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Part 2: Recreating Ourselves in the Image of the Master

Baha'i Blog is happy to provide an audio recording of the 2016 Ridvan Message from the Universal House of Justice.

Each year on the first day of Ridvan, the Universal House of Justice addresses a letter to the worldwide Baha’i community, known as the Ridvan message. These letters touch on many subjects, including the growth and vibrancy of the Baha’i community, its efforts to contribute to the life of society, and the progress of specific projects and plans. 

This message is read by Mr. Intalik Milne. 

The 2016 Ridvan message can also be viewed and downloaded from the official site of the Universal House of Justice here: http://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/ridvan-messages/20160420_001

Audio Recording of Ridvan Message 2016

Baha’i Blog’s “Studio Sessions” is an initiative where we invite Baha’is and their friends from around the world to come into a studio and share the Baha’i Writings put to music.

In this Baha’i Blog Studio Session, we’re in San Francisco, USA with Seaon Shin, Sasha Bayan and Sam Suggs who sing “Aye Pesar-e-Ruh” in Persian, from the Writings of Baha'u'llah.

You can also watch the video of this song on Baha'i Blog's YouTube channel here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4rbY_UvaME

This song was filmed and recorded on 5 February, 2017 in San Francisco, USA.

Here is the link for the quotation sung, followed by its English translation:

https://www.scribd.com/document/341203023/Aye-Pesar-e-Ruh-O-Son-of-Spirit-by-Seaon-Sasha-Sam

"O SON OF SPIRIT! Burst thy cage asunder, and even as the phoenix of love soar into the firmament of holiness. Renounce thyself and, filled with the spirit of mercy, abide in the realm of celestial sanctity." - Baha'u'llah

You can also watch the "Studio Sessions" video series on Baha'i Blog's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLePDtgwcyKAScvchcLzY-XZTmP2tdN-EY

"Aye Pesar-e-Ruh (O Son of Spirit)" by Seaon, Sasha & Sam

This is an audio recording of the 'Toward Prosperity: The Role of Women and Men in Building a Flourishing World Civilization' statement released by the Baha'i International Community (BIC).

This five-page statement was prepared as a contribution to the 61st United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. It includes these powerful words:
"Women and men are equal, and always have been." This document examines prosperity, as it relates to "the economic empowerment of women in the changing world of work" and the BIC states that "while the path towards prosperity has many obstacles, it is also paved with hope." 

With the recent release of this statement and the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th, we wanted to help spread the word about this statement as it offers the leaders of the world a Baha'i perspective on a critical subject.

The Baha'i International Community represents the worldwide Baha'i community, in all its diversity, at the United Nations. The BIC has UN offices in New York City and Geneva, as well as regional offices in Addis Ababa, Brussels, and Jakarta.

'Toward Prosperity: The Role of Women and Men in Building a Flourishing World Civilization' can be read and downloaded here on the website of the BIC:

www.bic.org/statements/toward-prosperity-role-women-and-men-building-flourishing-world-civilization#ziFxOxDFklJQmBsQ.97

You can also follow their YouTube channel here: 

www.youtube.com/user/BICUNoffice

*This statement was read and recorded by Samira Eblaghi for Baha'i Blog.
*Total length: 11 minutes

Audio Reading of the 'Toward Prosperity' Document

Baha'i Blog is happy to provide an audio recording of the 1 March, 2017 letter on economic life from the Universal House of Justice.

You can read the message in full or download it from the website of the Universal House of Justice: http://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/activities-bahai-community/20170301_001

This letter, worthy of much study and reflection, relates to our economic lives and its implications for the welfare and prosperity of humanity. Although intended to reach institutions and communities, this letter is directed especially to us all as individuals. 

We hope this audio recording of the message assists you in your study of it. We are grateful to Kevin Mehrabi for the reading and recording of this letter for us.

