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Reflections: Service at Baha’i House of Worship (Part 3)
Throughout my service I got the opportunity to meet and teach people from all walks of life i.e. doctors, engineers, scientists, army personnel’s, students, teachers, parents, children, farmers, villagers, people who were literate and illiterate. They all came to see what this place was, some knew its significance and some didn’t, some came to have that peace of mind they could not attain anywhere else. It was baffling to see the contrasts and it was even more astounding to see the sheer beauty in all. On a personal note, whilst serving at the Temple, it was simply the first time I was living in the ‘now’, the ‘present moment’. It was a feeling I had never felt before. There was no thinking of past and no thinking of the future. My attention was what was right in front of me and nothing else. To me this was the greatest high I could ever have. I loved it, embraced it and cherished every moment of it.
“There is nothing sweeter in the world of existence than prayer, man must live in a state of prayer.”
– These words were spoken-out-aloud during the briefing to visitors and
it was the pinnacle of service in temple. Work is service, service is
worship and worship is prayer. Each day was a prayer, a deep meaningful
prayer, and an enriching prayer where we discovered many beautiful
aspects about ourselves. Prayer service would take place four times a
day for all visitors. Each prayer service entailed writings and versus
from different religious texts. Whether the prayers were chanted or
spoken, visitors were deeply moved and full of gratitude. There was
something very magical and mystical about having all people under the
one roof. It was enigmatic but revealing in its nature.I had the privilege of partaking and documenting a video on the 1st ever Junior Youth campaign that took place in temple grounds. Youth who ranged from the ages of 15 to 18 years that lived in close by communities took part in this 2-week campaign, which then culminated in them becoming Junior Youth animators. These animators then went back to their respective communities to enhance the quality of life by serving and forming their own Junior Youth group. The motto was, “The upliftment of society through the contribution of Youth”. I was able to witness the transformation in these youth, their attitudes towards life before and after, which was nothing short of remarkable. We are told that youth are agents of change and junior youth animators have the role to harness these energies and channel them towards a positive direction. What better way to do this, then to serve their own community!
The ample opportunities to teach at temple are of incalculable value. The temple itself acts as a silent teacher and it is prevalent in any Baha’i House of Worship; however no Baha’i gets a greater and infinite opportunity to teach then India, where visitors are coming in by the hundreds and thousands every hour. In many countries teaching the faith is a formidable task and opportunities are far and wide. Where as, in India volunteers are approached directly by visitors wanting to know more about the temple and Faith. The array of questions that are asked by visitors only strengthens and reaffirms a volunteer’s own understanding and knowledge of the faith.
There have been many episodes of my service where I have had long stimulated conversations with visitors who were of Muslim, Hindu, Sikh or Christian background. The receptivity and respect they all showed became apparent through meaningful dialogue. This process of healthy dialogue made my love and understanding for all religions grow to the point where I recognized all religions as one. There is no difference in faith to what I have, to what they have, as the spirit and essence is the same. Of course there were also some visitors who found it difficult to except or relate to such a faith with its vision so world embracing.
Abdu’l-baha shared that, “Of all the gifts of God the greatest is the gift of Teaching.” The bounty that is derived from teaching a person who is seeking truth is a unique and joyous experience. In many ways you are planting a seed in that person and nurturing it for life. That person will always remember you as their first encounter towards the faith. This in itself is very auspicious and makes you want to work that much harder. I recall on occasions just before temple closing, when visitors would gather around volunteers inquiring about the faith and questions would come from all directions. They were completely consumed when certain facets of the writings were revealed. Furthermore they were stunned to see such diversity of volunteers serving together from different parts of the world. Perhaps it was puzzling for an Indian visitor to be welcomed by a foreigner or perhaps it was the sense of unity and coherency manifested by all volunteers or perhaps it was the reverence of temple being exuded to all. Whatever it was, it brought forth a certain appeal and curiosity in the hearts of visitors.
