as equals, respecting each others' thoughts and opinions, and working together for the progress of the whole family". The government representative spoke afterwards, echoing and praising the themes expressed by the Baha'i speaker. Report from the Local Spiritual Assembly Costa Rica The Baha'i Regional Conference of Talamanca was held in April with more than 170 believers participating and representing seven indigenous communities. The friends consulted on the achievements of the latest teaching plans for the area, and goals yet to be fulfilled. A call to sacrifice was made and a moving example of the life of Mirza Mihdi was given. The facility for the event had been prepared the day before by some thirty-five friends; men, women and children, who used their machetes to clear a piece of land and build a simple kitchen and meeting room to hold the Baha'i Conference. A tree was quickly converted into benches. The Bri-Bri Community plans to build a prayer centre on the site, to be surrounded by gardens and institutions which they will call "Sularwe", a sacred word in the Bri-Bri language. Prayers for the new Centre were offered. Report from an individual. Travel teaching trip to Poland Four Baha'i friends took a two-week trip to Gorzow in Poland during July to open the area to the Faith, under the guidance of the National Teaching Committee of Poland. The group, from the UK, originated from three nations; Nigeria, Mauritius and Iran, and four religious backgrounds; Christian, Moslem, Hindu and Jewish. They were Vijay Gungabissoon, Christopher Agor, Parivash Miraftab and Jaleh Alaee. The visit benefitted from a wealth of publicity from the local TV station, radio and press, to the extent that the manager of the dormitory where the friends were staying and had planned to hold a public meeting, insisted they cancel the gathering for fear of over- crowding. The friends were able to transfer it to a local park, and indeed, many people did attend. Local dignitaries and the libraries were presented with books about the Baha'i Faith. Two people declared their faith in Baha'u'llah and many more became friends of the Faith, including the Director of an English language school. There is a great need for English teachers in Gorzow. Anyone interested in pioneering can contact: Edgar Boyett, International Goals Committee. ++ Letters Letters may be edited for reasons of brevity or clarity. Opinions expressed in these columns are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the Editor. + Children and the Feast Feasts are integral to the regeneration of the Spirit of community life. We must get them right for all members of the community. There is a concern that children and youth in every community don't attend Feasts. In the case of children, weekdays are often inconvenient because of school the next day. Many communities tackle this by shifting all, or a proportion, of Feasts to the weekend. This is excellent and shows the communities' commitment to the younger members of the community: however it doesn't tackle the root problem. We must face it that Feasts in many communities have fallen in to a rut and could often be more inspiring. If Feasts are not inspirational and enjoyable they can have a negative effect on young Baha'is. When we embrace the arts and use them they can produce truly spectacular results - one needn't be an artist to weave the arts into a Feast. Some humble suggestions include: the use of music with prayers allowing time for reflection, use Baha'i CDs and tapes with sung writings, the singing of a well known prayer put to music such as "Blessed is the Spot" by those present, the use of light by using candles and excluding natural light, the use of rose water to enhance the senses, using slides during the devotional perhaps of the Holy land or nature, inviting and encouraging actors or putting on a dignified dramatic presentation of some portion of the Faith and of course there are many more ideas. But for all these, planning is essential and even a rehearsal to ensure all is at hand. For the social part of the Feast games are a great unifier and help us get to know our fellow Baha'is. In some communities the consultative part of the Feast is long for children (and many adults!) and a separate consultation for children can be very productive. Asking the children or youth to organise the devotional can have dramatic effects. Perhaps this could be planned during the children's consultation. If children enjoy the Feast and are truly uplifted then an occasional late night during the week may well be a great investment for their future. Tim Melville Editor's note: The Universal House of Justice says: "In response to the question you have raised in your letter of 18 October 1984 concerning the place of children in the community, especially with regard to Nineteen Day Feasts, we are asked to share with you the following quotation from a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Assembly on the subject. Since children of Baha'i parents are considered to be Baha'is, they are to be encouraged to attend all Feasts, there to share the reading of the Writings and prayers and be bathed in the spirit of the community. It is the hope of the House of Justice that every Feast will be a feast of love when the children will give and receive the tangible affection of the community and its individual members. The House of Justice noted the suggestion you have made about holding Feasts on a weekend close to the first day of the Baha'i month to facilitate the attendance of children and their parents. This is a matter for the Local Assembly to discuss and decide upon." 22 November 1984 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer. Compilation of Compilations Volume 1, page 448. + Baha'i Faith and Yoga The science of Yoga teaches that "every morsel of food eaten provides strength for service to God". I feel certain the Baha'i Faith would endorse this. Can anyone find confirmation of this in