1. (C) Rodney H. Clarken 1 Baha’i Teachings and Holy Days December 6, 2004, 7 p.m. NMU University Center Nicolet Room Blast From the Past Holidays Around the World program Dr. Rodney Clarken Northern Michigan University

2. 2(C) Rodney H. Clarken The first basis of belief in the Baha'i Faith is that there is one God, the Lord of Creation, the All-Powerful, the Unknowable, who has always been made known to the creatures of his creation through a series of holy beings in human form: perfect men who have, from time to time, lived on the earth and taught men about God, shown them the spiritual path he wants them to tread, given them knowledge and laws to guide them. (see 4 minute video) is that there is one God, the Lord of Creation, the All-Powerful, the Unknowable, who has always been made known to the creatures of his creation through a series of holy beings in human form: perfect men who have, from time to time, lived on the earth and taught men about God, shown them the spiritual path he wants them to tread, given them knowledge and laws to guide them. (see 4 minute video)(see 4 minute video)(see 4 minute video)

3. 3(C) Rodney H. Clarken Christ, Muhammad, Buddha, Moses, Krishna, to name those we are familiar with--were perfect souls who reflected to mankind all the qualities of God, just as, for to name those we are familiar with--were perfect souls who reflected to mankind all the qualities of God, just as, for example, a mirror can reflect the sun and we see the sun in that mirror.

4. 4(C) Rodney H. Clarken The message of the Baha'i faith is that a new revelation has been given to mankind by Baha'u’llah, the Glory of God, who through the power of the divine Spirit, brought to the world the teachings is that a new revelation has been given to mankind by Baha'u’llah, the Glory of God, who through the power of the divine Spirit, brought to the world the teachingsBaha'u’llah of God for this day. The Baha'i Faith has spread all over the earth, increasingly gaining adherents in every country. (see 11 minute video) (see 11 minute video)

5. 5(C) Rodney H. Clarken Oneness of God--The Oneness of Religion Since there is only one God, there can be only one religion, the Religion of God. Religion by any other name is really only a section of religion. Baha'u'llah says that revelation is not for part of humanity but for the whole world, that the world must eventually be united in one common faith, accepting the new while maintaining the basic truths of the previous revelations. Since there is only one God, there can be only one religion, the Religion of God. Religion by any other name is really only a section of religion. Baha'u'llah says that revelation is not for part of humanity but for the whole world, that the world must eventually be united in one common faith, accepting the new while maintaining the basic truths of the previous revelations.

6. 6(C) Rodney H. Clarken The Oneness of Humanity Baha'u'llah says that there is only one human race and that differences of race, language, color, country, etc., are merely variations in the human family. We are one family and once this is accepted, such things as wars, race, class, and political differences can no longer be justified. He calls on the nations to come together in unity, to outlaw war, and if any nation breaks that rule, all the rest should arise and put it down. Unity is essential and any grievance or injustice can be dealt with by a world court to which all must defer. (See 4 minute movie) Baha'u'llah says that there is only one human race and that differences of race, language, color, country, etc., are merely variations in the human family. We are one family and once this is accepted, such things as wars, race, class, and political differences can no longer be justified. He calls on the nations to come together in unity, to outlaw war, and if any nation breaks that rule, all the rest should arise and put it down. Unity is essential and any grievance or injustice can be dealt with by a world court to which all must defer. (See 4 minute movie)(See 4 minute movie)(See 4 minute movie)

7. 7(C) Rodney H. Clarken Equality of Men and Women Obviously, if mankind is one, both men and women must be seen as spiritually equal and treated as human souls with the same rights and obligations. (See 90 second movie) Obviously, if mankind is one, both men and women must be seen as spiritually equal and treated as human souls with the same rights and obligations. (See 90 second movie)(See 90 second movie)(See 90 second movie)

8. 8(C) Rodney H. Clarken Harmony of Religion and Science Baha'u'llah taught that what we do in this world must be controlled and reinforced by our spiritual qualities. Therefore, religion and science must not be in opposition Baha'u'llah taught that what we do in this world must be controlled and reinforced by our spiritual qualities. Therefore, religion and science must not be in opposition but in harmony, as different aspects of truth.