My only regret is the missed opportunities to teach each and everyone. Sometimes what happens as volunteers is, we get so caught up in the moment that we forget. We can’t be blamed but we can realize that such moments are fleeting and with the passage of time will fade, thus each moment is a beautiful gift to share and treasure. This is why reflection is imperative each and everyday. To realize the distinction and potential we can create.
Early in the mornings, volunteers would get up to study Ruhi book 2 with everyone. Many were tired and exhausted from the night before however all the fatigue would fade away as spirits were refreshed and gladdened once the class was in motion. This was a wonderful way to start the day where they could develop their understanding of the writings and then put it into action by sharing it with visitors, a perfect example of reflection, action and consolidation.
During the nights after service and dinner complete, volunteers would sit on the famous dormitory steps. This area was a place of solace for many to share stories, play games and snap up as many photos. These were special moments where bonds of friendship were made to last the tests and times.
We would take pleasure in each other’s company and keep the atmosphere light and joyous for all. There was a time for everything in service. Before sleeping, I would have meaningful and elevated conversations with roommates. Stories relating to life and ones journey made me realize age was never a criterion for service. We discovered and learnt from one another, no one was better or superior we were all working towards helping each other.
Coming back to Australia I was fortunate enough to meet up with a few of the volunteers whom I served with in India. All volunteers seem to have this hidden, underlying understanding of each other when they make eye contact for the 2nd time. I think it’s due to the experience of service, which cannot be readily understood by an outsider. Only a volunteer can understand another volunteer due to the trials and tests both have gone through.
A friend who has served for 25 years in temple and someone, whom I dearly look up to, once told me that true friendship that lasts for life and onto the next world is the friendship that is made on spiritual basis. Nothing can destroy it, no doubt, no misunderstanding, no material possession, nothing! Another friend commented before leaving that there is an invisible thread that binds us together while serving and this can only happen if working for a unified cause. Another volunteer commented that service in temple is another world, another reality that cannot be compared to. He described temple service as a state of bliss, only when it is over do you realise the outpouring of love that was received.
Below are some quotations, which emanate the importance of service and selflessness. The deeper we reflect upon these the more we realise it is the duty of each individual to sacrifice some part of his or her time for the betterment of the world. This is the only way transformation will transpire in the world we live in.
“… Whosoever is occupied with himself is wandering in the desert of heedlessness and regret. The ‘Master Key’ to self-mastery is self-forgetting. The road to the palace of life is through the path of renunciation.” 6 – Abdu’l-baha
“O My servant! Free thyself from the fetters of this world, and loose thy soul from the prison of self. Seize thy chance, for it will come to thee no more.” 7 – Baha’u’llah
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
“That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” 8– Baha’u’llah
“Labor is needed, if we are to seek Him; ardor is needed, if we are to drink of the honey of reunion with Him; and if we taste of this cup, we shall cast away the world.” 9 – Baha’u’llah
“The mystery of sacrifice is that man should sacrifice all his conditions for the divine station of God. The station of God is mercy, kindness, forgiveness, sacrifice, favor, grace and giving life to the spirits and lighting the fire of His love in the hearts and arteries.” 10 – Abdu’l-Baha
“…nearness to God necessitates sacrifice of self, severance and the giving up of all to Him. Nearness is likeness.” 11 – Abdu’l-Bahá
There is a beautiful quote by Abdul’baha I would like to end on regarding service at any Baha’i House of Worship, which I hope inspires friends to serve in such a blessed place.
“Not only does the Mashirqu’l-Adhkar (Baha’i House of Worship) have an effect upon those who built it but upon the whole world… Whosoever arises for the service of this building shall be assisted with great power from His Supreme Kingdom, and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessing shall descent which shall fill his heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding the Glorious and Eternal God.”