the Writings please? Joan Niblett + "Understanding Conversion" It was with great interest but some concern that I read the articles on "Understanding Conversion" (BJUK - May & June þ98) and I offer the following comments as complementary to those articles which were clearly written with a deep sense of responsibility towards the community. My main concern is whether in approaching the spread of the Cause through 2conversion" we are working against our own principles. Firstly, we are psychologically aligning ourselves with fundamentalist groups who adopt more aggressive methods. Secondly, "conversion" means "turning against" our former beliefs rather than accepting the fulfillment of them. For Baha'is "understanding conversion" may not be a relevant activity. We are concerned with recognition, a cognitive and unifying process which allows us to accept our past traditions but realise that there is more. This article mainly dealt with why new religious viewpoints are adopted and how we can approach people in the most efficient and attractive ways. Social science as practised in the UK today however is embedded in the old "balance" which provides the measure for all human thought of our age. Baha'i perception of social trends is quite different. According to social science people adopt new religious beliefs because they find themselves in problematic situations of class, relationships, personal problems and material need. It then follows that we become Baha'is for selfish reasons. Cynicism however has no part in the Baha'i Faith and all of these generalis- ations are potentially destructive. Teaching the Faith is not primarily a problem-solving activity, it is a pilgrim- age both for the teacher and the taught. If we accept assumptions based on "old order" thinking we are beguiled into using manipulative methods instead of openly offering a priceless jewel. It isn't conversion we have to learn about but receptivity. When we stop thinking that accent means attitude, that position means leadership, that colour implies level of ability, we will find the wisdom to do what the Universal House of Justice has asked us to do - now. Margaret Paton ++ HOLY DAYS The anniversary of the Birth of the Bab Shiraz, capital of Fars province and in its time the capital of all Persia, sits five thousand feet above sea level on a fertile plateau that produces citrus fruit, cotton, rice and grapes (Shiraz has long enjoyed fame for its wine). Founded in the 7th Century AD, but bearing references dating from twelve hundred years earlier, it boasts wide, tree-lined boulevards and has numerous shrines, mosques and monuments - among them the splendid garden tombs of two of Persia's most famous poets, Sa'di and Hafiz. Today, Shiraz hosts well in excess of three quarters of a million people. It was in this resplendant city that Mirza 'Ali-Muhammad, the Bab, was born on 20th October 1819 the son of Mir Muhammad-Rida, a dealer in fabrics. Through both His parents He was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. The Bab's father died when He was an infant and He was raised by His mother's brother, Haji Mirza Siyyid Ali. This uncle was martyred for his nephew, being the only relative of the Bab to openly support His claims during His lifetime. What was the world like in 1819? Emperor Napoleon was in his fourth year in exile on St Helena when the Bab was born; and in the United States, President James Monroe had just arranged the cession of Florida from Spain. The periodically deranged George III was in his final year on the British throne; perhaps he was aware that another grandchild, Victoria, had been born a few months earlier. Manchester cotton workers demanding the vote were cut down that year; and some German principalities and city states took the first steps toward eventual German nationhood by forming a customs union. Byron, Shelley and Schubert were composing in their different ways and Constable had finished Debain Water Mill. The first macadam road was laid in Britain and Burlington Arcade had just opened in London. In Tehran, another little boy was a few weeks from celebrating His second birthday: Mirza Husayn Ali Nur, to be revealed in His time as Baha'u'llah. Stephen Maund O my God, my Lord and my Master! I have detached myself from my kindred and have sought through Thee to become independent of all that dwell on earth and ever ready to receive that which is praiseworthy in Thy sight. Bestow on me such good as will make me independent of aught else but Thee, and grant me an ampler share of thy boundless favours. Verily, Thou art the Lord of grace abounding. The Bab ++ ARTICLES + "Act, act now, continue to act ..." by Viv (Alsworth) Craig, Auxiliary Board Member The long-awaited new millennium is almost here - and how we long to stand on the threshold of the twenty-first century and rejoice. We yearn, each one of us, to be able to turn to our Beloved Lord, and to say honestly that we gave all we had - energy, time, substance, heart and soul, to spreading this Faith, and that we did it gladly, for the love of God. One more thing we want to say: that we did it effectively! How shall we know that we did it effectively? We all love this Faith dearly, and desire with all our hearts to respond adequately to the call of Baha'u'llah to "Centre your energies in the propagation of the Faith of God".