The importance of knowing you might be wrong
https://www.bbc.co.uk/reel/video/p08d53s8/the-importance-of-knowing-you-might-be-wrong?fbclid=IwAR1hvFn_iGIkElxkxsDObqk9h3pML9etKLNw6-pM4Qs2U-CaciSSVJILgz8
Author: Firoozeh
Harmony of Science and Religion
Celebrating the 9th Day of Ridván
Looking at this Historic Event through the quantum mechanics lens.
The topic of Unity being central to the Teachings of Baha’u’llah, is well understood and often is taken as Its distinguishing feature / function / purpose.
I find it rather amazing, and rather fascinating that at the time when the Revelation of Baha’u’llah occurred – precisely during these Holy Days – Ridvan Festival in Baghdad 1863- the world had yet to experience what would very quickly and overwhelmingly be unleashed upon it – not just once but from that point forwards. Thus changing the very fabric of creation itself.
Not too long afterwards we see a massive explosion in the sciences, the arts, and everything in between taking on a new form. Hence “everything created anew”.
That Spiritual Renewal required an accompanying massive release of Spiritual energy which has to have a mirror effect in the contingent world – and we see the twin forces at play that can not be discounted: the accelerating forces of disintegration and the organic consolidation in the process of Integration. The forces of Light and Dark.
One of the aspects that draws attention for me is the very mysterious and mystical consequences that we now scientifically have a system of knowledge and language to correlate between such forces and such interactions. The field of studies that deal with matter at its most fundamental levels is of course Quantum Mechanics (and Physics). This is not, I propose, a coincidental occurrence. We are in this Cycle moving towards another state of consciousness and existence – and the properties of matter and the fabric of the universe is actually humming this very same tune and frequency.
This is the effect of COHERENCE that is part and parcel or rather the distinguishing features of quantum interactions. Light is weak when it is emitted in its incoherent rays. But it becomes beams of LASER if we engineer them so that they become coherent. Interactions at the cellular levels and even molecular levels (the basics of biochemistry) often depend upon them and the phenomenon of photosynthesis is an adequate example of this made possible by the chlorophyll molecule. There are others of course.
How is this relevant on the macro scale and even as an example or a model for human interaction and human behaviour? Well, when we think about unity in the spiritual sense, it is actually applying fundamental coherence models of thought, of action and of being. These states are energetically of a different level than your ordinary everyday life state (s). One can imagine the effect of Prayer and Meditation and that link with Baha’u’llah (and the Holy Spirit) in a philosophical & mystical way as being influenced by a gigantic magnetic field which transforms the particles (us) to spin or vibrate in an exquisite orbital plane conferring X amount of energy (potential) and state (calm, strong, peaceful, composed, acquiesced) and when other particles are similarly aligned then , well you can imagine the dynamics.
In this view, unity basically is pivotal to the release and manifestation of these potentialities and realities that are within us. What would bring about unity and coherence is another mysterious force and instrument; that is the force of Justice. It is the light that leads to the way towards unity – as Baha’u’llah teaches us.
“This is the Day in which God’s most excellent favors have been poured out upon men, the Day in which His most mighty grace hath been infused into all created things. It is incumbent upon all the peoples of the world to reconcile their differences, and, with perfect unity and peace, abide beneath the shadow of the Tree of His care and loving-kindness…. Soon will the present-day order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead. Verily, thy Lord speaketh the truth, and is the Knower of things unseen.”
~ Bahá’u’lláh
Gleanings of the Writings of Bah’u’llah,
pp. 6-7.
An Undeniable Truth: We Are One
An Undeniable Truth: We Are One
The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha’i Faith.
Yesterday I woke up and asked myself: when will this crisis that keeps us at home, away from each other as a responsible measure to take care of one another, really end?
It will be wonderful when the quarantine is over and we reunite with the people we love. Perhaps we will more greatly appreciate that hug we took for granted or the laughs with friends on a Sunday afternoon. Just a couple of months ago, no one would have imagined that a situation like this could ever occur: a pandemic that affects all humankind without distinction. No government imagined it. Even after the crisis broke out in China, many leaders underestimated it and did not give much attention to this pandemic. “In the summer, with warmer weather, the virus will die” they said. “China is very far away.”