References
(5) – From the Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Bahá
(6) – Abdu’l-Bahá: Star of the West, Vol. XVII, p. 348
(7) – Baha’u’llah, The hidden Words p.36
(8) – Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh/CXVII
(9) – Baha’u’llah, The Seven Valleys, p. 7
(10) – Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of Abdu’l-Baha v1, p. 65
(11) – Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 148
(12) – Abdu’l-Bahá: Bahá’í Year Book, Vol. 1, pp. 60-62
Reflections: Service at Baha’i House of Worship (Part 2)
The Baha’i Temple in India receives an average of 10 to 15,000 visitors per day. On Sundays and Public Holidays you can expect visitors ranging from 20 to 40,000, if not more. Nowhere else in the world do I know of an edifice that allows you to come in, free of charge with that many people. Strictly, no one is allowed to pay or make any such donation. The temples are maintained by funds contributed only by the Baha’is, residing all across the world. It must also be noted that all Baha’i Temples are made first and foremost for the community in large and then for the Baha’is. Its prime motive is to bring together people of all race, class, culture, creed, nationality and religions in oneness and unity for the dawning place of the remembrance of God.
In order for the smooth running of Baha’i Temples, they are also very much reliant on volunteers to make the time to serve sacrificially. It is a time for them to develop spiritually and selflessly, to build capacity by teaching, learning, assisting, and arising in service. Sacrifice is about letting go of something that is lower for something that is higher, not spiritually but materially letting go. Sacrifice does involve pain but it is also the bearer of joy. Abdu’l-Baha shares that –“Until a being setteth his foot in the plane of sacrifice, he is bereft of every favour and grace; and this plane of sacrifice is the realm of dying to the self, that the radiance of the living God may then shine forth.” 1
It’s
necessary that each individual strive to do their utmost best with such
virtues as patience, tolerance, love, compassion, honesty,
perseverance, resilience and most importantly humility. I recall, when I
first entered the temple office I was asked to sit and read a temple
guideline book. At the time I nervously skimmed through this 30-page
booklet not fully digesting what I was reading. In it was a beautifully
written letter by the Temple General Manager that shared a prayer by
Abdu’l-baha:“Lord, send down Thy benediction on whosoever serves this edifice . . .
Confirm him in every good deed among mankind;
open the doors of riches and wealth unto him;
and make him an inheritor of the treasures of the Kingdom which perish not; cause him to be a sign of giving unto the people…”
This prayer revealed the ideas, sentiments and qualities a volunteer would need for serving at the Baha’i House of Worship. This was the standard of magnanimity required to affect visitors to make them turn and question whom we were.
Volunteering at any Baha’i Temple of the world is no easy deed. It can be extremely challenging spiritually and physically. Equally, it’s the process of continually striving and advancing where a person is bestowed with so much blessing, understanding and wisdom. An individual grows only with tests and difficulties that are laid on their path. Challenges come in many forms i.e. language, food, culture, standing on feet hours on end, managing visitors by the thousands, briefing visitors hours on end, personality differences in volunteers, not enough volunteer assistance, and extreme weather are to name a few. It’s all about accepting and embracing the flaws we have and learning to arise above them together. Abdu’l-Bahá shared that, “The supreme need of humanity is cooperation and reciprocity. The stronger the ties of fellowship and solidarity amongst men, the greater will be the power of constructiveness and accomplishment in all the planes of human activity.” 2
Most volunteer’s who do serve, serve for a minimum of one month; some serve for 2 or 3 months or even a whole year and then go back to their respective country of origin. No matter how long a person’s service may be, each and every moment of it is fleeting and precious. Before they realize it, it is the end and no one wants to leave, because ones experience is immeasurable. Volunteers form a certain attachment to the place, which is incomprehensible to grasp. For many volunteers service is a turning point as they acquire spiritual susceptibilities that they felt they could not achieve. It is empowering and at the same time inspiring to see such transformation right under ones eye, as I have seen. Wherever you see life there exists love and unity, just like there exists life in the temple that is codependent on volunteers.