(1) There are questions we shall ask ourselves - questions like "What part did you play?" "What mark did you make?" "What did you do to share your knowledge about the latest Messenger from God?". To ensure a soul-satisfying answer, the Universal House of Justice tells us that our response must be to "act, to act now, and to continue to act." "Perhaps the reason why you have not accomplished so much in the field of teaching is the extent you looked upon your own weaknesses and inability to spread the message." (2). This very clear advice from the Guardian to an individual believer must surely strike a chord with many of us. On the same theme, Baha'u'llah has given this as His first instruction to a would-be teacher: "let him put his whole trust in God, as the best provision for his journey" (3) This reliance upon God is a vital ingredient for our success - we need to think of ourselves as channels for the Holy Spirit: "Baha'u'llah and the Master have both urged us repeatedly to disregard our own handicaps and lay our whole reliance upon God. He will come to our help if we only arise and become an active channel for God's grace. Do you think it is the teachers who make converts and change human hearts? No, surely not. They are only pure souls who take the first step, and then let the spirit of Baha'u'llah move them and make use of them." (4) In the above passage another ingredient of success is mentioned: "If we only arise." This idea of arising is another potential challenge to us: Arise to do what? We ask ourselves. Perhaps we have no idea where to begin, we may feel that we have tried a lot of things before without much success, or that there don't seem to be any opportunities open to us. Then how can we respond to this universal challenge from Shoghi Effendi: "All must participate, however humble their origin, however limited their experience, however restricted their means, however deficient their education, however pressing their cares and preoccupations, however unfavourable the environment in which they live. "God", Baha'u'llah, Himself, has unmistakably revealed, "hath prescribed unto everyone the duty of teaching His Cause". (5) Here is a call, addressed to each one of us! No matter how inexperienced, poor, uneducated, overworked, or disadvantaged we are, God Himself, our True, and Incomparable Friend, has given us this work to do, and promised to be with us at all times, if only we will get on with it. 'Abdul-Baha has given us this promise, in such stirring words: "Not for a moment are ye alone. Not for a second are ye left to yourselves. The Beauty of Abha is with you. The Glorious God is with you. The King of Kings is with you." (6) Let us follow the instructions in our Writings about teaching people the Faith, bearing in mind that teaching is a process by which people become Baha'is, not a series of unconnected encounters! We need to learn to carry the process right through from when we first tell them the Name of Baha'u'llah, to the stage where they fully accept His station and become active Baha'is in their own right. There is a well known saying : "If the pupil hasn't learned, the teacher hasn't taught." This thought helps us be humble, and see ourselves as learners too, changing our way of teaching if it isn't effective. After all, we know for certain that people are seeking spiritual guidance, so therefore we are the ones who must learn how to effectively offer them an answer to their needs! Shoghi Effendi has given clear and concise instructions to the teacher, in The Advent of Divine Justice, pages 51-52, and his guidance shows us that we cannot fulfill our role as teachers by handing someone a book and telling them to get on with it by themselves - it definitely needs more attention and imagination than that! After all, how many of us would have learned anything at school if the teacher had left us alone in a room with a text book? Even more than with academic subjects, it would be difficult to learn about spiritual truths from books alone. þOnly heart to heart can speak the bliss of mystic knowers; No messenger can tell it and no missive bear it." (7) This is how the Guardian summarises the process of teaching: first we need to use our intelligence and imagination: "let him carefully consider every avenue of approach which he might utilise in his personal attempts to capture the attention, maintain the interest, and deepen the faith, of those whom he seeks to bring into the fold of his Faith." (8) Next, the Guardian says, we are to decide what the person's needs are, and to try to convey the importance of our message: "Let him consider the degree of his hearer's receptivity, and decide for himself the suitability of either the direct or indirect method of teaching, whereby he can impress upon the seeker the vital importance of the Divine Message, and persuade him to throw in his lot with those who have already embraced it." (9) In addition to persuasion, mentioned above, we must harness the power of example - that is, of putting our beliefs into action in our own lives: "Let him remember the example set by 'Abdu'l-Baha, and His constant admonition to shower such kindness upon the seeker, and exemplify to such a degree the spirit of the teachings he hopes to instill into him, that the recipient will be spontaneously impelled to identify himself with the Cause embodying such teachings." (10) In the early stages, we should fan the flame of faith gently, and not blow it out: "Let him refrain, at the outset, from insisting on such laws and observances as might impose too severe a strain on the seeker's newly awakened faith, and endeavour to nurse him " into full maturity, and aid him to proclaim his unqualified acceptance of whatever has been ordained by Baha'u'llah." (11) When the flame is alight, the new believer must be enabled to serve: "Let him, as soon as that stage has been attained, introduce him to the body of his fellow-believers, and seek "to enable him to contribute his share to the enrichment of its life" (12) Finally, the Guardian explains, our duty as a teacher continues after enrolment: "Let him not be content until he has infused into his spiritual child so deep a longing as to impel him to arise independently..." (13) All the actions of the Baha'i teacher mentioned here by Shoghi Effendi are to do with helping a seeker to make his or her own decision. There is no psychological pressure or material inducement. The actions of the teacher are to "impress upon" the seeker the importance of the Faith, and to "persuade" him or her to throw in their lot, to show great kindness, to "nurse" and