Maybe we would rather close our eyes when a big crisis comes our way, or maybe we are used to overlooking the problems of others and only pay attention to our own.
“When we get sick, our whole body suffers. We cannot disassociate our parts from the totality of our being.”
Whatever the answer, humanity will inevitably be led to consider why suffering in a distant country is also our problem. As the Baha’i writings say:
It is obvious that all created things are connected one to another by a linkage complete and perfect, even, for example, as are the members of the human body… And whatever member of the human body is deficient, produceth a deficiency in the other members. – Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha
When we get sick, our whole body suffers. We cannot disassociate our parts from the totality of our being. To do so would exhibit a lack of understanding of our nature. Incredible as it may seem, that’s what our planet has witnessed. We have created borders that attempt to divide something inherently indivisible: humanity.
We see politicians and government leaders who seem to cling to the increasingly erroneous belief that caring only for one’s own welfare is enough to achieve peace and prosperity in one’s own country. As Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, said more than one hundred and fifty years ago:
The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established. – Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah
But what does being aware that we are part of one interconnected human family really mean?
If we saw our next-door neighbor as a brother, cousin or uncle, wouldn’t we be concerned about his wellbeing? If he did not have enough food during this crisis, would we not provide him with our own? If a dear family member living on the other side of the world were to become seriously ill, would we not suffer too? Would it matter that he or she does not live within our national borders?
Abdu’l-Baha, the son of Baha’u’llah, wrote about our nature as human beings:
Every imperfect soul is self-centered and thinketh only of his own good. But as his thoughts expand a little he will begin to think of the welfare and comfort of his family. If his ideas still more widen, his concern will be the felicity of his fellow citizens; and if still they widen, he will be thinking of the glory of his land and of his race. But when ideas and views reach the utmost degree of expansion and attain the stage of perfection, then will he be interested in the exaltation of humankind. He will then be the well-wisher of all men and the seeker of the weal and prosperity of all lands. – Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha
When an individual succeeds in developing this awareness, he makes it manifest through actions of solidarity that go beyond his own family, caring for the people around him, helping his neighbor, doing what he can to lessen the suffering of others. This shows that he has advanced and progressed in the awareness of his spiritual reality. It shows that he is a soul on the path to perfection. But perhaps many things have had to happen before he reaches such a state; perhaps he has had to suffer himself first in order to understand the suffering of others.
The governments of the world, if they truly succeed in developing an awareness of that reality, will take increasingly steady steps towards the inevitable unity of humanity. This is the only way to finally develop a peaceful world, where every inhabitant of the Earth feels safe and involved.
Sometimes, I miss going for a walk and feeling the breeze on my face, or seeing my friends and family. But, as attached as I might be to those things, I know that if we face it the right way, this crisis will lead to the spiritual advancement of our civilization.
WRITTEN BY
Oriana Vento is the Spanish Editor of BahaiTeachings.org. She grew up in Lima, Peru where she received her degree in Translation and Interpretation of Spanish, English, Portuguese and French. She is involved in the social development
The fanaticism of religious and political zealots from 1979 to 2020
The fanaticism of religious and political zealots from 1979 to 2020
By; Firoozeh Bowden
4/25/2020
During 1979 I watched the beautiful country of Iran where I was born; A country advanced in science, arts and culture at that time, gradually change and slide back into the dark ages, where superstition and dogma overruled facts and proven truth. The quality of life in Iran has been going down ever since.
Now it feels like I am experiencing that all over again in this Beautiful and cherished country, the USA! The fanaticism of religious and political zealots is causing the current rejection of both science and common sense. Educated people seem to have put aside reason, and blindly agree with anything a so called leader says, regardless of how outrageous or ridiculous it might sound. At a time when we have the latest technology at our fingertips, some people would rather accept any notion or claim without bothering to research it for themselves.
This time I will not stand by and allow a handful of ignorant, money hungry, Powerful thieves, drag this precious country through the mud; A country that so many have sacrificed to build. Everyday we watch an unbelievable spectacle, thinking this craziness could never actually effect our lives. As someone who has been through it, let me tell you that it will, and it already has!
We can not be complacent, and allow a few charming, greedy bullies do whatever they wish with peoples lives and our world. True power is always with the people, and justice must prevail. Please do your research, and take action. When the time comes, go out and VOTE! Let your voice be heard!