Audio Reading: Universal House of Justice Letter on Economic Life

Baha’i Blog’s “Studio Sessions” is an initiative where we invite Baha’is and their friends from around the world to come into a studio and share the Baha’i Writings put to music.
 
In this Baha’i Blog Studio Session, we’re in Vancouver, Canada with Sarah and Nava who sing “O That I Could Travel” based on a prayer by Abdu’l-Baha.
 
You can also watch the recording of this song on Baha’i Blog’s YouTube channel here: 
 
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=766WYsdOaYo
 
This song was filmed and recorded in Vancouver, Canada, January 2017.

Discover more Baha'i-inspired content on BAHAIBLOG.NET

Here is the quotation used for the lyrics below followed by the quotation and chords:
 
"O that I could travel, even though on foot and in the utmost poverty, to these regions, and, raising the call of “Ya Baha’u’l-Abha” in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the divine teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it! Please God, ye may achieve it." - Abdu’l-Baha
 
----------------------
 
O that I could travel, even though on foot G Am F
And in the utmost poverty, to these regions (x2)

And, raising the call of Dm G Am
And, raising the call (the call)
And, raising the
And, raising the call (the call of)

Ya Baha’u’l-Abha (Ya Baha’u’l-Abha) G Am F
Ya Baha’u’l-Abha (x2)

in cities, villages, mountains, G Am F
deserts and oceans,
promote the divine teachings! (x2)

This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it! Dm G Am
This, alas, I cannot do.

Please God, ye may achieve it. (Ya Baha’u’l-Abha) G Am F
Please God, ye may achieve it

Ya Baha’u’l-Abha (Ya Baha’u’l-Abha) G Am F
Ya Baha’u’l-Abha (x2)

O that I could travel, even though on foot G Am F
And in the utmost poverty, to these regions (x2)

"O That I Could Travel" by Sarah & Nava

In honour of this year's joyous celebration of the bicentenary anniversary of Baha'u'llah's birth, we are thrilled to to share with you a downloadable audio reading of Edward Granville Browne's account of meeting Baha'u'llah.

E. G. Browne, a professor from Cambridge University, met Baha'u'llah in the Mansion of Bahji in April 1890 on four separate occasions and recorded his thoughts and impressions of his first meeting for posterity. He was the only Westerner to meet Baha'u'llah and his account, although brief, is a treasure as it offers us a unique perspective of what it was like to attain Baha'u'llah's presence. 

This reading, performed by Ata Farhadi, and recorded by Kevin Mehrabi,  is from E. G. Brown's introduction in his translation of Abdu'l-Baha's 'A Traveller’s Narrative', which was published in 1891 by the Cambridge University Press.

Here is a transcript of the text:

The distinguished orientalist, the late Professor Edward G. Browne, of the University of Cambridge, visited Baha’u’llah at Bahjí in the year 1890, and recorded his impressions as follows:

"… my conductor paused for a moment while I removed my shoes. Then, with a quick movement of the hand, he withdrew, and, as I passed, replaced the curtain; and I found myself in a large apartment, along the upper end of which ran a low divan […]. Though I dimly suspected whither I was going and whom I was to behold (for no distinct intimation had been given to me), a second or two lapsed ere, with a throb of wonder and awe, I became definitely conscious that the room was not untenanted. In the corner where the divan met the wall sat a wondrous and venerable figure, crowned with a felt head-dress of the kind called taj by dervishes […], round the base of which was wound a small white turban. The face of him on whom I gazed I can never forget, though I cannot describe it. Those piercing eyes seemed to read one's very soul; power and authority sat on that ample brow; while the deep lines on the forehead and face implied an age which the jet-black hair and beard flowing down in indistinguishable luxuriance almost to the waist seemed to belie. No need to ask in whose presence I stood, as I bowed myself before one who is the object of a devotion and love which kings might envy and emperors sigh for in vain!