to "enable", but the seeker is free to respond as he wishes. The teacher has an active role here, like the gardener who daily watches over young plants, protecting, feeding and watering them so that they flourish as they ought. These instructions show that the teacher needs to be thoughtful and active, and not leave the seeker alone in their search. Many people are in need of help to find the spiritual truths they seek, and we have the privilege of offering this help. This is borne out by these words of the Bab: "It devolveth upon you, therefore, to perform this task inasmuch as most people are helpless, and wert thou to open their hearts and dispel their doubts, they would gain admittance into the Faith of God." (14) In order to help someone in this way to recognise the truth of the Faith, opening their heart and dispelling their doubts, we need to develop a friendship with them, earn their trust, spend time answering their questions and of course show them great kindness. There are many ways that we might help them in their search, such as introducing them to Baha'i friends who share their interests, finding the right books, tapes, CDs, videos, or web sites to help them to learn about the Faith, visiting them, praying with them or accompanying them to meetings, talks, devotionals, artistic presentations or firesides, arranging special events suitable for them, at venues comfortable for them, whether it is the coffee shop, your home, their home, their own cultural centre or the park bench. One of the beauties of our faith is that it can be practised anywhere - there is no ritual, pomp and ceremony involved in teaching: this Faith belongs to everyone everywhere - and more than ever the peoples of the world are in need of it. "The ideologies that dominated the larger part of this century have been exhausted þ a hunger for meaning, a yearning of the soul, is on the rise." (14) When people feel at home with you, then they can listen to what you have to say. Faith is a matter of the heart, an intimate subject, spoken of between friends, in an accepting environment. Faith is shown in both deeds and words. Explaining the powerful effect of loving friendship and of example, the Master says: "The friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship with others and show absolute love and affection towards them. These links have a deep influence on people and they will listen. When the friends sense receptivity to the Word of God, they should deliver the Message with wisdom. They must first try and remove any apprehensions in the people they teach. In fact, every one of the believers should choose one person every year and try to establish ties of friendship with him, so that all his fear would disappear... This is the best method." (15) "Souls are liable to estrangement." (16) Social customs, formalities and traditions can create barriers between communities, social groups, nationalities and generations, and these should be thoughtfully overcome, because conventionality can often be a barrier to effective teaching. Don't wait to be introduced - introduce yourself! Don't be embarrassed to offer hospitality - you may be surprised how welcome it is! Donþt hesitate to be generous - it is an attribute of God! Don't be embarrassed about religion - everyone believes in something! Here is a useful suggestion from `Abdul-Baha: "If you meet those of different race and colour from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness. Think of them as different coloured roses growing in the beautiful garden of humanity, and rejoice to be among them." (17) Let us follow the clear guidance given to us by Shoghi Effendi, let us not be weighed down by our own view of ourselves. Rising above that, let us survey the field of action with a clear vision, and perform our best and highest service as the "royal falcons on the wrist of God." (18) (1) Baha'u'llah: Gleanings, page 196 (2) Shoghi Effendi: The Power of Divine Assistance, page 219 (3) Baha'u'llah: Gleanings, pages 334-335 (4) Shoghi Effendi: The Power of Divine Assistance, page 219 (5) Shoghi Effendi: The Advent of Divine Justice, page 45 (6) `Abdu'l-Baha: Power of Divine Assistance, page 213 (7) Baha'u'llah: Seven Valleys and Four Valleys, page 30 (8) Shoghi Effendi: The Advent of Divine Justice, page 51-52 (9) Ibid (10) Ibid (11) Ibid (12) Ibid (13) Ibid (14) The Bab: Selections from the Bab, page 133 (15) Universal House of Justice: Message to the Baha'is of the World, Ridvan 155 (16) `Abdu'l-Baha: Guidelines for Teaching, page 300 (17) `Abdu'l-Baha: Guidelines for Teaching, page 297 (18) `Abdu'l-Baha: Paris Talks*, page 53 + A Baha'is view of disability This article was first published in a non-Baha'i Internet Newsletter called "From the Window" edited by a severely disabled but multi- talented 11 year old girl. Her Newsletter has included articles from such as Kofi Annan and Melvyn Bragg and is well worth viewing at:http: //www.rmplc.co.uk/eduweb/sites/hojoy/ My qualifications for writing this article are: I am a Baha'i I am, what most people would perceive as, disabled (on wheels) as a result of poliomyelitis. Whilst there are few quotations I have discovered in the Baha'i writings that speak explicitly about disability, there are a number which do so implicitly or are, at the very least, very pertinent. For example: "The whole duty of man in this Day is to attain that share of the flood of grace which God poureth forth for him. Let no one, therefore, consider the largeness or smallness of the receptacle. The portion of some might lie in the palm of a man's hand, the portion of others might fill a cup, and of others even a gallon-measure." (1) The implication of this passage, I would suggest, is that whatever we are given (physically, intellectually, spiritually) the important thing is that we seek to fill the receptacle - however large or small that may be. One might argue that the parable of the talents in the Bible (Matthew 25:14) is giving