halloween and the baha’i faith - heart to heart · halloween and the baha’i faith please note...
TRANSCRIPT
Halloween and the Baha’i Faith
Please note that this presentation is copyrighted and offered as a separate gift to all “Heart to Heart” users and teachers only. Please respect legal status of our CD. Permission to print copies is granted. All artists of graphics are listed in full on the CD.
Halloween and the Baha’i FaithCan spirits come back to haunt us?
The History Halloween
Halloween is on October 31st, the last day of the Celtic calendar. It was originally a pagan holiday, honoring the dead. Halloween was referred to as All Hallows Eve and dates back to over 2000 years ago.
All Hallows Eve is the evening before All Saints Day, which was created by Christians to convert pagans, and is celebrated on November 1st. The Catholic church honored saints on this designated day.
While there are many versions of the origins and old customs of Halloween, some remain consistent by all accounts. Different cultures view Halloween somewhat differently but traditional Halloween practices remain the same.
Halloween culture can be traced back to the Druids, a Celtic culture in Ireland, Britain and Northern Europe. Roots lay in the feast of Samhain, which was annually on October 31st to honor the dead.
Samhain signifies "summers end" or November. Samhain was a harvest festival with huge sacred bonfires, marking the end of the Celtic year and beginning of a new one. Many of the practices involved in this celebration were fed on superstition.
The Celts believed the souls of the dead roamed the streets and villages at night. Since not all spirits were thought to be friendly, gifts and treats were left out to pacify the evil and ensure next years crops would be plentiful. This custom evolved into trick-or-treating.
The Origin of Halloween
Halloween culture can be traced back to the Druids, a Celtic culture in Ireland, Britain and Northern Europe. Roots lay in the feast of Samhain, which was annually on October 31st to honor the dead.
Samhain signifies "summers end" or November. Samhain was a harvest festival with huge sacred bonfires, marking the end of the Celtic year and beginning of a new one. Many of the practices involved in this celebration were fed on superstition.
Marking the end of the Celtic Year
Are there other cultures that worship ancestors with gifts and food?
All Saints Day – Nov 1st Day to celebrate the dead Saints and Hero’s of the past
All Hallows Eve is the evening before All Saints Day, which was created by Christians to convert pagans, and is celebrated on November 1st. The Catholic church honored saints on this designated day.
Baha’i perspective oflife after death, souls and spirits
LAD, Page 9 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
What is the purpose of life?
One must remember that the purpose of this life is to prepare the soul for the
next.
On behalf of the Universal House of Justice, February 6, 1973: Lights of Guidance, p. 359
JS, Page 10 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
What are some of the soul's properties?
Soul
Associates with body but not “part
of” this body
Evaluates deeds after
death
Goes through endless stages
after death
Linked to body by the
mind
Prepares in this world
for the next
Travels through many
worlds
Active even in sleep
Not subject to decomposition
Repository of all knowledge and
experiences
Has power of discovery
Undergoes spiritual
development throughout
eternity
Unaffected by damaged
body
Has immortal
life
Never earthbound after death
Assumes “heavenly form” after
death
Progress is watched over
by God
Created at conception
Can function in
dreams
Will understand things unknown
in this world
LAD, Page 11 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
What is the soul?
Consider again the sun when it is completely hidden behind the clouds. Though
the earth is still illumined with its light, yet the measure of light which it
receiveth is considerably reduced. Not until the clouds have dispersed, can the
sun shine again in the plentitude of its glory. Neither the presence of the cloud
nor its absence can, in any way, affect the inherent splendor of the sun. The soul
of man is the sun by which his body is illumined, and from which it draweth its
sustenance, and should be so regarded.
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 155
The soul, like the intellect, is an abstraction. Intelligence does not partake of the
quality of space, though it is related to man's brain. The intellect resides there,
but not materially.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Divine Philosophy, p. 127
LAD, Page 12 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
How do I know that the soul survives after death?
The soul is not a combination of elements, it is not composed
of many atoms, it is of one indivisible substance and therefore
eternal. It is entirely out of the order of the physical creation; it
is immortal!
Scientific philosophy has demonstrated that a simple element
('simple' meaning 'not composed') is indestructible, eternal.