A mild dignified voice bade me be seated, and then continued: "Praise be to God that thou hast attained!... Thou hast come to see a prisoner and an exile.... We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations … that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled - what harm is there in this?... Yet so it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come.... Let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that he loves his kind...."

Such, so far as I can recall them, were the words which, besides many others, I heard from Beha […] consider well […] whether such doctrines merit death and bonds, and whether the world is more likely to gain or lose by their diffusion."

You can read more about E.G. Browne here on this Baha'i Blog article: http://bahaiblog.net/site/2017/07/tribute-edward-granville-browne/

A Dramatic Reading of E. G. Browne's Meeting with Baha'u'llah

A Dramatized Reading of E. G. Browne's Meeting with Baha'u'llah

Baha’i Blog’s “Studio Sessions” is an initiative where we invite Baha’is and their friends from around the world to come into a studio and share the Baha’i Writings put to music.
 
In this Baha’i Blog Studio Session, we’re in Johannesburg, South Africa with Dominique Sylvester who sings “Abdu’l-Baha” based on a tablet by Abdu’l-Baha.
 
You can also watch the recording of this song on Baha’i Blog’s YouTube channel here: 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IpQ7wviRpw
 
This song was filmed and recorded in Johannesburg, South Africa, September  2017.

Discover more Baha'i-inspired content on BAHAIBLOG.NET

Here is the quotation used for the lyrics below followed by the quotation and chords:
 
"My name is Abdul-Baha, my identity is Abdul-Baha, my qualification is Abdul-Baha, my reality is Abdul-Baha, my praise is Abdul-Baha. Thraldom to the Blessed Perfection is my glorious and refulgent diadem; and servitude to all the human race is my perpetual religion. ...No name, no title, no mention, no commendation hath he nor will ever have except Abdul-Baha. This is my longing. This is my supreme apex. This is my greatest yearning. This is my eternal life. This is my everlasting glory!"
- Abdu’l-Baha
 
----------------------
 
Repeat: Dm Bb(#11) C

CHORUS
My name is Abdul-Baha my qualification is Abdul-Baha
My reality is Abdul-Baha, My praise is Abdul-Baha
VERSE
Thraldom to the blessed perfection is my glorious and refulgent diadem
And servitude to all the human race is my perpetual religion
CHORUS
My name is Abdul-Baha my qualification is Abdul-Baha
My reality is Abdul-Baha , My praise is Abdul-Baha
VERSE
No name, no title mention no commendation hath I nor will ever have except Abdul-Baha
CHORUS
My name is Abdul-Baha my qualification is Abdul-Baha
My reality is Abdul-Baha, My praise is Abdul-Baha
VERSE
This is my longing this is my greatest yearning, this is my eternal life
This is my everlasting glory
CHORUS
My name is Abdul-Baha my qualification is Abdul-Baha
My reality is Abdul-Baha, My praise is Abdul-Baha

"Abdu'l-Baha" by Dominique Sylvester

This is an audio recording of the 'Beyond Mere Economics: A Moral Inquiry into the Roots of Empowerment' statement released by the Baha’i International Community (BIC) for the 62nd UN Commission on the Status of Women (12-23 March 2018). 

You can read about the statement and the BIC's involvement, in this Baha'i World News Service story: http://news.bahai.org/story/1243/

This year’s Commission on the Status of Women focused on the empowerment of rural women. Highlighting this theme, the BIC statement draws on the insights of women in different settings around the world who are engaged in social transformation in their communities and societies.

The Baha’i International Community represents the worldwide Baha’i community, in all its diversity, at the United Nations. The BIC has UN offices in New York City and Geneva, as well as regional offices in Addis Ababa, Brussels, and Jakarta.

'Beyond Mere Economics: A Moral Inquiry Into the Roots of Empowerment' can be read and downloaded here, on the website of the BIC (https://www.bic.org/). You can also follow their YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/BICUNoffice).

