Take 34 seconds and see what contributions by Baha’is to the Baha’i Funds make possible in the US.
We came across this sobering video and wanted to share it with you.
“And among the teachings of Baha’u’llah is voluntary sharing of one’s property with others among mankind. This voluntary sharing is greater than equality, and consists in this, that man should not prefer himself to others, but rather should sacrifice his life and property for others. But this should not be introduced by coercion so that it becomes a law and man is compelled to follow it. Nay, rather, man should voluntarily and of his own choice sacrifice his property and life for others, and spend willingly for the poor…” ‘Abdu’l-Baha
As with nearly everything in the Baha’i Faith, it all comes down to seeing humanity as one, as sisters and brothers created by an all-loving God. To learn how Baha’is are trying to create a new world based on principles of justice and the oneness of humanity contact your nearest Baha’i community or visit Bahai.us.
How do you think we can achieve a society where voluntary sharing is the norm?
During this sacred time of the Baha’i Fast, which ends tonight, we are sacrificing material food from sunrise to sunset in the hopes of obtaining spiritual nourishment. We thought this would be a special time to reflect on some of the stories of material sacrifice we have received from Baha’is when they sent in their contributions to the National Baha’i Fund. We have heard from friends who have given the money they would have spent eating out during the Fast to the Fund instead and many communities have shared stories of fundraisers they have organized to help. We wanted to share two short stories as every day examples of sacrifices being made in the community.
- “Please accept this check given in response to your plea to fulfill the goal. A dear Baha’i friend of mine was offered gas money to cover driving another Baha’i to a distant location. The driver has been unemployed and low on funds. She however told me to give that gas money to the Fund (upon listening to the Feast letter) - I was so moved by her sacrifice that I decided to up the amount.”
- “This year I decided not to renew my subscription to Time magazine, and send the $69.95 to the Fund. I will read instead the Writings of Baha’u’llah which, at the very least, will shed divine insight on the condition of the world. May His grace surround you all and bless your services.”
We wish you stillness and peace as you reflect on your own path of detachment and sacrifice and how you carry it out in your own life.
Li’l Hank & Terri are back at it in “Wooha it’s Ayyam-i-Ha…Again!”, the sequel to last year’s “Wooha it’s Ayyam-i-Ha!”. This time they explain what Ayyam-i-Ha is and share their vision of what it’s all about. You won’t want to miss it!
Work on the Welcome Center at the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette is moving along despite the freezing temperatures! Scheduled completion is Spring, 2014. It will serve as a place to rest and prepare one’s self to enter the Temple and will feature a bookstore, fireside room (with a fireplace), meeting rooms, a display room and beautiful courtyard. What you see here is the frame for the entrance and the huge window that will let you see the Temple from inside.
If you’re a Baha’i living in the US and would like to contribute just email us!
Lots of financial planners say the first thing you should do when you get a raise is…pretend you didn’t get one. Use the increase to keep plugging away at your financial goals, whether it’s a down payment on a house or paying off debt, and resist the urge to get a shiny brand new ___________.
The first in a new series - 30 Seconds with the Fund looks at why only Baha’is are able to give to the Baha’i Funds.
"Wealth, Poverty and Spirituality"
In this great article from Baha’i Blog, Matt explores ideas of wealth and poverty in light of the Baha’i writings, asking, ”Are wealth and material development important, or simply a distraction from spiritual development? Is it wrong for me to enjoy physical comfort and material prosperity? Is choosing to renounce the material advancement of the West, for example, by moving to a less developed part of the world a noble sacrifice or an unnecessary infliction of physical suffering upon oneself?” Keep reading to see how he answers these questions…
One for the children on this Holy Day.
“Let them act with moderation…”
"Spending Your Money to Make Someone Else Happy"
Studies show that spending on others makes you happier. This great blog post from the New York Times mentions several studies that find this to be true. The Baha’i Writings take it a step further and note that enriching the masses through one’s wealth is a “supreme achievement” in the eyes of God.
‘Abdu’l-Baha wrote, “Wealth is praiseworthy in the highest degree, if it is acquired by an individual’s own efforts and the grace of God, in commerce, agriculture, art and industry, and if it be expended for philanthropic purposes. Above all, if a judicious and resourceful individual should initiate measures which would universally enrich the masses of the people, there could be no undertaking greater than this, and it would rank in the sight of God as the supreme achievement, for such a benefactor would supply the needs and insure the comfort and well-being of a great multitude.” From a book written by ‘Abdul-Baha about how to build a divine civilization.
Q:Any chance you guys could use twitter? I use that instead of RSS to keep up with stuff. Thanks!
Anonymous
You can find us as an occasional contributor to the US Baha’i twitter feed! Tumblr will be our primary home for now though. Thanks for the question!
5 Things to Talk About Before Marriage
‘Abdu’l-Baha wrote that, “Baha’i marriage is union and cordial affection between the two parties. They must, however, exercise the utmost care and become acquainted with each other’s character. This eternal bond should be made secure by a firm covenant, and the intention should be to foster harmony, fellowship and unity and to attain to everlasting life….”*
This is the latest installment in a web video series featuring Li’l Hank & Terri, a couple of kids who are friends and talk about some deep things. Here they talk about the upcoming Baha’i Holy Day the Birth of the Bab.
We’ve gotten a lot of great feedback from kids so if you know any or work with children let them know. And if they send in a story they’ll get their very own video response from the duo themselves!
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Produced by the US Baha'i Office of the Treasurer
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