Pondering the
Writings
Reading and reflecting upon the Holy Writings is
one key element in spiritual growth. Even with only a small number of
Texts translated into English, we find there is a considerable amount to
ponder!
This week, we offer some of our reflections on a few things we've
discovered in the Writings. We hope you find them of value, and invite you
to join us in our forum for discussions on these and other topics.
From the Garden of the
Spirit
A Sign
for Such as Ponder
In a passage from one of His Tablets,
Bahá'u'lláh writes that on the eve of His exile from Adrianople, Mulsims
and Christians "wept over us", but that "the weeping of the people of the
Son exceeded the weeping of others—a sign for such as ponder." What is the
meaning of this "sign"?
http://www.planetbahai.org/cgi-bin/articles.pl?article=359
Sacrifice
and Salvation
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion
of Jesus. But why would such an event be deemed good? As Bahá'u'lláh and
'Abdu'l-Bahá explain, the sufferings of the Manifestation of God release
into the world spiritual forces that transform us.
http://www.planetbahai.org/cgi-bin/articles.pl?article=243
Bahá'í News
Baha’i shrines
chosen as World Heritage sites
8 July 2008, QUEBEC CITY
— A United Nations committee meeting here has determined that two Baha'i
shrines in Israel possess "outstanding universal value" and should be
considered as part of the cultural heritage of humanity.
http://www.planetbahai.org/cgi-bin/news.pl?story=180
Nobel
laureates call for release of Iran Baha'is
30 June 2008,
NEW YORK — Six Nobel Peace Prize laureates have issued a statement calling
on the Iranian government to free immediately seven prominent Iranian
Baha’is imprisoned in Tehran.
http://www.planetbahai.org/cgi-bin/news.pl?story=179
Other
Resources
Bahá'í
Holy Writings
The complete text of some of Bahá'u'lláh's
key Writings are online here. You'll also find compilations, prayers, and
a selection of brief quotations.
http://www.planetbahai.org/cgi-bin/resources.pl?group=19
History of
the Holy Writings
Here's a resource to help you learn
about the historical circumstances in which a few key Books and Tablets of
Bahá'u'lláh were written.
http://www.planetbahai.org/cgi-bin/resources.pl?group=14
In Our Forum
Galya
Gunderson's Passing
"It saddens me to report that Galya
Gunderson, the creator and developer of Planet Baha'i's 'Baha'i Mysticism'
and 'International Reading Room' resources, passed away at her home on
Sunday. I don't know any details aside from the fact that a friend of
hers, who sent me the news, said she went 'peacefully' and was found by
her sister Margie the same day." - Dale
http://forums.delphiforums.com/planetbahai/?lgnf=Y&msg=8987.1
Parental
Consent Problem
"I don't have a relationship with my
parents, mainly for protection. My parents abuse alcohol and drugs, and
both have criminal backgrounds. After years of trying to build a
relationship with them, I came to the unfortunate conclusion that in order
to protect myself I had to severe ties with them. I'm now considering
marriage and I strongly feel that by seeking consent from them, I would be
jeopardizing myself and my future wife. I would like to hear your opinions
and perhaps quotes from the writings that may address such issues."
--Ralph_S
http://forums.delphiforums.com/planetbahai/?lgnf=Y&msg=8989.1
In
Closing...
We hope you find this newsletter
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Thank you for joining us. See you next time!
© 2008 Dale E.
Lehman and Kathleen K. Lehman
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