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Month: May 2021

Raising a Family to Bring Peace

Raising a Family to Bring Peace

Published May 25, 2021 by admin

In this Tea House discussion, Monette Van Lith led a discussion on how we can make our families the building blocks of a just and peaceful society. The family unit, the nucleus of human society, provides an environment within which essential capacities and world-embracing principles can be taught and nurtured. In her presentation and discussion, Monette explored some of the Baha’i Teachings on spiritual principles, as well as the habits and patterns of conduct that can contribute to building a just society. 

You can listen to it below or by finding the Sifter of Dust podcast on the various podcast outlets. 

A YouTube video version may be found here. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:06:36 — 46.0MB) | Embed

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Light of the World

Light of the World

Published May 22, 2021 by admin

This short quote is from a new translation of selected letters of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’ as he guided the Baha’i communities in both the Middle East and Europe/America after Baha’u’llah’s passing. His words illuminated the understanding of the significance of Baha’u’llah’s teaching for people throughout the East and the West. They remain a profound source of guidance for us today. The on-line version of this compilation may be found here, as part of the Baha’i reference library. All the Writings of the Baha’i Faith that have been translated into English are available in the on-line reference library. Enjoy!

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What is a Manifestation of God?

What is a Manifestation of God?

Published May 18, 2021 by admin

The quote above is from a prayer of Baha’u’llah, describing His mission and meaning to the world. These words, like all those of Baha’u’llah, are remarkable and are spoken with a majesty and beauty that is unmatched. So how can we understand such a claim and such words?  How can we think about these great Figures- like Baha’u’llah, but also Jesus Christ and the Prophet Muhammad- that have come into the world and spoken with such authority, claiming to be from God.

This far-reaching subject was the topic of a recent Modern Perspectives talk by Philadelphia’s own Dr Kambeze Etemad. In a thought-provoking presentation, Dr Etemad explored the nature of the Founders of the great religions and how they can claim to be from God, and what it means for a human being to listen to Their words.  Enjoy that talk on YouTube here.

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Interconnectedness

Published May 17, 2021 by admin

In a recent Tea House session, Chitra Golestani-Maghzi joined to present on the “Interconnected Elements of Social Change”- the idea that real change occurs with holistic changes in both human hearts and external conditions. We then discussed some of the elements of how religion is so critical in creating this kind of change.

Please enjoy the YouTube video here or find the audio link below. The audio may also be found through our the Sifter of Dust podcast through the various podcast outlets.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:59 — 39.1MB) | Embed

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Consultation

Published May 16, 2021 by admin

Enjoy our recent Tea House discussion with Karen Eshraghi on “Consultation- A Tool for Creative Problem Solving”.  As the world becomes more complex, we need tools to help humans solve problems collaboratively and peacefully. Consultation- as outlined by Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha’- is one of the most potent of those tools. In this presentation, Karen Eshraghi introduced the major elements of Baha’i consultation The YouTube video may be found here, or listen to the audio version below. The audio is also available through podcast outlets under “Baha’i Sifter of Dust”, where you can listen to previous and future sessions.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:46 — 36.3MB) | Embed

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The Investigation of Truth

The Investigation of Truth

Published May 10, 2021 by admin

In this Tea House discussion, we were joined by Mr Mark Jolly to discuss the Baha’i concept of the independent investigation of truth- a fundamental and far-reaching concept. Please watch the full presentation on YouTube or link to the audio below. You can enjoy both past and future discussions on the Sifter of Dust podcast channel. Enjoy!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:11:12 — 47.1MB) | Embed

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Interconnectedness

Interconnectedness

Published May 2, 2021 by admin

Change and improvement in any living system is something that occurs in an organic way, reflecting the interconnectedness of all things.  Real change occurs at many levels and is reflected in a transformation of an individual and society.  In this week’s Tea House discussion, Dr Chitra Golestani-Maghzi will discuss how societal change is a reflection of an organic change in our values and attitudes.

Dr Chitra Golestani-Maghzi is an educator with a focus on social justice and global citizenship. She is currently the Associate Director of the Wilmette Institute, a Baha’i educational institution operating out of the Baha’i national center.

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