As Bahá’ís, we can view ourselves as having a role to play amongst three protagonists on a world stage, those being; the individual, the institution and the community. The relationship between these three actors, currently, is going through an unprecedented transformation of re-identification. Individuals without the right education and experience can become a source of harm to their fellow people; institutional ‘power’ can be abused to drive oppression, instigate political conflict and burn the bridges of trust; discrimination, apathy and selfishness can divide communities and fuel conflict. Unless these three facets are reformed, these problems will persist. From one perspective, the members of the Baha’i community aim to translate Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings into improvement of the relationship between these three protagonists.
“O people of God! Do not busy yourselves in your own concerns; let your thoughts be fixed upon that which will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify the hearts and souls of men.”- Baha’u’llah
As an individual, Bahá’ís are called upon to strive for the wellbeing of our fellow people. As a global society, we are not dealt the same hand; some people are exposed to more injustice depending on where they are born. Some are born into countries where infertile land, arid climates and technological drawbacks limit civil advancement, affecting their access to basic human rights. With this in mind, if all are constantly concerned with the welfare of others, then each one of us will always be cared for, and our progress as a global team will be able to push the frontiers of human potential. All will be able to contribute their services and talents for an ever-advancing civilization.
The Universal House of Justice comments on this in one of its Messages to the world:
“The role of the individual is of unique importance in the work of the Cause. It is the individual who manifests the vitality of faith upon which the success of the teaching work and the development of the community depend. Bahá’u’lláh’s command to each believer to teach His Faith confers an inescapable responsibility which cannot be transferred to, or assumed by, any institution of the Cause. The individual alone can exercise those capacities which include the ability to take initiative, to seize opportunities, to form friendships, to interact personally with others, to build relationships, to win the cooperation of others in common service to the Faith and society, and to convert into action the decisions made by consultative bodies.”
Much of this aspect of our lives can be further explored in the section ‘Character and Conduct’
As a member or collaborator of Bahá’í institutions, we ensure that our communities are given the opportunity to be spiritually uplifted through the Bahá’u’lláh’s ne Teachings for the new age on earth. The spiritual education of children, the spiritual empowerment of junior youth and the building of spiritual capacity in adults is an endeavour that is all too often pushed to the side and made secondary to material progress. To learn more about these programs, please refer to Bahá’í education of Children, The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program, Devotional Gatherings and Baha’i Study Circles.
It is important to note that the Bahá’í Faith, although connected to the religions of the past through the concept of ‘progressive revelation, has its own religious identity and history, which is quite distinct in the context of previous religions or traditions. Naturally this distinction occurs as societal needs evolve. For example, there is no clergy or position that invites the use, or even thought, of power or superiority in the Bahá’í Faith. Women and men play an equal role in the institutional life of the Bahá’í community. In a practical way, both genders are able to contribute on a local or global level.
“It is permitted that the peoples and kindreds of the world associate with one another with joy and radiance. O people! Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.“- Baha’u’llah
As a member of the community, it is crucial for Baha’i’s to be present in collective spaces that strive for the betterment of humanity and to contribute by offering their services and experiences. The Universal House of Justice comments on this spirit of sharing:
The Baha’i community “ has learned to translate the principle of consultation enunciated by its Founder into an effective tool for collective decision-making and to educate its members in its use. It has devised programs for the spiritual and moral education of its younger members and has extended them not only to its own children and junior youth but also to those of the wider community. With the pool of talent at its disposition, it has created a rich body of literature which includes volumes in scores of languages that address both its own needs and the interest of the general public. It has become increasingly involved in the affairs of society at large, undertaking a host of projects of social and economic development…It has made significant strides in multiplying its human resources through a program of training that reaches the grassroots of the community and has discovered methods and instruments for establishing a sustainable pattern of growth.
…As they call on one another in their homes and pay visits to families, friends and acquaintances, they enter into purposeful discussion on themes of spiritual import, deepen their knowledge of the Faith, share Bahá’u’lláh’s message, and welcome increasing numbers to join them in a mighty spiritual enterprise. Aware of the aspirations of the children of the world and their need for spiritual education, they extend their efforts widely to involve ever-growing contingents of participants in classes that become centres of attraction for the young and strengthen the roots of the Faith in society. They assist junior youth to navigate through a crucial stage of their lives and to become empowered to direct their energies toward the advancement of civilization. And with the advantage of a greater abundance of human resources, an increasing number of them are able to express their faith through a rising tide of endeavours that address the needs of humanity in both their spiritual and material dimensions.”
The Hills Shire Baha’i Community acknowledges the traditional custodians of The Hills Shire Land,the darug nation ,whose culture and customs have nurtured and continue to nurture, this land ,since the Dream-time,We pay our respects to the Elders past,present and future.