Throughout the day volunteers are given set posts and responsibilities and to keep the flow of work going in a seemly manner they are rotated every hour. These posts are set in temple porch, entrance, inside, exit and information centre. The approach is very organic; visitors are welcomed and put in lines ready to be briefed. They then go inside, sit and pray as long as they desire. Once visitors exit they can collect pamphlets of their language. Many visitors from various countries are astonished to find pamphlets in their native language. It is a humbling experience to see their faces light up with joy. After that, visitors can choose to visit information centre or observe the panel exhibition down stairs or even bask in the sun at the steps of the lotus pool.
After
an exhaustive and hard working day of service, all volunteers would
assemble together for a reflection meeting. This was a time to reflect
on the day’s event, identify needs, build capacity in each other and
ensure we were on the same level. Volunteers would sit in a circle;
share their story of struggles, challenges, learning’s, areas of
improvements, teachings and questions they received from visitors that
they had no answer to. These meetings were some of the most precious and
priceless recollections I have.Reflection is a very powerful instrument; Baha’u’llah says, “One hour’s reflection is preferable to seventy years of pious worship.” 3 Through consultation, consolidation and elevated conversations we would become so united and aware of each other. Reflections always began with a prayer chanted in Hindi, namely – “God is sufficient unto me…” and ended in English. When volunteers chanted this in harmony the four walls would echo for minutes on end and we would sit in silence trying to digest this beauty. It was a feeling of complete bliss and serenity.
A lot of gratitude goes towards the dorm parents who on the 1st
day took us in and showered us with love and kindness. With patience
and forbearance they showed us the way to enhance our service. If
volunteers were not upholding the cleanness of rooms etc, they were
readily told by dorm parents to keep that of utmost priority. Such
simple actions made us appreciate and value the importance of being
organised and prioritizing. It was because of them we never missed home
or family; there was a real sense of kinship. I had actually started my
service on the 1st day of fasting, which in itself was a
fantastic occurrence. Along with the fasting came many Baha’i Holy day
celebrations, and those too were magnificent occasions.One defining moment I have of my service, which is so beautifully and vividly captured in my mind is when my post was in entrance. My duty was to greet and welcome with both hands put together each and everyone. When visitors would make their way up and form lines, I would smile and look right into their eyes with utmost humility and love. As this happened over a period of time they all began to emulate the same sentiments I was giving them. With gradual ease, like a drop of rain submerging into an ocean it occurred to me, that God exists in all. When I was looking right into each and every visitor’s eyes, I was looking right into God, the purity and goodness that exist in all. This beautiful notion gave me a warm feeling inside; that I am not alone; my journey in this world may be a personal one, but I am one with all.
Selfless service puts things in perspective towards who we are as human beings. Allowing us to identify, focus and polish on our higher nature. Shoghi Effendi explains that, “The more we search for ourselves, the less likely we are to find ourselves; and the more we search for God, and to serve our fellow men, the more profoundly will we become acquainted with ourselves, and the more inwardly assured. This is one of the great spiritual laws of life.” 4
To be continued…
Snapshot of Baha’i Lotus Temple Visitors
References
(1) – Selections From the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
(2) – Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 338
(3) – Kitáb-i-Íqán / Par 251-292, Bahá’u’lláh
(4) – Lights of Guidance, Section 391, Page 115, From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, February 18, 1954
Reflections: Service at Baha’i House of Worship (Part 1)
On the 27th of December 2011, I revisited the Baha’i House of
Worship in India. Below is an account of my visitation and the
recollections I have of my beautiful service.
Its been almost one year since I last saw the Baha’i Temple in India,
also known as the “Lotus Temple” or “Kamal Mandir” to the locals of
India. I had the privilege and bounty of serving at this blessed place
all throughout the year of 2010. When such a huge amount of time is
spent in one place, it eventually leaves a mark in your heart that
cannot be removed. So much has happened as I attempt to relive and
reflect on those special moments a year ago.