Much love and light,
Firoozeh Bowden
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After COVID-19
After COVID-19
By; Firoozeh Bowden 3/29/2020
The funny thing is, for several months before we knew about COVID-19, I felt anxious and out of balance. I knew something big was coming, but what….? It was driving me crazy! So I finally surrendered to the will of God!
“Wouldst thou have Me, seek none other than Me; and wouldst thou gaze upon My beauty, close thine eyes to the world and all that is therein; for My will and the will of another than Me, even as fire and water, cannot dwell together in one heart.” (Hidden Words 33)
After we got the news, I was sad for humanity, the world, and all of those poor people, and refugees across the world, who would suffer the most. However at the same time, a feeling of calm and relief came over me. Ever since I have been very clear and focused in what needs to be done, and energized to work on my life purpose. To shine the Divine light, to bring joy to the people I come in contact with through my art … and ensure the frightened ones that this too shall pass, reminding them that the secret now is to stay calm, loving and compassionate. We can support one another through the internet, mail and our smart phones. We are all in this together, and that has been demonstrated by COVID19 more clearly now than ever.
“This is not a Cause which may be made a plaything for your idle fancies, nor is it a field for the foolish and faint of heart. By God, this is the arena of insight and detachment, of vision and upliftment, where none may spur on their chargers save the valiant horsemen of the Merciful, who have severed all attachment to the world of being.” (Kitáb-i-Aqdas 84)
“We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest.” Baha’i writings
COVID19 has also put an end to the discussion about our role in destroying the environment and our world. We now KNOW, without a shadow of a doubt, that we are creating the problems by our daily habits and routines, and cannot go back to business as usual after this is over. Now that factories are shut down, most plains are not flying, and very few cars are on the road, mother Earth is finally taking a breath, and healing herself!
“Humanity, the Bahá’í writings explain, is experiencing an age of transition best described as a passage from collective childhood to collective maturity. The revolutionary changes that are occurring with bewildering swiftness in every department of life assume their real meaning in this light. During this period, the barriers raised by the thoughts, attitudes, and habits of the childhood of humankind are gradually being uprooted, and the structures of a new civilization that can reflect the powers of adulthood are taking shape.”
Let’s stay mindful, safe, and calm. Let’s use this opportunity to reach out to the ones less fortunate, to help keep the suffering to the minimum. Let’s educate the ones who don’t understand, and be patient with the ones who don’t have the capacity to comprehend the purpose and magnitude of these events. Let’s use this time to be out in nature more, to play, to meditate and reconnect with our loved ones on a deeper level. Let’s do the things we always wanted to do, but didn’t have time to ….
Thank God for the internet, skype, zoom, etc. With these tools we can be more connected than ever. We can help our immediate community as well as the world to unite and come up with solutions and much better ways of doing things. This is a fantastic opportunity that we have been given to create a healthy, united, abundant, peaceful and spiritual world that is kind and compassionate, operating from our higher self, and not be a slave to our Egos.
Let’s create a beautiful world where everyone can have enough healthy food, clean water, proper shelter, education and health care available to them. Create a place where everyone has the opportunity to prosper. We can create a world where everyone can be as ambitious as they want, or just obtain the basics, if they rather concentrate on things other than their career.
“Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive to its exaltation. Knowledge is as wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with words and end with words…
In truth, knowledge is a veritable treasure for man, and a source of glory, of bounty, of joy, of exaltation, of cheer and gladness unto him. Happy the man that cleaveth unto it, and woe betide the heedless.” Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
“O My Servants!
Ye are the trees of my garden; ye must give forth goodly and wondrous fruits, that ye yourselves and others may profit there from. Thus it is incumbent on everyone to engage in crafts and professions, for therein lies the secret of wealth, O men of understanding! For results depend upon means, and the grace of God shall be all-sufficient unto you. Trees that yield no fruit have been and will ever be for the fire.” The Hidden Words
We can balance work and play much better, so the next time we are attacked by some pathogen, our immune systems are not stressed to the limit, and we can eradicate it, before it becomes a Pandemic!
We can do this! It is possible my dear ones. It will just take an adjustment to our perspective.
When you look at the image above, do you see more weeds coming, or wishes and opportunities?
Sending out much love and light,
Firoozeh Bowden