If you’re interested in learning more about the role of women and men, we’d recommend watching the two-part video produced by the US Baha’i Office of Public Affairs called Advancing Toward the Equality of Women and Men (here’s the link to Part 1 https://bit.ly/2GYUSr2, and the link to Part 2 https://bit.ly/2GEWZ5J).

Sonjel Vreeland's Album

Audio Reading of the 'Beyond Mere Economics' BIC Statement

Members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors joined in a conversation with the Baha'i World News Service in a podcast about the impact of spiritual and moral education programs offered by the Baha'i community on youth and the communities in which they live. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1264/.

Podcast: Counsellors’ conversation on spiritual transformation and social change: Part 1

Cloud9 interviews multidisciplinary artist and activist Masud Olufani about how the narrative of racism guides his creative pursuits. We also learn about his new podcast series, America’s Most Challenging Issue, hosted by BahaiTeachings.org.

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Masud Olufani: An Artist Rooted in Justice and Unity

Baha’i Blog’s “Studio Sessions” is an initiative where we invite Baha’is and their friends from around the world to come into a studio and share the Baha’i Writings put to music.
 
In this Baha’i Blog Studio Session, we’re in Frankfurt, Germany with Naim Zabihi, Naim Schmidt and Negin Zabihi who sing “The Gate of God” based on a quotation by the Bab.
 
You can also watch the recording of this song on Baha’i Blog’s YouTube channel here: 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8v7SAG2iGg
 
This song was filmed and recorded in Frankfurt, Germany, December 2018.

Discover more Baha'i-inspired content on BAHAIBLOG.NET

Here is the quotation used for the lyrics below followed by the quotation and chords:
 
"O thou who art the first to believe in Me! Verily I say, I am the Bab, the Gate of God, and thou art the Babu’l-Bab, the gate of that Gate. Eighteen souls must, in the beginning, spontaneously and of their own accord, accept Me and recognise the truth of My Revelation."
- The Bab
 
----------------------
 
Capo 3

Intro: picking around these chords: Em, G, Am, C

Em, G, Am, C
O thou who art the first to believe in Me!

(x4)

Em, G, Am, C
Eighteen souls must, of their own accord, accept Me, accept Me
Em, G, Am, C
and recognise the truth (the truth), the truth of My Revelation.

(x2)

Em, G, D, C
Verily I say, I am the Bab, Verily I say, I am the Gate of God

(x4)

Two voices:

Em, G, D, C
Eighteen souls must, of their own accord, accept Me, accept Me
Verily I say, I am the Bab, Verily I say, I am the Gate of God

(x2)

Em, G, D, C
Verily I say, I am the Bab, Verily I say, I am the Gate of God

(x2)

Outro: picking around these chords: Em, G, Am, C

“The Gate of God” by Naim Z, Naim S & Negin

Baha’i Blog’s “Studio Sessions” is an initiative where we invite Baha’is and their friends from around the world to come into a studio and share the Baha’i Writings put to music.
 
In this Baha’i Blog Studio Session, we’re in Frankfurt, Germany with Naim Zabihi, Naim Schmidt and Negin Zabihi who sing “The Bab” from the Writings of the Bab.
 
You can also watch the recording of this song on Baha’i Blog’s YouTube channel here: 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qH6yCWVEBc
 
This song was filmed and recorded in Frankfurt, Germany, December 2018.

Discover more Baha'i-inspired content on BAHAIBLOG.NET

Here is the quotation used for the lyrics below followed by the quotation and chords:
 
"I am the Primal Point from which have been generated all created things. I am the Countenance of God Whose splendour can never be obscured, the Light of God Whose radiance can never fade."
- The Bab
 
----------------------
 
Cadd9, G, Em7, D/F#
I am the Primal Point from which have been

Cadd9, G, Em7, D/F#
generated all created things. 