9. 9(C) Rodney H. Clarken Personal Conduct Baha'u'llah sets very high standards to guide us through life, all based on spiritual principles-- selflessness, sacrifice of oneself, and purity of thought and deed as enjoined by previous revelations. He also gives Baha'u'llah sets very high standards to guide us through life, all based on spiritual principles-- selflessness, sacrifice of oneself, and purity of thought and deed as enjoined by previous revelations. He also gives some specific laws regarding prayer, fasting, the sanctity of marriage.

10. 10(C) Rodney H. Clarken The world The world must be governed on the basis of spiritual principles, accepting the oneness of all men, rather than the present expediency and controversy. America The world must be governed on the basis of spiritual principles, accepting the oneness of all men, rather than the present expediency and controversy. America has a special destiny in bringing about peace and justice. (See 2 minute movie) (See 2 minute movie)

11. 11(C) Rodney H. Clarken The Bahá'i calendar includes nine holy days which all have the significance of major feasts whose observance is required. Seven of them are joyful days celebrated by picnics or festal gatherings at which music, the reading of verses and tablets, and short addresses suitable to the occasion are contributed by those present. The anniversaries of the Martyrdom of the Báb and the Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh are celebrated with solemnity by appropriate meetings and discourses, the reading of prayers and tablets. All Bahá'í holy days run from sundown to sundown. which all have the significance of major feasts whose observance is required. Seven of them are joyful days celebrated by picnics or festal gatherings at which music, the reading of verses and tablets, and short addresses suitable to the occasion are contributed by those present. The anniversaries of the Martyrdom of the Báb and the Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh are celebrated with solemnity by appropriate meetings and discourses, the reading of prayers and tablets. All Bahá'í holy days run from sundown to sundown.

12. 12(C) Rodney H. Clarken "In the sacred laws of God, in every cycle and dispensation there are blessed feasts, holidays and workless days. On such days all kinds of occupations, commerce, industry, agriculture, classes, etc. should be suspended." “All should rejoice together, hold general meetings, become as one assembly, so that the national oneness, unity and harmony may be demonstrated in the eyes of all.“ Abdu'l-Baha

13. 13(C) Rodney H. Clarken Baha’i Holy Days March 21 Naw-Ruz - New Year. March 21 Naw-Ruz - New Year. April 21, April 29, May 2 - Ridvan April 21, April 29, May 2 - Ridvan Declaration of the Báb - May 23 Declaration of the Báb - May 23 Ascension of the Bahá'u'lláh - May 29 Ascension of the Bahá'u'lláh - May 29 Martyrdom of the Báb - July 9 Martyrdom of the Báb - July 9 October 20 Birth of Bab October 20 Birth of Bab November 12 Birth of Bahá'u'lláh November 12 Birth of Bahá'u'lláh

14. 14(C) Rodney H. Clarken The Bahá'í New Year (Naw Rúz): March 21 The festival of the New Year, Naw Rúz, marks the end of the month of fasting and is a joyous time of celebration.

15. 15(C) Rodney H. Clarken The Festival of Ridván (Paradise): April 21 - May 2 The Ridván (pronounced "riz-vawn") festival has three significant days and commemorates the first public declaration by Bahá'u'lláh of his mission, (in 1863). First Day: April 21 Ninth Day: April 29 Twelfth Day: May 2 http://www.artoflegendindia.com/browse/PBI

16. 16(C) Rodney H. Clarken Declaration of the Báb: May 23 Mt Carmel movie 5 mins.) Commemorates the date in 1844 when the Báb first declared His mission (Mt Carmel movie 5 mins.) Mt CarmelMt Carmel

17. 17(C) Rodney H. Clarken Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh: May 29 Commemorates the date in 1892 when Bahá'u'lláh ascended to heaven (i.e., passed away)

18. 18(C) Rodney H. Clarken Martyrdom of the Báb: July 9 Commemorates the date in 1850 when the Báb was executed by a 750-man firing squad in Tabríz, Iran

19. 19(C) Rodney H. Clarken Birth of the Báb: Oct. 20 Commemorates the date in 1819 when the Báb was born in Shíráz, Iran