the same teaching. Perhaps first we should examine what we mean by disability. I would suggest disability may be visible or invisible; physical, mental or spiritual. At one extreme - complete paralysis, going through various points on the spectrum including blindness, deafness, arthritis, weak heart etc. Again, at one extreme: barely conscious, through to such conditions as autism, schizophrenia, depression, loss of hope; this perhaps leading to substance abuse, and the ensuing downward spiral with its physical, social and spiritual aftermaths. "For opium fasteneth on the soul, so that the userþs conscience dieth, his mind is blotted away, his perceptions are eroded. It turneth the living into the dead". (2) It has to be said that the above categorisations into physical or mental disabilities can only be useful labels. For many a mental ailment has a physical or a spiritual origin and, indeed, many a mental or spiritual affliction has a physical manifestation. "Verily the most necessary thing is contentment under all circumstances; by this one is preserved from morbid conditions and from lassitude. Yield not to grief and sorrow: they cause the greatest misery. Jealousy consumeth the body and anger doth burn the liver: avoid these two as you would a lion." (3) I gained a traumatic insight into mental disability when my mother - Kathleen Booth - succumbed to the stresses and strains of a difficult life; suffered pre- mature senile decay and died in a mental institution just outside Canterbury at age 61. The polio virus that had struck down both myself and my sister, killed my father. My sister, thankfully, recovered almost unscathed but my newly widowed mother was presented with the dire condition of her children and the medical prognosis that I would never sit up and certainly not live beyond the age of five. As I look back at age fifty and wonder why I am still here - happily sitting - I conclude that it is primarily because my mother refused to give up. She could, as many might under the circumstances, just have accepted that it was hopeless and sought only to make my remaining months as happy as possible. Instead she went to the hospital physiotherapist and asked to be taught massage. The therapist refused explaining that, done incorrectly, it could do more harm than good. My mother's argument that I was dying anyway, won the day! My earliest memory is laying on the kitchen table being exhorted by my mother to do my exercises in sight of a large stick that I was, reliably, persuaded would be applied to my posterior anatomy should I fail to comply! My mother had to strive every step of the way working as a school cook during the day and selling "Avon" during the evening to keep us fed and in pocket money. It may be no exaggeration to say that our mother lived for us and when I eventually left a boarding school for the disabled (at aged 20) and got a job, it was as though something in my mother said "the battle is won - your children will be fine now" and there followed a swift decline into premature senility. I would regularly visit her in the mental hospital. In a ward of fifty people, I rarely saw another visitor. She could no longer speak and I used to wonder if she even knew of my presence, there being no sign of recognition. We were not the most demonstrative of families - we knew we all cared, so rarely felt the need to say it. On one visit, however, as she sat there seeming totally oblivious to me and all around her, I said: "I do love you, you know". She looked up into my eyes and tears streamed down her cheeks. She was still in there! On the one hand I felt happy that my mother was still present, on the other great anguish that she was trapped in this barely functioning body and mind. I was much comforted later on finding these words of Baha'u'llah: "Know thou that the soul of man is exalted above, and is independent of all infirmities of body or mind. That a sick person showeth signs of weakness is due to the hindrances that interpose themselves between his soul and his body, for the soul itself remaineth unaffected by any bodily ailments. Consider the light of the lamp. Though an external object may interfere with its radiance, the light itself continueth to shine with undiminished power." (4) Can you imagine what that meant to me? The soul of my mother, the real person who myself and all who knew her, loved, was "unaffected by any bodily ailments." Her brain could be likened to a radio receiver whose circuits are malfunctioning; only a small part of the signal from the soul is getting through amidst all manner of interference and static! "The temple of man is like unto a mirror, his soul is as the sun, and his mental faculties even as the rays that emanate from that source of light. The ray may cease to fall upon the mirror, but it can in no wise be dissociated from the sun." (5) It was whilst visiting my mother one evening that I experienced one of the more dramatic answers to prayer. Every time I visited, there was always a particular woman crying loudly non stop, every time and all the time I was there. On this occasion, I sat at my mothers bedside and suddenly the woman in the next bed, looking at me with what I can only describe as haunted eyes, pleaded: "Please stop that lady crying!" I felt totally helpless. I found her constant crying distressing even for the hour or so a week I heard it, it must have been torture indeed to hear it twelve, or for all I knew, twenty-four hours a day! I felt so sorry for all the patients - not least the tortured soul in such distress - that I closed my eyes and offered up a truly heartfelt prayer: "Dear Lord, please give that lady peace". It was immediate, as though someone turned a switch. The moment I said the word "peace" the crying stopped. I was both amazed and truly grateful. I never heard her cry again that evening or on any subsequent visit. "Spirit has influence; prayer has spiritual effect. Therefore, we pray, "O God! Heal this sick