The soul, not being a composition of elements, is, in character,
as a simple element, and therefore cannot cease to exist.
The soul, being of that one indivisible substance, can suffer
neither disintegration nor destruction, therefore there is no
reason for its coming to an end. All things living show signs of
their existence, and it follows that these signs could not of
themselves exist if that which they express or to which they
testify had no being. A thing which does not exist, can, of
course, give no sign of its existence. The manifold signs of the
existence of the spirit are for ever before us.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 90
LAD, Page 13 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
What happens to us after we leave this world?
You ask an explanation of what happens to us after we leave this world: This is a question none
of the Prophets have ever answered in detail, for the very simple reason that you cannot convey
to a person's mind something entirely different from everything they have ever experienced…
the relation of this life to the next life being like the child in the womb; it develops eyes, ears,
hands, feet, a tongue, and yet it has nothing to see or hear, it cannot walk or grasp things or
speak; all these faculties it is developing for this world. If you tried to explain to an embryo
what this world is like it could never understand - but it understands when it is born, and its
faculties can be used. So we cannot picture our state in the next world. All we know is that our
consciousness, our personality, endures in some new state….
On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, October 3, 1943: Lights of Guidance, p. 208
LAD, Page 14 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
What will the life after this physical life be like?
As to thy question regarding discoveries made by the soul after it hath put off
its human form: certainly, that world is a world of perceptions and
discoveries, for the interposed veil will be lifted away…. It is similar to the
condition of a human being in the womb, where his eyes are veiled, and all
things are hidden away from him…once he hath departed this life, he will
behold, in that world whatsoever was hidden from him here: but there he will
look upon and comprehend all things with his inner eye.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 170
LAD, Page 15 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Where is the “other world" after death?
But if ye ask as to the place, know ye that the world of existence is a single world, although
its stations are various and distinct…. Tests and trials of God take place in this world, not in
the world of the Kingdom. In the other world the human reality doth not assume a physical
form, rather doth it take on a heavenly form, made up of elements of that heavenly
realm…upon the dissolution of their elemental frames, hasten away to the world of God, and
that world is within this world. The people of this world, however, are unaware of that world.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections of the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 193-195
Concerning the future life what Bahá’u’lláh says is that the soul will continue to ascend
through many worlds. What those worlds are and what their nature is we cannot know. The
same way the child in the matrix cannot know this world so we cannot know what the other
world is going to be.
On behalf of the Shoghi Effendi, October 18, 1932: Lights of Guidance, p. 204
LAD, Page 16 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Are heaven and hell physical places?
By "heaven" is meant the heaven of divine Revelation, which is
elevated with every Manifestation.
Bahá’u’lláh, The Book of Certitude, p. 44
They say: "Where is Paradise, and where is Hell?"
Say: "The one is reunion with Me; the other thine own self…."
Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p.118
LAD, Page 17 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Where do we find paradise and hell?
The immortality of the spirit is mentioned in the Holy Books; it is the fundamental
basis of the divine religions. Now punishments and rewards are said to be of two
kinds: first, the rewards and punishments of this life; second, those of the other world.
But the paradise and hell of existence are found in all the worlds of God, whether in
this world or in the spiritual heavenly worlds. Gaining these rewards is the gaining of
eternal life.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 223
LAD, Page 18 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
What does being “in heaven” mean?
Blessed is the soul, which at the hour of its separation from the body, is sanctified
from the vain imaginings of the peoples of the world. Such soul liveth and
moveth in accordance with the will of its creator, and entereth the all-highest
paradise.
The Maids of Heaven, inmates of the loftiest mansions, will circle around and the
prophets of God and His Chosen Ones will seek its companionship. With them
that soul will freely converse, and will recount unto them that which it hath been
made to endure in the path of God, the Lord of all worlds.
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 156
LAD, Page 19 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Do angels really exist and can I become one?
Consider that the horizons of the world
were enlightened through the light of the
beauty of His Holiness Christ; yet all the
people were asleep, blind and sightless,
except a few whose eyes were opened and
perceived the lights. Now thou shalt thank
God that a beam of the light came to thy
sight. I ask God that thine inner sight may
be illumined so that thou mayest discover
the hidden mysteries of the Kingdom of
God. If thou become so, thou wilt be an
evident light and a divine angel in the
celestial dominion; then it dependeth on the
divine confirmation, according to thy
perseverance.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá v2, p. 409
Verily, We behold you from our realm of Glory, and shall aid whosoever will
arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Concourse on High
and a company of Our Favored Angels.