Firstly, I exit the New Delhi International airport and hire a taxi straight to the temple. I tell the driver “I want to go to the Baha’i Lotus Temple.” He knows exactly what I am talking about and we are off into the busy road of New Delhi. It’s winter, but not quite as cold as last year. The smog is dense and it’s taking some time for me adjust with the breathing, but I’m surviving. Many things go through my mind, mainly the anticipation of seeing a beautiful white marble building. For a brief moment I stop and observe the craziness of India from my car window. It’s miraculous! All of it! How does this place work? What makes this go around? I just don’t understand and I certainly don’t have an answer to it.
After forty minutes of sitting in a car we get very close to temple vicinity, my driver veers up the road and I can just about see the head of the lotus flower. My heart misses a beat, but I try to remain calm. I am close; so close “can this be true?” I question myself. There is traffic at the gate for the cars to go in and park. I tell the driver to let me off here and I’ll see him in a few hours at the car park. He obliges.
I walk to the temple entry and show my bag for check up. In that
moment, I wonder if any security member remembers me. Not yet. I make my
way to the main temple pathway. I see it with such clarity it’s
unbelievable. I quickly take out my camera and snap the thousandth photo
of this edifice, which I never seem to get bored off. I walk and
consciously take each step with great honour, but my face continues
looking onward at the temple.
Finally I am put in line. Behind me, stand a foreign couple, seemingly contemplating to not go inside. Perhaps it’s the lack of trust with giving their shoes. I’m not sure but I quickly intervene and confirm that they must go up and that the safety of their shoes is in good hands. I explain that inside is a beautiful prayer hall where people of different religions and backgrounds can sit in a unified manner and pray to that one Almighty God, who is of unknowable essence. For a moment the couple are taken aback at my knowledge of this place. However, they have no idea that I used to serve here, that this was my home and refuge, that I am a Baha’i. With my confirmation they gladly except and decide to visit the temple.
It’s a strange feeling to take off my shoes and be given a token number. I have not been through this process before; moreover I am a visitor and not a volunteer. I smile and thank the wonderful man working in the shoe keeping area. As I slowly stride up the stairs, I swiftly take another photo. I can’t help it! 1st entrance is closed. It seems to be busier than usual, so 2nd entrance is being used. The crowd is easier to maintain with 2nd entrance open. I walk straight into line. There is a young foreign volunteer who is nervously calling out “Please, one line!” most of the people listen and some don’t quite understand. As the young boy passes by me, I smile and whisper in his ear “Just say – Ek Line, they will understand”. The boy is new and inexperienced, nevertheless, I know in a few days he will get the gist of it all and speak with much strength and vigour.
Briefing has finished for the 1st batch of visitors and now it’s our turn. The volunteers guide us into entrance two. Within a matter of minutes the entrance is full and the volunteers stop the line from additional people coming in. Briefing begins in Hindi, which I can understand. I listen very intently and after a few minutes it begins in English. I make eye contact with the volunteers, smile and thank them as I walk in.
Briefing has always been one of the most special aspects of service
for me. I used to do it in both languages for hours non-stop until my
throat would give way. It was a gratifying experience and I absolutely
loved it! All eyes gazing at me, all ears listening to what I say. I was
the warm centre of attention. The words that came from my mouth were
based around the Baha’i writings and shared the importance of prayer. It
questioned people to think about what is prayer? “Prayer is a loving conversation with God; it’s like a ladder that brings us closer to God.” Why do we pray? “In the highest prayer men pray only for the love of God, not because they fear him or hope for bounty.”
Briefing was there to set the scene for all visitors for what this
edifice stood for, to be completely detached from themselves and the
world around them. This prepared all visitors to walk in and immerse
themselves in a deep meaningful conversation with their creator. It was
special. I felt special being able to impart such knowledge to all who
listened.
This form of briefing was very new at the time when I had actually started service and it took sometime for all volunteers to become accustomed to it. I remember in the beginning I would have sweaty palms, a quivering voice and become very anxious whenever I was told to brief. This was due to the lack of faith in myself, however that all changed with time. Briefing is not necessarily easy to learn, it takes time, practice and it’s about having complete faith and focus in your ability to pass on a message from the core of your heart. Once that is achieved you have mastered briefing.