20. 20(C) Rodney H. Clarken Birth of Bahá'u'lláh: Nov. 12 Commemorates the date in 1817 when Bahá'u'lláh was born in Tehran, Iran

21. 21(C) Rodney H. Clarken 'Ayyám-i-Há: The Intercalary Days, February 26 to March 1 Days of preparation for the Fast (March 2-20), days of hospitality, charity and the giving of presents. Days of preparation for the Fast (March 2-20), days of hospitality, charity and the giving of presents. My God, my Fire and my Light! The days which Thou hast named the Ayyam-i-Ha (the Days of Ha [light], Intercalary days) in Thy Book have begun, O Thou Who art the King of names, and the fast which Thy most exalted Pen hath enjoined unto all who are in the kingdom of Thy creation to observe is approaching. My God, my Fire and my Light! The days which Thou hast named the Ayyam-i-Ha (the Days of Ha [light], Intercalary days) in Thy Book have begun, O Thou Who art the King of names, and the fast which Thy most exalted Pen hath enjoined unto all who are in the kingdom of Thy creation to observe is approaching.

22. 22(C) Rodney H. Clarken What Bahá'ís actually do during the holidays Basically do what anyone else does on a holiday- -spend time with people they like, eat food they like, listen to music, enjoy and observe the day. Basically do what anyone else does on a holiday- -spend time with people they like, eat food they like, listen to music, enjoy and observe the day.

23. 23(C) Rodney H. Clarken The Bahá'í year is based on the solar year of 365 days. Each year is divided into nineteen months of nineteen days each with four Intercalary Days (five in a leap year), called Ayyám-i-Há which should precede the Each year is divided into nineteen months of nineteen days each with four Intercalary Days (five in a leap year), called Ayyám-i-Há which should precede theAyyám-i-Há nineteenth month. New Year's Day (Naw Rúz) New Year's Day (Naw Rúz) falls on the Spring Equinox.

24. 24(C) Rodney H. Clarken Nineteen Day Feasts There are no clergy and very little ritual. Every nineteen days the Bahá'ís get together for community worship in what is called the Nineteen Day Feast, where adherents read scripture, pray, discuss, consult and socialize. There are no clergy and very little ritual. Every nineteen days the Bahá'ís get together for community worship in what is called the Nineteen Day Feast, where adherents read scripture, pray, discuss, consult and socialize.

25. 25(C) Rodney H. Clarken 1SplendorMarch 21 2GloryApril 9 3BeautyApril 28 4GrandeurMay 17 5LightJune 5 6MercyJune 24 7WordsJuly 13 8PerfectionAugust 1 9NamesAugust 20 10 Might September 8 11 Will September 27 12 Knowledge October 16 13 Power November 4 14 Speech November 23 15 Questions December 12 16 Honor December 31 17 Sovereignty January 19 18 Dominion February 7 --Intercalary February 26 19 Loftiness March 2

26. 26(C) Rodney H. Clarken The world is but one country, and mankind it citizensmankind it citizens 1 minute movie We are one We are one (streaming 8 minute video with Dan Seales)

27. 27(C) Rodney H. Clarken References Most of the text and pictures were taken from various sources and websites. Most of the text and pictures were taken from various sources and websites. Text: from Bahá'í writings Text: from Bahá'í writings http://www.theonet.dk/update/update-v9-i3- 85/bahai_faith.html http://www.theonet.dk/update/update-v9-i3- 85/bahai_faith.html http://www.theonet.dk/update/update-v9-i3- 85/bahai_faith.html http://www.theonet.dk/update/update-v9-i3- 85/bahai_faith.html Photos: personal photos Photos: personal photos http://www.bahai-biblio.org/biblio-photo-a.htm http://www.bahai-biblio.org/biblio-photo-a.htm http://www.bahai-biblio.org/biblio-photo-a.htm http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~njtrg/Bahai/Photo %20Gallery.htm http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~njtrg/Bahai/Photo %20Gallery.htm http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~njtrg/Bahai/Photo %20Gallery.htm http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~njtrg/Bahai/Photo %20Gallery.htm