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 139
LAD, Page 20 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
What does being “in hell” mean?
For such people there is no greater torture than being veiled from God, and no more severe
punishment than sensual vices, dark qualities, lowness of nature, engrossment in carnal
desires. When they are delivered through the light of faith from the darkness of these vices, and
become illuminated with the radiance of the sun of reality, and ennobled with all the virtues,
they esteem this the greatest reward, and they know it to be the true paradise. In the same way
they consider that the spiritual punishment -- that is to say, the torture and punishment of
existence -- is to be subjected to the world of nature; to be veiled from God; to be brutal and
ignorant; to fall into carnal lusts; to be absorbed in animal frailties; to be characterized with
dark qualities, such as falsehood, tyranny, cruelty, attachment to the affairs of the world, and
being immersed in satanic ideas. For them, these are the greatest punishments and tortures.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 224
Can spirits haunt us?
LAD, Page 22 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Can I come back to this world after death?
Through the eternal bounty the worth and true ability of man becomes apparent and
visible by traversing the degrees of existence, and not returning. When the shell is once
opened, it will be apparent and evident whether it contains a pearl or worthless matter.
When once the plant has grown it will bring forth either thorns or flowers: there is not
need for it to grow up again…. Advancing and moving in the worlds in a direct order
according to the natural law is the cause of existence, and a movement contrary to the
system and law of nature is cause of nonexistence. The return of the soul after death is
contrary to the natural movement, and opposed to the divine system.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, pp. 324-326
JS, Page 23 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLCJS, Page 23 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Can evil from the next world influence us?
One of the Bahá’í pilgrims from the West who asked ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about the
power exercised by evil souls who had passed to the next world, recorded His
answer as "There is no power exercised over the people by those evil souls
that have passed away. Good is stronger than evil and even when alive they
had very little power. How much less have they after they are dead…."
On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 26 November 1939: Lights of Guidance, p. 521
JS, Page 24 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLCJS, Page 24 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Can spirits materialize?
Regarding the materialization of spirits through mediums: A person
finding himself in a state of trance, or unconsciousness, is like one
who sleeps; whatever he feels and sees he imagines to be matter and
of material things, but in reality they are wholly immaterial.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, January 1906: Quoted by Helen Goodall in Daily lessons received at 'Akká, p.
85
JS, Page 25 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLCJS, Page 25 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Can a soul be possessed by an evil spirit?
Regarding your question relative to the condition of those
people who are described in the Gospel as being possessed
of devils; this should be interpreted figuratively; devil or
Satan is symbolic of evil and dark forces yielding to
temptation.
On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, November 2, 1938: Lights of Guidance, p. 513
LAD, Page 26 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
What is the understanding of evil?
God has created all in His image and likeness. Shall we manifest hatred
for His creatures and servants? This would be contrary to the will of God
and according to the will of Satan, by which we mean the natural
inclinations of the lower nature. This lower nature in man is symbolized
as Satan - the evil ego within us, not an evil personality outside.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 287
LAD, Page 27 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
What aspects of our lives are within our control?
Some things are subject to the free will of man, such as justice, equity, tyranny and injustice, in other
words, good and evil actions; it is evident and clear that these actions are, for the most part, left to the will
of man. But there are certain things to which man is forced and compelled, such as sleep, death, sickness,
decline of power, injuries and misfortunes; these are not subject to the will of man, and he is not
responsible for them, for he is compelled to endure them. But in the choice of good and bad actions he is
free, and he commits them according to his own will.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 247
JS, Page 28 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLCJS, Page 28 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
What do the Bahá’í teachings say about astrology and séances?
The stars in the sky do not exert any spiritual influence on this world of dust; but
all the members and parts of the universe are very strongly linked together in that
limitless space, and this connection produceth a reciprocity of material effects.