As I walk in I am in complete awe of the marble structure, the
magnitude and exquisiteness of the interior, the curves and arcs as they
meet at the centre of the Ringstone symbol. It’s all so beautiful and
majestic. I search for a seat close to the front where there are few
people sitting. Quietly, I sit and begin praying with the remembrance of
God. I pray… and I pray some more… little by little my eyes well up and
slowly a tear trickles down my face. I try my utmost best to keep
everything in, but I no longer can. With each passing moment, I begin to
reflect and reminiscent on my year of service. It’s another world,
another time, another reality that cannot be fathomed, described or
explained, it has to be lived and it has to be experienced in its true
form.
So what exactly is it about this place that gets me? How can I justify my service and experience? It’s hard to point out a singular reason. It could be everything and the whole thing. It’s ones journey of finding themselves through selfless acts of service. It’s ones way of learning and deepening as a spiritual being. It’s ones way of sharing the word of God and teaching to their best of knowledge. It’s ones way of meeting so many friends who have the same unified vision. It’s appreciating the culture; it’s appreciating the ample visitors that come and go as they wish. It’s India as a country. It’s love, it’s emotion, it’s beauty, it’s humility, it’s the smiles on the faces, it’s the array of people and the stark contrasts; it’s the air, it’s the diversity of religions and the prayers that are chanted under the one lotus. Come to think of it… it is absolutely everything!
There is nothing more purifying, pleasing or soothing for the soul then to be selfless. Ones motive and intention ‘just to be of service’ for mankind and expecting nothing in return is the most beautiful and pragmatic thing any human being can do. It is a reflection of who we are and need to be if we are to accomplish a united world.
To be continued…
Baha’i Lotus Temple from a distant walk
Firstly, I exit the New Delhi International airport and hire a taxi straight to the temple. I tell the driver “I want to go to the Baha’i Lotus Temple.” He knows exactly what I am talking about and we are off into the busy road of New Delhi. It’s winter, but not quite as cold as last year. The smog is dense and it’s taking some time for me adjust with the breathing, but I’m surviving. Many things go through my mind, mainly the anticipation of seeing a beautiful white marble building. For a brief moment I stop and observe the craziness of India from my car window. It’s miraculous! All of it! How does this place work? What makes this go around? I just don’t understand and I certainly don’t have an answer to it.
After forty minutes of sitting in a car we get very close to temple vicinity, my driver veers up the road and I can just about see the head of the lotus flower. My heart misses a beat, but I try to remain calm. I am close; so close “can this be true?” I question myself. There is traffic at the gate for the cars to go in and park. I tell the driver to let me off here and I’ll see him in a few hours at the car park. He obliges.
Baha’i Temple on a busy day
Finally I am put in line. Behind me, stand a foreign couple, seemingly contemplating to not go inside. Perhaps it’s the lack of trust with giving their shoes. I’m not sure but I quickly intervene and confirm that they must go up and that the safety of their shoes is in good hands. I explain that inside is a beautiful prayer hall where people of different religions and backgrounds can sit in a unified manner and pray to that one Almighty God, who is of unknowable essence. For a moment the couple are taken aback at my knowledge of this place. However, they have no idea that I used to serve here, that this was my home and refuge, that I am a Baha’i. With my confirmation they gladly except and decide to visit the temple.
It’s a strange feeling to take off my shoes and be given a token number. I have not been through this process before; moreover I am a visitor and not a volunteer. I smile and thank the wonderful man working in the shoe keeping area. As I slowly stride up the stairs, I swiftly take another photo. I can’t help it! 1st entrance is closed. It seems to be busier than usual, so 2nd entrance is being used. The crowd is easier to maintain with 2nd entrance open. I walk straight into line. There is a young foreign volunteer who is nervously calling out “Please, one line!” most of the people listen and some don’t quite understand. As the young boy passes by me, I smile and whisper in his ear “Just say – Ek Line, they will understand”. The boy is new and inexperienced, nevertheless, I know in a few days he will get the gist of it all and speak with much strength and vigour.