(x2)

Cadd9, G, Em7, D/F#
I am I am I am the Countenance of God 

Cadd9, G, Em7, D/F#
I am I am I am  the Light of God

(x2)

C, Am, Em, D
Whose splendour can never be obscured

Am, C, G, D
Whose radiance can never fade.

C, Am, Em, D
Whose splendour can never be obscured

Am, C, Em, D
Whose radiance can never fade.

(x1)

Cadd9, G, Em7, D/F#
I am the Primal Point from which have been

Cadd9, G, Em7, D/F#
generated all created things. 

(x2)

Cadd9, G, Em7, D/F#
I am I am I am the Countenance of God 

Cadd9, G, Em7, D/F#
I am I am I am  the Light of God

(x2)

“The Bab” by Naim Z, Naim S & Negin

In this series of four talks by Dr. Nader Saiedi called 'Worldview and the Law of the Persian Bayan', Dr. Saiedi offers a holistic, yet concise look at the Persian Bayan, the Mother Book of the Bab's Dispensation. These talks explore the worldview offered in the Persian Bayan by looking at the work in its totality, as well as examining its laws, commandments and ordinances. 

These four talks were given at the Santa Monica Baha'i Center (USA) in September of 2019, and a very special thanks to Dr. Nader Saiedi and the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Santa Monica, California, for allowing Baha'i Blog to publish these talks.

Professor Nader Saiedi is well known for his books 'Logos and Civilization' and 'Gate of the Heart'. Born in Tehran, Iran, he holds a Master’s degree in economics from Pahlavi University in Shiraz and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Wisconsin. For over 25 years he was a professor of sociology at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. In 2013, he became the Taslimi Foundation Professor of Baha’i Studies in the department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at UCLA.

If you enjoyed this talk, you might also enjoy listening to these two interviews with Professor Saiedi on the Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson:
1) Ep. 20: Nader Saiedi:  https://bit.ly/2EfpGTq
2) Ep.48: A Declaration of the Bab Conversation with Nader Saiedi: https://bit.ly/2C5RTPl

You can find out more about the Bab, His life and His Station here: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/

You can also find an introduction to the Bayan, here on Baha'i Blog: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2014/05/bayan-introduction/

For more talks by Dr. Nader Saiedi, as well as others, please check out Baha'i Blog's Talks playlist:  https://bit.ly/331P7UC

The Worldview and the Laws of the Persian Bayan

Worldview and the Law of the Persian Bayan (Part 1/4) - Dr. Nader Saiedi

Worldview and the Law of the Persian Bayan (Part 2/4) - Dr. Nader Saiedi

Worldview and the Law of the Persian Bayan (Part 3/4) - Dr. Nader Saiedi

Worldview and the Law of the Persian Bayan (Part 4/4) - Dr. Nader Saiedi

Baha’i Blog is delighted to share an audio recording of one of our articles titled, “Seasons of Spirituality: Ayyam-i-Ha, the Fast and Naw-Ruz",” in which we learn how all these holy days are connected in their emphasis on the unity of humanity and service to others. This article is read by its author, Preethi. 

You can read this article here: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2018/02/seasons-spirituality-ayyam-ha-fast-naw-ruz/

You can also listen to this reading on Baha’i Blog’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaGdFMktAnI

If you'd like to hear more audio readings and talks, check out Baha'i Blog's Audio Books & Readings playlist (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xLMN2tCC80&list=PLePDtgwcyKATXnKB4fbIUiQj90rIv5FiH) and Baha'i Talks playlist (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-f6oG-gSnc&list=PLePDtgwcyKAR-YtCDQomfurBPiEKxPPQg).

You can find more resources about Ayyam-i-Ha here on Baha'i Blog: www.bahaiblog.net/bahai-calendar/about-ayyam-i-ha/

Here are more Baha'i Blog resources dedicated to the Fast: https://www.bahaiblog.net/about-the-bahai-fast/

And last but not least, here are some about Naw-Ruz: https://www.bahaiblog.net/bahai-calendar/naw-ruz/

Seasons of Spirituality: Ayyam-i-Ha, the Fast, and Naw-Ruz

This is an audio reading of Baha'i Blog's article 'Abdu'l-Baha: Unique', written and read by Avrel Seale.