Outside the bounty of the Holy Spirit, whatsoever thou hearest as to the effect of
trances, or the mediums' trumpets, conveying the singing voices of the dead, is
imagination pure and simple. As to the bounty of the Holy Spirit, however, relate
whatsoever thou wilt -- it cannot be overstated; believe, therefore, whatsoever
thou hearest of this. But the persons referred to, the trumpet-people, are entirely
shut out from this bounty and receive no portion thereof; their way is an illusion.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 160
JS, Page 29 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLCJS, Page 29 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Can anyone else read or affect my mind through psychic powers?
You should not be afraid anyone can affect your mind.
Even when we want to catch the thoughts of those we
love most we cannot do so, how much less other people
succeed in penetrating our minds.
On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, January 18, 1951: Lights of Guidance, p. 518
JS, Page 30 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLCJS, Page 30 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
What can heal the illnesses of human society?
It is my hope that the breaths of the Holy Spirit will so be breathed into your hearts that
your tongues will disclose the mysteries, and set forth and expound the inner meanings
of the Holy Books; that the friends will become physicians, and will, through the potent
medicine of the heavenly Teachings, heal the long-standing diseases that afflict the body
of this world; that they will make the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the dead to come
alive; that they will awaken those who are sound asleep.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 274
JS, Page 31 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Catching the spark of faith
Spirit of
Faith
Human
Spirit
Mind
Holy
Spirit
When the spark of faith exists
the essential Message is there,
and gradually everything else
can be added unto it.
On behalf of the Universal House of Justice,
dated May 5, 1982
The key to the conversion of people
to the Faith is the action of the
individual Bahá’í conveying the
spark of faith to individual seekers,
answering their questions and
deepening their understanding of
the teachings.
On behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated
February 9, 1989
JS, Page 32 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
My holy, My divinely ordained
Revelation may be likened unto an
ocean in whose depths are concealed
innumerable pearls of great price,
of surpassing luster.
It is the duty of every seeker to bestir himself
and strive to attain the shores of this ocean,
so that he may, in proportion to the eagerness
of his search and the efforts he hath exerted,
partake of such benefits as have been
pre-ordained in God's irrevocable
and hidden Tablets.
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from
the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh,
p. 325
How does Revelation enable the soul to draw nearer to God?
The soul draws ever
nearer to God
acquiring spiritual
qualities
The Prophets and
Messengers
sent by God
God
Spirit of
Faith
Holy
Spirit
“The Water
of life”
JS, Page 33 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
That mysterious station of the Messengers
of God
BCF, Page 34 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Why do we need Prophets and Messengers?
Holy Manifestations of God are the centers of the light of reality, of the
source of mysteries, and of the bounties of love. They are resplendent in the
world of hearts and thoughts, and shower eternal graces upon the world of
spirits; they give spiritual life and are shining with the light of realities and
meanings. The enlightenment of the world of thought comes from these
centers of light and sources of mysteries. Without the bounty of the splendor
and the instructions of these Holy Beings the world of souls and thoughts
would be opaque darkness…
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 162
JS, Page 35 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Are all the world religions from one God?
PR, Page 36 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Have all the major world religions proceeded from One God?
The Prophets and Chosen Ones have all been commissioned by the One True God,
magnified be His glory, to nurture the trees of human existence….
Bahá’u’lláh, The Most Holy Book – Questions and Answers, p. 139
PR, Page 37 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Who are some Who have spoken on behalf of God?
Know thou assuredly that the essence of all the Prophets of God is one and the same. Their unity is absolute. God, the Creator, saith: There is no distinction whatsoever among the Bearers of My Message….
The measure of the revelation of the Prophets of God in this world, however, must differ. Each and every one of them hath been the Bearer of a distinct Message, and hath been commissioned to reveal Himself through specific acts. It is for this reason that they appear to vary in their greatness.
…any apparent variation in the intensity of their light is not inherent in the light itself, but should rather be attributed to the varying receptivity of an ever-changing world.
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 78
God
One God – One Holy Spirit – One Word
3228 BC 2000/1700 BC 1300/1200 BC 1100 BC 232/273 BC 1-30 AD 570-632 AD 1819-’50 AD 1817-’92 AD
PR, Page 38 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Who is Baha’u’llah?
1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Who is Bahá’u’lláh?
•Bahá’ís believe that Bahá’u’lláh is the Messenger of God for this
day. His teachings are the basis of the Bahá’í Faith, whose primary
aim is the unity of mankind.