one!" Perchance God will answer. Does it matter who prays? God will answer the prayer of every servant if that prayer is urgent. His mercy is vast, illimitable. He answers the prayers of all His servants." (6) Without question it is spiritual disability that is the most devastating. For it is this that causes us to hate; lack compassion; strive only for self; ignore the guidance of a loving providence and so allow our beautiful world to degenerate into hell instead of reflecting heaven. It is also the most important because, whereas our physical/mental disorders last but three score years and ten, our spiritual health is what we take with us as we are launched into eternity at the close of our earthly lives. "Anybody can be happy in the state of comfort, ease, health, success, pleasure and joy; but if one will be happy and contented in the time of trouble, hardship and prevailing disease, it is the proof of nobility." (7) Why disability? Why suffering? What I do know is that when I consider those people in my life who have most struck me as being special; the people who, having touched my life, have left me richer for it; they, without exception, have at some time, been through hell. Whether through illness or tragedy they have had the rough edges knocked off, exposing the jewel within. "The Purpose of the one true God, exalted be His glory, in revealing Himself unto men is to lay bare those gems that lie hidden within the mine of their true and inmost selves." (8) Regarding such suffering and tests Abdu'l-Baha explains:- "Tests are benefits from God, for which we should thank Him. Grief and sorrow do not come to us by chance, they are sent to us by the Divine Mercy for our own perfecting... Men who suffer not, attain no perfection. The plant most pruned by the gardeners is that one which, when the summer comes, will have the most beautiful blossoms and the most abundant fruit. The labourer cuts up the earth with his plough, and from that earth comes the rich and plentiful harvest. The more a man is chastened, the greater is the harvest of spiritual virtues shown forth by him. A soldier is no good General until he has been in the front of the fiercest battle and has received the deepest wounds." (9) Baha'u'llah says: "My calamity is My providence, outwardly it is fire and vengeance, but inwardly it is light and mercy.' (10) A poet friend of mine, Paul Bura, observed in one of his books that polio was the best thing that ever happened to him! He explained (and I paraphrase) that because of it he was perforce, less active than his fellows which meant he spent more time on the sidelines watching others. This served to enhance and develop his powers of observation; an attribute so vital to the art of the poet. If we just look at this world, the disabilities people suffer can indeed seem like the "fire and vengeance" referred to in the above quotation. However, from the perspective of the life of the soul which, the Baha'i teachings state, continues to progress for all eternity, we can see that it is indeed, "light and mercy" if we use it as God intended. "Tests are either stumbling blocks or stepping stones, just as we make them." (11) My foster brother, Paul Hodge (a lot of Pauls around aren't there) has stumps instead of arms and legs. For a number of years he was the conductor of the Snowdown Colliery Choir who, under his baton, made records and appeared on TV. He now teaches music - including the piano (which he plays with his stumps. Don't ask - you have to see it to believe it!) Now one could bemoan "What a shame, what a brilliant musician he might have been if only he hadn't been disabled." But what an inspiration such folk are to others. Irrespective of the eternal dimension referred to above, what a blessing from God they are to the world; inspiring us too to make the best possible use of what we have. Imagine how much better the world would be if more people utilised the gifts and talents they had been given instead of existing apathetically in pursuit of short term pleasures and the fast buck. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying it is pie in the sky we'll be fine when we die for the disabled person. One of my mothers oft quoted aphorisms was: "when one door closes another one opens". Judging by most of the disabled folk I know - and that is a fair few - one of the doors that opens tends to be an advanced sense of humour and a will to live. "How often do we see a man, poor, sick, miserably clad, and with no means of support, yet spiritually strong. Whatever his body has to suffer, his spirit is free and well! Again, how often do we see a rich man, physically strong and healthy, but with a soul sick unto death." (12) Maybe because some of us live a bit closer to the edge survival wise, we tend to appreciate what we have got more than some of our able- bodied fellows. Have you noticed how people who have had near death experiences often change their lives completely? Having glimpsed eternity, they determine to make this life count for something. It pains me then to see folk with healthy bodies abusing them. It is a tragedy that so many are unconscious of their worth and potential that they see no purpose in their lives other than hedonism, and dull their wits with alcohol and drugs to avoid really living. We are SO much more than just flesh and blood. A man should pause and reflect and be just: his Lord, out of measureless grace, has made him a human being and honoured him with the words: 2Verily, We created man in the goodliest of forms" - and caused His mercy which rises out of the dawn of oneness to shine down upon him, until he became the wellspring of the words of God and the place where the mysteries of heaven alighted, and on the morning of creation he was covered with the rays of the qualities of perfection and the graces of holiness. How can he stain this immaculate garment with the filth of selfish desires, or exchange this everlasting honour for infamy? "Dost