You can read the article here: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2013/11/abdul-baha-unique/

You can also listen to this reading on Baha’i Blog’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQCb8dDlTEo

Avrel Seale lives in Austin, Texas, U.S.A., where he writes and speaks frequently on the Baha'i Faith. He's the author of several books and the blog, 'The Trailhead': https://avrelseale.wordpress.com/

Find more Baha'i Blog articles by Avrel Seale here: https://www.bahaiblog.net/author/avrel/

For more audio readings and talks, check out Baha’i Blog’s Audio Books & Readings playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLePDtgwcyKATXnKB4fbIUiQj90rIv5FiH

You can read more about Abdu’l-Baha, including a biography of His life, His Unique Station, a selection of His Writings, and other articles dedicated to Him here: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/

Abdu'l-Baha: Unique

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

As Baha'is and their friends around the world celebrate the 12-day Festival of Ridvan, I thought it would be nice to create a special episode about Ridvan and its significance, so I got online with my friend, Tom Price, to have a chat about this special time for Baha'is. I hope you find this little conversation about Ridvan interesting and informative.

* Find out more about Ridvan by checking out this Baha'i Blog page full of articles and resources: https://www.bahaiblog.net/bahai-calendar/about-the-festival-of-ridvan/

* Check out the 'Ridvan Is Everywhere' playlist, which brings you family-friendly programming for all 12 days of the Festival of Ridvan: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsn_g0OpWDwIp99WjEHvuNIYIbOfz-WIr

* Learn more about Tom Price by listening to this previous Baha'i Blogcast episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF2kiyY_uZ0&list=PLePDtgwcyKAQmifUJTw0Kk-hBGL2ZGMJi&index=37&t=1s

Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: 

*YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO 
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
*Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast 
*Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 46: A Ridvan Conversation with Tom Price

Episode 46: A Ridvan Conversation with Tom Price

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode, I'm with Mohammad AL Samawi, an interfaith activist from Yemen and a best-selling author of 'The Fox Hunt', a page-turning book about his life and escape from Yemen. Mohammed tells me about his life in Yemen and the civil war there. He tells me how his disability helped change the course of his life and how he became an interfaith activist. We learn about the importance of seeking knowledge and the truth for one's self, and the positive power social media can play in the world. He tells us about his harrowing escape from Yemen to the U.S, and celebrates the fact that there are so many good people in the world. I hope you enjoy this exciting conversation with Mohammed as much as I did! 

To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links:

* Mohammed's book 'The Fox Hunt' can be found here on Amazon:  https://amzn.to/2SChvZh

* Mohammed's non-profit organization is called 'The Abrahamic House': https://www.abrahamichouse.org/

* Learn more about the situation of the Baha'is in Yemen here: https://www.bic.org/situation-in-yemen/reports-situation-yemen

* Mohammed mentions supporting the good work that the 'International Rescue Committee' is doing: https://www.rescue.org/

* Mohammed mentions the important Baha'i principle of the 'independent investigation of truth', which you can learn more about here: https://bahaiteachings.org/bahai-principles-independent-investigation-of-truth/

* We mention Layli Miller-Muro and supporting the work of 'The Tahirih Justice Center': https://www.tahirih.org/

* You can also listen to our Baha'i Blogcast episode with Layli Miller-Muro here: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2016/07/bahai-blogcast-rainn-wilson-episode-4-layli-miller-muro/

Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: 

*YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO 
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
*Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast 
*Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 47: Mohammed AL Samawi

Episode 47: Mohammed AL Samawi

Listen to an excerpt of Michael Greger, M.D.'s HOW TO SURVIVE A PANDEMIC audiobook, read by the author.

