MIDWEEK MUSINGS: RIDVAN

 MIDWEEK MUSINGS this week is extra special on my path of learning more about world religions, which unite us all... Yesterday I was invited to join a program of readings, music, movement and of course, food at Central Arkansas's Ba' Hai Temple as part of their 12 days of celebrating Ridvan from April 21st to May 2nd.

Ridvan is the holiest and most joyous of the Ba' Hai faith as it marks when Baha'u'llah declared his mission as G-d's messenger. 

Slides and readings shared the story of beautiful rose gardens and bird song as perhaps Baha'u'llah had seen and heard near Baghdad's Tigiris river and named Ridvan  (Paradise). This holiday's first, ninth and 12th days are especially holy as believers don't go to work.

Although the community is much smaller in Little Rock now than in the '70's when this Ba' Hai community began here, in larger cities like Chicago's suburb of Wilmette, there's a huge Temple. But the size of their lovely gathering place here in Hillcrest is welcoming as its believers' hearts are large and welcoming to all. I so appreciate being able to spend time enjoying their holiday on the first day of Ridvan.

Thank you for sharing...