•Born in 1817, Bahá’u’lláh was a member of one of the great
patrician families of Persia. The family could trace its lineage to
the ruling dynasties of Persia's imperial past, and was endowed
with wealth and vast estates. Turning His back on the position at
court which these advantages offered Him, Bahá’u’lláh became
known for His generosity and kindliness which made Him deeply
loved among His countrymen.
•Engulfed in the waves of violence unleashed upon the Bábis after
the Báb's execution Bahá’u’lláh suffered not only the loss of all
His worldly endowments but was subjected to imprisonment,
torture, and a series of banishments. The first was to Baghdad
where, in 1863, He announced Himself as the One promised by
the Báb. From Baghdad, Bahá’u’lláh was sent to Constantinople, to
Adrianople, and finally to Acre, in the Holy Land, where He
arrived as a prisoner in 1868. He stayed a prisoner until his
passing.
•Bahá’u’lláh passed away in 1892 at Bahji, just north of Acre, and
is buried there.His message has spread to every country on earth.
His Shrine is today the focal point of the Bahá’í world.
• National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S., dated 2000:
• "Spiritual Institutions: The Unique Nature of Bahá’í Institutions"
The Shrine of the Bahá’u’lláh Bahji, Palestine
BB, Page 40 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
Who are the Central Figures and what are the Institutions of the Bahá’í Faith?
The Báb and Bahá’u’lláh‘Abdu’l-Bahá
This divinely revealed World Order has two types of institutions which encircle the world like twin
arms. On the left side of the globe are the elected institutions. On the right side are the appointed
institutions, which guide and encourage elected initutions and draw us all to the guidance of God's
word…. The Universal House of Justice appoints the Continental Boards of Counselors every five years
to serve specific regions of the world. The Counselors appoint Auxiliary Board members, who encourage
teaching and help keep the Faith unified and safe from attacks…. Local Assemblies are composed of
individual believers who are like a solid foundation upon which are built the elected institutions of the
Faith. Individual believers elect Local Spiritual Assemblies which later elect Regional Councils. The
individuals in each area also come together to elect delegates, who in turn elect the National Spiritual
Assembly. National Assemblies elect the Universal House of Justice, the supreme administrative body of
the world.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S., dated 2000: "Spiritual Institutions: The Unique Nature of Bahá'i Institutions"
Elected Institutions Appointed Institutions
Universal House of Justice
National Spiritual Assemblies
Regional Bahá’í Councils
Local Spiritual Assemblies
International Teaching Center
Continental Boards of Counselors
Area Teaching Committees
Regional Training Institutes
Shoghi Effendi
Auxiliary Board Members
BB, Page 41 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
That Bahá’u’lláh is the
Manifestation of God
for this day and age
We are each responsible for
independently recognizing
God’s spiritual truths.
We cannot rely on the
traditional beliefs of our
parents, teachers or clergy.
Science and religion, and faith
and reason are not in conflict.
They are just different ways
of investigating reality.
Women and men are equal.
We are created noble.
Our free will is the key
to developing our spiritual
potential. We develop through
service to God and humanity.
World Peace is inevitable. It must
be founded on justice supported
by an International Federation
that is dedicated to promoting
unity and protecting diversity.
Everyone is needed in the
process of building a just and
peaceful world.
We are spiritual beings who are
shaped through our choices in
the tests of this life. After death,
we continue to learn and progress
as spiritual beings.
This world is just one family.
Prejudices of race and gender
are unacceptable.
God loves us all. Different
Prophets have, and will always,
come to mankind. Essential
truth is one, but our perception
of it is relative. Social laws
change according to mankind's
maturity.
You are already a Bahá’í when you believe…
BB, Page 42 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
What are some of the Bahá’í core activities?
Junior Youth Activities
Study Circles
Children’s Classes
Devotionals
• Study
• Meditate
• Reflect
• Character and Morality
• Spirituality and Prayers
• Worship
• Prayers and Music
P, Page 43 1996-2009, HearttoHeartPublications.com, LLC
A prayer for times of sorrow and anxiety
O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my
affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and
grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being. O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor
will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life.
O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Prayers, p. 13