thou think thyself only a puny form, when the universe is folded up within thee?" (13) And of the next stage of our journey? "As to the soul of man after death, it remains in the degree of purity to which it has evolved during life in the physical body, and after it is freed from the body it remains plunged in the ocean of God's Mercy." (14) Life then is an adventure; a race to develop our spiritual capacities and sensibilities before we cast off this mortal coil and these qualities are all we have left. We can't take with us our money, our property, our physical beauty, our trophies, titles or crowns. Whether we are given clogs, running shoes or skis. Whether we are given brightness, health and wealth OR dullness, illness and poverty is - in the great race of life - totally irrelevant. What is important is that we do the best we can with what we have and try and achieve our potential while helping others achieve theirs. Paul Booth pmb@nur.win-uk.net - http://www.nur.win-uk.net/ (1) Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, page 8 (2) Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha page 149 (3) Cited in "Baha'u'llah and the New Era", p. 108 (4) Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah (5) Baha'i World Faith, pages 346-347 (6) Promulgation of Universal Peace, page 246 (7) Abdu'l-Baha - Baha'i World Faith, page 363 (8) Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, page 287 (9) Abdu'l-Baha - Paris Talks Pages 50-51 (10) The Hidden Words - Baha'u'llah (11) Abdu'l-Baha. Cited in: Ten Days in the Light of Akka (12) Abdu'l-Baha -Paris Talks, page 65 (13) Abdu'l-Baha - Secret of Divine Civilization, page 19 (14) Abdu'l-Baha - Paris Talks, page 66 + Spiritual systematisation Systematisation! This word, in the recent Ridvan message from the House of Justice, I will admit, evoked a scream of fright from somewhere deep inside of me. Then fortunately some rescue cells in my memory brought to mind a passage from Shoghi Effendi: "... Should we build up the Administrative Order to a point of absolute perfection but at the same time allow it to be hampered or disconnected from the channels within, through which channels the Holy Spirit of the Cause pours forth, we would have nothing more than a perfected body out of touch with and cut off from the finer prompting of the soul or spirit. If, on the other hand, the influxes and goings forth of the spirit are scattered and diffused, ... a disordered and disorganised activity would be witnessed, which would but dimly reflect the divine purpose for this age, which is the establishment of the reign of divine love, justice and wisdom in the world, under and in conformity to the Divine Law." (1) Awareness of the need for balance between the spiritual and practical having returned to my consciousness, the thought of Abdu'l-Baha on the spiritual systems of the world around us came next: "Without doubt each being is the centre of the shining forth of the glory of God - that is to say, the perfections of God appear from it and are resplendent in it. It is like the sun, which is resplendent in the desert, upon the sea, in the trees, in the fruits and blossoms, and in all earthly things. The world, indeed each existing being, proclaims to us one of the names of God, but the reality of man is the collective reality, the general reality, and is the centre where the glory of all the perfections of God shine forth..." (2) The innermost spirit of everything becomes expressed through its outward form in harmony with the divine system. This felt like the key to me, for as Abdu'l-Baha says: "... the object of existence is the appearance of the perfections of God." (3) So developing an effective spiritual system could be both an aid to my connecting with the "centre" of "perfections", that Abdu'l-Baha referred to, and a means for these qualities to appear in this world, be shared with others, and bear fruit in action for "... the establishment of the reign of divine love, justice and wisdom in the world, under and in conformity to the Divine Law". That felt better. Paul Profaska (1) Shoghi Effendi, Principles of Baha'i Administration, 4th edition, p1 (2) Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p182-3 (3) Ibid + NATIONAL CONFERENCE National Conference in Scarborough Friday 6th - Sunday 8th November - A New Experience for Baha'is, families and friends ..... "Celebrating the Past, Building the Future" From the moment you arrive at the Scarborough Spa Complex, you will be struck by the choices available. Join us for tea or a light supper on Friday evening and map out your weekend from our action-packed programme. There is something for friends of all ages. You could spend the weekend chatting with your friends over endless cups of coffee or enjoy an exciting programme of stimulating entertainment and dance. Those who wish to spend time in quiet reflection and meditation can enjoy a special room set aside for the purpose. Those who come to Conferences to learn and be inspired by eloquent talks or interactive workshops have a wide range of subjects on offer. Friday night is for getting together. If you play an instrument, bring it with you for impromptu entertainment. If you are manning a booth, this is your time for setting up. Saturday offers an exciting schedule of great talks, workshops, cafe entertainment and a Baha'i Fair finishing with dancing and live music in the evening. This year there will be a separate youth conference, in the best room of the complex, with space for over 500. A youth task force is organising two days of great talks, great entertainment, and a sensational party. This is your chance to meet old friends and make new ones, and get spiritually charged and unified to meet the challenges you face in the future. The Junior Youth have not been forgotten. Hugh Fixsen is preparing a full programme of events, including lots of fun. Bring swimsuits for a visit to the local pool! Children under 11 years of age will be cared