A vital, timely text on the viruses that cause pandemics and how to face them, by the New York Times bestselling author of How Not to Die.

From tuberculosis to bird flu and HIV to coronavirus, these infectious diseases share a common origin story: human interaction with animals. Otherwise known as zoonotic diseases for their passage from animals to humans, these pathogens—both pre-existing ones and those newly identified—emerge and re-emerge throughout history, sparking epidemics and pandemics that have resulted in millions of deaths around the world.

How did these diseases come about? And what—if anything—can we do to stop them and their fatal march into our countries, our homes, and our bodies? In How to Survive a Pandemic, Dr. Michael Greger, physician and internationally-recognized expert on public health issues, delves into the origins of some of the deadliest pathogens the world has ever seen. Tracing their evolution from the past until today, Dr. Greger spotlights emerging flu and coronaviruses as he examines where these pathogens originated, as well as the underlying conditions and significant human role that have exacerbated their lethal influence to large, and even global, levels.

As the world grapples with the devastating impact of the novel coronavirus 2019, or COVID-19, Dr. Greger reveals not only what we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones during a pandemic, but also what human society must rectify to reduce the likelihood of even worse catastrophes in the future.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

Buy the audiobook

How To Survive A Pandemic by Michael Greger, M.D., audiobook excerpt

In this presentation called 'Human Evolution Exists at the Intersection of Logic and 
Compassion' given by Professor Funmilola Fagbamila at the Justice Conference 2019,  Fagbamila addresses the importance of logic, compassion and emotional intelligence in the pursuit of a more just and healthy society. She argues that the increased political polarization that we currently see, most specifically in the West, is an outgrowth of the often illogical and harmful ways that humans engage in differences. Rather than observing the human difference as that which simply exists, it is often used as a means to ideologically justify the social hierarchies that impede on equal opportunity for all groups. Professor Fagbamila discusses the themes within her most recent work 'The Intersection', a stage play on the complexities of black political identity. By staging both familiar and controversial positions in society’s discourses, Fagbamila brings to the surface difficult conversations that are often avoided across the spectrum in our current system of partisan politics. Such honesty is not meant to foster agreement or consensus, but rather a collective dialogue mindful of the powerful potential of intersectionality. As an astute observer puts it, the play leads us to ask two important questions: “What can performance bring to a societal debate that is not possible through more traditional political discourse, and how does Fagbamila’s staging, claiming, theorizing, and embodying of contradictory perspectives create room in an otherwise claustrophobic ideological landscape?”

Funmilola Fagbamila is a Nigerian American scholar, activist, playwright and artist. She currently serves as an adjunct professor of Pan African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles. As an original member of the Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM), Funmilola has been organizing with BLM since its inception in 2013. While her artistry is multifaceted, including spoken word and hip hop, Funmilola’s current project, entitled "The Intersection: Woke Black Folk", is a stage play on the complexities of black political identity. This project has been met with critical acclaim by thinkers and artists such as Angela Davis and Erykah Badu. It premiered in March of 2018 as the featured theatrical production for Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. In 2015, Funmilola was honored by the United States Congress and the Black Community, Clergy and Labor Alliance for her “commendable activist scholarship, service and struggle”. In 2017, Funmilola was awarded the Inaugural Activist-in-Residence position at the Institute on Inequality and Democracy at UCLA Luskin. Her writing, political analyses and social commentary have been featured in publications such as the Guardian, NPR and NowThis News. You can find out more about Funmilola’s work at: https://www.funmilola.com/

The views expressed in this talk reflect the individual perspectives of the invited speaker to the Justice Conference.