Briefing has finished for the 1st batch of visitors and now it’s our turn. The volunteers guide us into entrance two. Within a matter of minutes the entrance is full and the volunteers stop the line from additional people coming in. Briefing begins in Hindi, which I can understand. I listen very intently and after a few minutes it begins in English. I make eye contact with the volunteers, smile and thank them as I walk in.
Volunteers briefing to Visitors
This form of briefing was very new at the time when I had actually started service and it took sometime for all volunteers to become accustomed to it. I remember in the beginning I would have sweaty palms, a quivering voice and become very anxious whenever I was told to brief. This was due to the lack of faith in myself, however that all changed with time. Briefing is not necessarily easy to learn, it takes time, practice and it’s about having complete faith and focus in your ability to pass on a message from the core of your heart. Once that is achieved you have mastered briefing.
The from inside the Temple
So what exactly is it about this place that gets me? How can I justify my service and experience? It’s hard to point out a singular reason. It could be everything and the whole thing. It’s ones journey of finding themselves through selfless acts of service. It’s ones way of learning and deepening as a spiritual being. It’s ones way of sharing the word of God and teaching to their best of knowledge. It’s ones way of meeting so many friends who have the same unified vision. It’s appreciating the culture; it’s appreciating the ample visitors that come and go as they wish. It’s India as a country. It’s love, it’s emotion, it’s beauty, it’s humility, it’s the smiles on the faces, it’s the array of people and the stark contrasts; it’s the air, it’s the diversity of religions and the prayers that are chanted under the one lotus. Come to think of it… it is absolutely everything!
There is nothing more purifying, pleasing or soothing for the soul then to be selfless. Ones motive and intention ‘just to be of service’ for mankind and expecting nothing in return is the most beautiful and pragmatic thing any human being can do. It is a reflection of who we are and need to be if we are to accomplish a united world.
The Ringstone symbol inside of Temple
A Journey into India
A Journey into India
A Journey into India – follows my journey around India in 2010. What I was able to capture on my video camera. The array of places I saw and just the sheer beauty that India encapsulates. Majority of the people are unknown to me in this video. 40% of the material was recorded with Intrepid Travel tour, which was a wonderful way to get around. But to know India one has to spend sometime there and feel the beat off the country. I am very fortunate for having done volunteer work in New Delhi at the beautiful Baha’i Lotus Temple. Also teaching young children at Rabbani Baha’i School located on the outskirts of Gwalior. Throughout my travels I was also able to see many Baha’i communities which was a blessing. I feel all young adults need to at some point get out of their comfort zone and do some traveling. A year of service would also suffice as you realise the importance of service. Traveling & service makes us see the real world. It puts things in perspective. Where we need to to put our efforts to improve mankind. I still feel that education in developing countries is a weak link and more efforts need to be put towards that. In developed countries I think the weakness lies in the lack of “spiritual and moral education”. I hope… I can only hope but also by working and involving myself at a grass root level to be bring upon such change. I hope we can all work on this together to bring about transformation.
This is my way of saying how much I love India and the wonderful experience I had, my Homage, my Journey, my Love :-)
Soothing Music from AR Rahman
Latika’s Theme Song – Slumdog Millionaire
Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera – Swades
Also some Music from an old man in an Hindu Temple
Video was Shot on Canon HV40 DV and Nikon D90.