for by the dedicated Children's Activities Task Force, with creative activities, songs, stories and fun every day. The Grand Hall will be a buzz of activity. The Baha'i Publishing Trust will be providing an enormous selection of books, videos, tapes and computer discs for sale in the bookshop. Some of the national committees will have booths in the Grand Hall. This is the time to ask questions, and find out what is going on around the UK. The Grand Hall will also be the home of entertainment throughout the day, from dance and drama to song and more. More music will be featured from our Cafe podium by excellent performing artists. The Theatre will host keynote talks on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The National Spiritual Assembly and Regional Councils will be reviewing our ambitions, goals and golden future. Our principal speaker is Bahiyyih Nakhkjavani who will address both the adult sessions and youth conference. Rob Weinberg will review the Faith in the UK over the past century and Counsellor Patrick O'Mara will focus on our immediate challenges. Workshops will run throughout the two days and will include the Baha'i Councils, the Treasury, Training Institutes, the Association for Baha'i Studies, as well as special sessions on Meditation, Teaching through the Arts, Ethics in Business, Fantastic 19 Day Feasts, Influencing Processes Towards World Peace, and much more. We are pulling out the stops to give everyone a great night out, starting with early evening entertainment for children in the Grand Hall. All are welcome to the Theatre in the evening to witness the thrilling Dance Group "Express Freedom" from the North East Project, who received a standing ovation at Sidcot Summer School. Other attractions include Annabel and Omid Djalili, premiering their new play. Also not to be missed is a dramatic dance performance by Kerry-Anne and Cymbaline Smith, and Janita Appa. Escape the crowds at any time during the two-day conference in the Meditation and Prayer room. There will also be devotionals throughout the programme. One of these will be late Saturday night. We're holding a dance party on Saturday evening with something for everyone's taste. Suzanne and Kingsley Swan, accompanied by Steve Day will weave their special magic, and a top Persian keyboard musician will give us a chance to experience a different type of dance music. The Youth Conference organisers are planning their own dance party geared to the young in age and spirit, with live music from "Sabzi". The Conference will close at lunch time on Sunday, when the London Baha'i Choir will raise the roof of the Theatre, before we return home - with a renewed spirit of service and love. See you there! National Conference Committee NATIONAL CONFERENCE - STOP PRESS! ... NATIONAL CONFERENCE - STOP PRESS! ...NATIONAL CONFERENCE - STOP PRESS! Workshops update: we have room for a few more, phone Nazy, Tel: 01425 279705 if you want to organise one. Entertainers: more welcome, call Christine, Tel: O181 748 3505. Travel update: super-saver train fares can save you œ's - eg: London-Scarborough return, costs œ33.00. Book well in advance. Accommodation update: special rate has been negotiated with Miramar Luxury Flats, 32 Esplanade, Scarborough YO11 2AR. En suite, centrally heated via 50p meters, flats of varying sizes to rent at œ12.50/night for each adult and œ5.00 for children. These flats are just above the Spa Complex. Contact the proprietors: Mr & Mrs Martinson, Tel: 01723 364853. Scarborough Tourist Office: will supply hotel and guest house listings, Tel: 01723 373333. Youth Accommodation: Supervised sleeping-bag accommodation available at œ2.50 per night. Bring pillowcase, towel and sleeping bag. Kitchen facilities available. Meals extra. Saturday night transport arranged. Register in advance with Malcolm Lee, Tel: 01234 350829 or go to information booth at Spa Complex on arrival at Conference. Disabled parking: Ask Bob Watkins, Tel: 01803 863454 + Swans are flying high on music! The Swan Duo - Kingsley and Suzanne - are two of Bermuda's most valuable exports... These two musicians have portfolios which read like who's who. Kingsley gained his early musical experience playing shows and dance music in Bermuda's popular tourist spots. He left Bermuda to study music at Berklee College of Music, Boston, USA where he gained a Bachelor's Degree. Kingsley was soon invited to perform as a member of Berklee's prestigious ensemble, The Dues Band. Suzanne featured in his band Rhythm, and with her unique vocal style and Minnie Ripperton range was soon wowing audiences all over town. In addition to her singing experience, Suzanne has produced and hosted a weekly television programme, played a leading role in a musical and written numerous songs. For the Swans music forms a very integral part of their lives. As Baha'is they feel it a privilege to be able to share their knowledge and talents in bringing together the powerful combination of music and spiritual teachings. During their time in the UK they have started a musical ensemble called One World Rhythm. This group tours the country bringing the healing message of unity and oneness. The response to the group in inner city areas through rural English country hamlets, has been nothing short of miraculous. The Swan Duo will be appearing at the Southwark Playhouse on Sunday 4th October, at 5pm and 7.30pm. Tickets œ7 (concs œ5) The Southwark Playhouse, 62 Southwark Bridge Road, SE1. Advance Booking: 0171 620 3494. Tube: Borough Station (Northern Line). If you can't make it to London be sure to see the Swans when they shine their light at the National Conference, Scarborough Spa Complex, 6th - 8th Nov. If you have seen them before, you will need no further convincing, and if you haven't, I urge you to take this opportunity to see the Swans' unique brand of genius. If you like good music, you'll love this. Join the Swan Duo e-mail mailing list: SwanDuo@yahoo.com Carmen Henry ++ End of document