The Justice Conference is an annual Baha'i-inspired forum for the exploration of international law, global governance, justice and ethics. It takes place in the Netherlands and all are welcome to participate! Find out more about the Justice Conference and register to attend here on their website: http://justice-conference.com/ and check out the Justice Conference Facebook page here: https://bit.ly/2TTtbbJ

You can also watch this presentation here on Baha'i Blog's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYYa1myrC1s

Human Evolution Exists at the Intersection of Logic and Compassion - A Talk by Funmilola Fagbamila

In this audio version of an online presentation, Mariette Leong, daughter of Hand of the Cause of God Collis Featherstone, pays tribute to Hyde and Clara Dunn (often referred to as 'Father and Mother Dunn') by telling us about their lives, and also sharing some of her own personal memories as well.

You can watch the video of this online presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnxsIkY6h2U

John Henry Hyde Dunn and Clara Dunn were the first Baha'is to come to Australia on April 10, 1920, and this presentation takes place as Australian Baha'is celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Baha'i Faith in Australia.

This online presentation was given on April 18, 2020.

Special thanks to Mariette and Ho-San Leong, and to all those involved in helping to make this happen.

Learn more about Clara Dunn by either reading or listening to this article called "Remembering Clara Dunn" here: 
*Article: https://bit.ly/2RGaK8w
*Audio: https://bit.ly/2VvUI25

You may also enjoy this presentation by Graham Hassall about Clara and Hyde Dunn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwTJb4ObCjE

Mariette Leong is the daughter of Collis Featherstone, whom you can also read more about here: https://bit.ly/2Y79RKh

Learn more about the history of the Baha'i Faith in Australia here: https://bahai.org.au/index.php/australian-bahai-community/history-australian-bahai-community/

A Tribute to Hyde & Clara Dunn - by Mariette Leong

We talk with Rabbi Dr. Laura Duhan-Kaplan and Peter Noteboom about the ways in which religious communities in Canada are fostering hope and solidarity in a time of coronavirus. Noteboom is the General Secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches, and Rabbi Dr. Duhan-Kaplan is Director of Inter-religious Studies at the Vancouver School of Theology.

The Public Discourse - S1.EP 5 - Hope & Solidarity During COVID-19

Baha’i Blog Studio Sessions is an initiative where we invite Baha’is and their friends from around the world to come into a studio and share the Baha’i Writings put to music.

In this Baha’i Blog Studio Session, we’re in Seattle, USA with Camila Matamala-Ost and Friends singing “Follow in the Footsteps” based on the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha.

This song was filmed and recorded in Seattle, USA, August 2019, and the participants are Olivia Rahbin, Shay Morris-Doty, Ai Ana Richmond, Saba Najafi, Camila Matamala-Ost, Rob Domos, Yosi Mesbah, Aaron Ferguson, Sina Najafi, Nikka Malakooti, Samin Bahizad, and Ben Spriggs.

You can watch the recording of this song on Baha’i Blog’s Youtube channel here: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Here is the quotation used for the lyrics below:

"Follow in the footsteps of Abdu’l-Baha, and in the pathway of the Abha Beauty, long at every moment to give up your lives. Shine out like the day-star, be unresting as the sea; even as the clouds of heaven, shed ye life upon field and hill, and like unto April winds, blow freshness through those human trees, and bring them to their blossoming. "
-Abdu’l-Baha


Check out BahaiBlog.net (http://bahaiblog.net/) for more great Baha'i-inspired content, and watch the Studio Sessions video series on Baha’i Blog’s YouTube Channel here: https://bit.ly/1LtjUx9

Follow In The Footsteps

"Follow In The Footsteps" by Camila & Friends

Welcome to Baha’i Blog’s SoundCloud channel!

We are an independent initiative for Australian Baha’is and likeminded friends to connect with personal stories, inspiration, arts and media about the Baha’i Faith, its ideals and transformational impact. 

Here on SoundCloud we feature Baha’i-inspired music, resources, talks, and perspectives on the Baha’i Faith. Be sure to subscribe to support the channel and stay up to date. 

The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha’i Faith. The official website of the Baha’i Faith in Australia is: Bahai.org.au, and the global website for the Baha’i Faith is Bahai.org