Embracing the Baha'i Faith

I grew up in an urban Gujarati family in Mumbai. We were an extremely moral family, but not very religious.

I started reading Hindu scriptures (particularly the Bhagavad Geeta) in college, and subsequently also learned about Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and the Baha’i Faith, when I was in Florida. Eventually, I embraced the Baha’i Faith, in 1987. I did not “convert” to the Baha’i Faith, but “embraced” it, in the sense that by becoming a Baha’i, I did not reject Hinduism, but in fact came to accept ALL the religions as revelations of one God.

Baha'i Writings in Gujarati:

The original Baha'i Writings are in Farsi and Arabic. They now have been translated into more than 800 languages around the world. In India, they have been translated into all major Indian languages.

Here is a link to my Gujarati Baha'i page, which has translations of some Baha'i books in Gujarati.

The following are some major teachings and principles of the Baha’i Faith:

God:

• God is the Creator of the Universe.
• God is One, and is known by innumerable names – Brahman, Parmatma, Allah, Dios, and so on.

Religion:

• The fundamental essence of all religions is love.
• The source of all love is God.
• All the religions of the world – Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Baha’i, etc. – have been revealed by God, at appropriate places, according to the needs of the age.
• The source of wars and injustices committed in the names of religions is not in the principles of religions, but in the ego and ignorance of human beings.
• To consort with the followers of all religions in friendliness and fellowship is praiseworthy.
• If religion is the cause of divisions and prejudices, then it is better not to have religion.

World:

• For establishing peace in the world, unity and brotherhood among the nations of the world is essential. Unity encompasses: unity in families, unity in communities, unity in villages and cities, unity in countries, and unity in the world.
• All human beings must endeavour to work towards the betterment of society, and edification of souls.
• The world’s social, economic and administrative institutions must be built on two foundations: Justice and unity.
• Creating a long-lasting world unity requires new administrative and political systems and structures.

Morality:

• Morality is the foundation of a peaceful society.
• Good company makes the soul happy, and spreads unity in society.
• Backbiting, murder, adultery and intoxicating substances, are prohibited.
• Marriage is a divine institution.
• The betterment of society is achieved through good deeds and moral conduct.

The human soul:

• The fundamental purposes of human life are love and knowledge.
• The human soul is immortal. Its condition after death is dependent upon its faith, and its balance of good and evil deeds in this life.
• To search for Truth is the responsibility of every human being.
• Prayer and fasting nourish the soul.
• Not money or opulence, but service, good deeds and moral conduct are the sources of happiness.
• Every soul, knowingly or unknowingly, is seeking God. Nowhere in this entire universe, except in God, will it find contentment.
• A pure heart is the first requirement of spiritual development.
• Lust, pride, attachment, greed and jealousy degrade the soul.
• Faith is the source of all strengths; and doubt is the gate of hell.

Society:

• All human beings are the children of God.; hence they are like one vast family. (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam).
• Science and religion are two facets of one Truth; it is essential that there is harmony between them.
• In intellect and spirituality, men and women are equal.
• The elimination of discriminations from the world is essential.
• To provide education to each child is a religious duty of society.
• The fundamental causes of poverty are selfishness, greed, and lack of love.

Baha’u’llah – The Founder of the Baha’i Faith

• Was born in 1817 A.D. in Tehran, Iran, in a noble family.
• Had a kind, generous and divinely attractive nature, right from childhood.
• Became well-known for his innate knowledge at the age of 13-14, and scholars marvelled at his spiritual insights.
• Declared, in 1863 A.D., that He was a Manifestation (avatar) of God, and established the Baha’i Faith.
• Revealed more than a hundred books, in which were contained expositions of all the above-mentioned teachings and principles, and much more.

Today, around 5 million Baha’is residing in more than 230 countries are transforming Baha’u’llah’s teachings and principles into a vibrant world-wide community.

The Bab - The Founder of the Babi Faith and Herald of the Baha'i Faith

The Bab was born in 1819 A.D., and founded the Babi Faith in 1844 A.D., announcing that He was a Manifestation of God, who had come to renew the religion of God, and to announce that a Manifestation greater than Him was to come in the near future (referring to Baha'u'llah) whose religion will usher in an era of peace and Godliness on earth. The Babi Faith spread rapidly throughout Persia, and divided the country into those who followed the Bab fervently and those who opposed His Faith as a heresy. The civil government and a majority of the clerical class opposed it, and crushed it violently.

Click here for a short biography of the Bab.