The Baha'i Faith is one of the world's youngest religions, founded in Iran in 1844 by "Bab," who was followed by many thousands as God's Promised Messenger. The religion is named after "Baha'u'llah," a Persian nobleman who fulfilled the teachings of the Bab that a great new teacher would come after Him. Baha'u'llah wrote more than 100 books.
In the early 1900s, the Baha'i Faith reached the Far East. In 1924, the American journalist, Ms. Martha Root, arrived in Canton where she introduced the Baha'i faith to Dr. Sun Yat-sen. She later wrote articles for a number of local papers, spoke at many universities, and informed other Chinese leaders about the religion.
Baha'is believe that all men are the children of one Creator, and that the different races are like flowers of many colors in one garden--though different, all should live together in harmony. In order to achieve real world peace, Baha'is teach that men must remove all forms of prejudice, whether they be religious or racial, they should investigate the truth independently and should not believe in superstition. Baha'u'llah taught that all religions come from one and the same source that is God, who is but one. In different ages, God sent His messengers such as the Buddha, Jesus and Muhammad to teach His purpose, so that all men might live their lives in purity, happiness and peace.
The Baha'i Faith was one of the first religions to mention the equality of men and women, compulsory education for all, the need for religion and science to go hand-in-hand; and it also teaches that one should be loyal to the government, and obey society's laws.
An unusual feature of the Baha'i faith is the absence of a professional clergy. Baha'is believe that today, with ample opportunities for education, all must investigate the truth independently. Every Baha'i should have a full understanding of the religion's teachings, and be responsible for propagating them. Since there is no clergy, Baha'u'llah established an administration that is elected, in a spirit of prayer and without any campaigning, to administer and be responsible for the progress of the religion and the happiness and welfare of believers.
At present, the Baha'i Faith has followers in more than 150 localities in Taiwan. Its national office is headquartered at Hsinsheng South Road section 1 in Taipei. There Baha'is often gather, mostly Chinese, although there are also some from the United States, Malaysia, and Iran. The atmosphere at Baha'i gatherings is relaxed, but dignity is not lost. There are no ritual or ceremonies in Baha'i.
Baha'is are all kind and hospitable, and always greet people with a smile. Their meetings give one a feeling of harmony and peace.
Informal public discussions are a major Baha'i activity, at which participants introduce their faith to interested friends. Baha'is also meet regularly every 19 days at special gatherings for prayers, community consultation, and social activities.
To become a Baha'i there is no ceremony, one simply signs a card declaring one's belief; the important thing is to recognize the truth. Once one becomes a Baha'i there are obligations to observe. For example, one must pray daily, treat others with courtesy, and educate one's children. All Baha'is work, since begging and laziness are sins. Gambling and drinking are forbidden, the latter, because it destroys the mind and body, thereby inhibiting one's spiritual progress.
Baha'i is not a monastic religion, and believers are encouraged to be involved in society. Baha'is also do social welfare work. All believers donate to Baha'i funds voluntarily, and Baha'is do not accept contributions from outsiders.
Today, the Baha'i religion has established 118 schools and institutes worldwide; has published its literature in 660 languages, and has spread its beliefs to over 335 countries and areas. Through the efforts of adherents in Taiwan, the religion is constantly growing and becoming more and more well-known and respected.
[Picture Caption]
1. Baha'i means "Behold the glory of God!" 2. & 3. Youths gather to listen to a sermon from a Baha'i follower. 4. & 5. Before the religious ceremony starts, Baha'i followers pray in whatever way they feel suits them in their communion with God.
1. Followers frequently get together to study Baha'i doctrines. 2. Nine committee members from the headquarters of the Baha'i faith in Taiwan exchange views on how to promote the religion. 3. Baha'i followers will soon establish a temple in the Linkou hsiang, Taipei county.
Youths gather to listen to a sermon from a Baha'i follower.
Youths gather to listen to a sermon from a Baha'i follower.
Before the religious ceremony starts, Baha'i followers pray in whatever way they feel suits them in their communion with God.
Before the religious ceremony starts, Baha'i followers pray in whatever way they feel suits them in their communion with God.
Followers frequently get together to study Baha'i doctrines.
Nine committee members from the headquarters of the Baha'i faith in Taiwan exchange views on how to promote the religion.
Baha'i followers will soon establish a temple in the Linkou hsiang, Taipei county.
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