Video was made complete in 3rd April 2011
Sharing it in my blog for the 1st time :-)
A Journey into India – follows my journey around India in 2010. What I was able to capture on my video camera. The array of places I saw and just the sheer beauty that India encapsulates. Majority of the people are unknown to me in this video. 40% of the material was recorded with Intrepid Travel tour, which was a wonderful way to get around. But to know India one has to spend sometime there and feel the beat off the country. I am very fortunate for having done volunteer work in New Delhi at the beautiful Baha’i Lotus Temple. Also teaching young children at Rabbani Baha’i School located on the outskirts of Gwalior. Throughout my travels I was also able to see many Baha’i communities which was a blessing. I feel all young adults need to at some point get out of their comfort zone and do some traveling. A year of service would also suffice as you realise the importance of service. Traveling & service makes us see the real world. It puts things in perspective. Where we need to to put our efforts to improve mankind. I still feel that education in developing countries is a weak link and more efforts need to be put towards that. In developed countries I think the weakness lies in the lack of “spiritual and moral education”. I hope… I can only hope but also by working and involving myself at a grass root level to be bring upon such change. I hope we can all work on this together to bring about transformation.
This is my way of saying how much I love India and the wonderful experience I had, my Homage, my Journey, my Love :-)
Soothing Music from AR Rahman
Latika’s Theme Song – Slumdog Millionaire
Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera – Swades
Also some Music from an old man in an Hindu Temple
Video was Shot on Canon HV40 DV and Nikon D90.
Video was made complete in 3rd April 2011
Sharing it in my blog for the 1st time :-)
All is Love – Children
All is Love – Children
Short music video on Children – All is Love. It is of utmost important to raise children with love ensuring they get the proper education and no child should be denied it. The quotations are from selected Writings of the Baha’i Faith.
The video material of the children has come from the many schools I visited whilst in India and Nepal in 2010. Also teaching for one month at Rabbani Baha’i School. This was beautiful opportunity for me talk to the children and spend time with them. I was able to capture fun moments on my camera. I hope you like it! Please share amongst friends and feel free to leave comments.
Music has been taken from the Sound track – “Where the wild things are”
Shot on Canon HV40 and Nikon D90
Some Quotations from the Baha’i Writings for Children
“Children are the most precious treasure a community can posses for in them are the promise and guarantee of the future”
– Baha’i Writings
“The proper education of children is of vital importance to the progress of mankind, and the heart and essential foundation of all education is spiritual and moral training.”
– Baha’i Writings
“Take the utmost care to give children high ideals and goals, so that once they come of age, they will cast their beams like brilliant candles on the world”
– Baha’i Writings
Short music video on Children – All is Love. It is of utmost important to raise children with love ensuring they get the proper education and no child should be denied it. The quotations are from selected Writings of the Baha’i Faith.
The video material of the children has come from the many schools I visited whilst in India and Nepal in 2010. Also teaching for one month at Rabbani Baha’i School. This was beautiful opportunity for me talk to the children and spend time with them. I was able to capture fun moments on my camera. I hope you like it! Please share amongst friends and feel free to leave comments.
Music has been taken from the Sound track – “Where the wild things are”
Shot on Canon HV40 and Nikon D90
Some Quotations from the Baha’i Writings for Children
“Children are the most precious treasure a community can posses for in them are the promise and guarantee of the future”
– Baha’i Writings
“The proper education of children is of vital importance to the progress of mankind, and the heart and essential foundation of all education is spiritual and moral training.”
– Baha’i Writings
“Take the utmost care to give children high ideals and goals, so that once they come of age, they will cast their beams like brilliant candles on the world”
– Baha’i Writings
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Takes about 100 adult income earners to save money to buy one center.
Very helpful info specially the remaining
section :) I take care of such information a lot. I used to
be looking for this certain info for a very lengthy time.
Thank you and good luck.
I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already ;
) Cheers!
this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept preaching about this.
I most certainly will send this information to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read.
I appreciate you for sharing!
Allah’u’abha, I hope you are well. To be precise I was there in the beginning of March 2010 to the end Jan 2011. This being said I had served for a total of 7 months. I had taken few months off in between to travel around in India. Nov – Dec i was not serving I was trvaelling. I remember I had begun serving again Dec end till Jan end. There were people I completely missed, friends like yourself. I hope that helps.