Bahá’ís from across the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and their friends, gathered on Thursday 27th October for a Holy Day celebration to mark the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. A programme of prayers, readings and music was followed by a Pot Luck lunch.
The meeting opened with the reading of a message from the Mayor of the Royal Borough, Mrs Christine Bateson, conveying her good wishes for the Holy Day celebration.
The Birth of Bahá’u’lláh is one of eleven Bahá’í Holy Days throughout the year. Bahá’u’lláh was born in Persia (now Iran) in 1817. The story of the life of Bahá’u’lláh is told here.
Bahá’ís believe that every time a Manifestation of God appears, a fuller measure of inspiration for the next stage in the awakening and progress of humanity is released into the world. A human being—ordinary in every outward respect—is called to be a mouthpiece for God. One may call to mind Moses standing before the Burning Bush, the Buddha receiving enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus in the form of a dove, or the archangel Gabriel appearing to Muḥammad.
In the middle of the 19th century, God summoned Bahá’u’lláh—meaning the “Glory of God”—to deliver a new Revelation to humanity. For four decades thousands of verses, letters and books flowed from His pen. In His Writings, He outlined a framework for the development of a global civilization which takes into account both the spiritual and material dimensions of human life.
I have never aspired after worldly leadership. My sole purpose hath been to hand down unto men that which I was bidden to deliver by God…
– Bahá’u’lláh
Bahá’u’lláh suffered 40 years of imprisonment, torture and exile for bringing God’s latest message to humanity. Today, His life and mission are becoming increasingly well-known across the planet. Millions of people are learning to apply His teachings to their individual and collective lives for the betterment of the world.
Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings…now present us with the highest and purest form of religious teaching…
– Count Leo Tolstoy
For more on the life of Bahá’u’lláh and His teachings, please visit the official website of the worldwide Bahá’í community: www.bahai.org
Bahá’ís in Maidenhead and across the Thames Valley are joining with others around the world to celebrate the 200th anniversary next month of the birth of the Báb, the Herald of the Bahá’í Faith.
The gatherings will open with a short devotional of prayers and readings followed by the showing of a film Light to the World commissioned for the bicentenary. The film tells the story of the life of Bahá’u’lláh and the impact of His teachings in transforming the lives of individuals and communities across the planet.
Baha'i Community of Maidenhead 