Have you ever noticed that when you get a new car, suddenly everyone on the road has *your* car? You see what you know, and filter out the rest. The same is true in this instance.You see, since Jessie has begun her journey of exploration within the Baha'i faith, I have been more aware of Baha'is. In fact, I've been frequenting Baha'i blogs and journals, getting information and trying to enlighten myself.
Every year at Steppin' Out the Downtown Merchants' Association take the parking lot behind the Farmer's Market and set up all the "causes". That's what I call them anyway. The Gideons are always there handing out their miniature Bibles. The local Democratic and Republican parties have booths. The theatrical group representing the Summer Musical is there. Town of Blacksburg recycling is there, as are people trying to get signatures for petitions, etc. Often churches will have a booth set up as well.
This year as I was walking along checking things out, I was struck by the banner in the photo above. Having an interest in the Faith, I headed towards the booth and asked the gentleman if he would mind if I took a picture. I explained that I was exploring things, my sister had begun Rhui Book 1 classes, etc. and he was more than happy to chat with me.
It seems they have had a booth at Steppin' Out for YEARS! Who knew?? You see, you see what you know!
I picked up some literature including, "The Bahai'is"--an informative looking magazine--a small prayer book, and a small book entitled Baha'i Teachings for a new Millennium. I'm looking forward to digging in as some of the prayers I have already read are quite beautiful.
According to the gentleman I spoke with, being an international community, Blacksburg was a natural destination for many Baha'is after the 1979 revolution in Iran. Many of those who arrived found jobs at the college. The number of Baha'is has flucutated over the years, but there is currently an active Baha'i community in Blacksburg. I'm so delighted I "discovered" something that has always been right under my nose =).
5 comments:
I'm happy for you Rach, and I'm glad you have the Baha'i prayers as they tend to be so beautiful. They talk about the qualities we need to have, virtues, when we are in need. They are a comfort.
We had our Ruhi tonite, out on my patio. I'm getting to know people as 'students' in this class, and I enjoy hearing their stories.
It really is the 'experience' in religion that is so refreshing, not just the principles of faith, as most religions promote similar teachings. I'm sure the Baha'i who spoke with you was happy you stopped by, and that you took his picture.
That is very neat! I never noticed the Bahai' booth in the past either.
I'm glad you were able to get some literature and I am hoping you will pass it on to me when you finish with it!
One the of the guys I train Capoeira with is a Baha'i practitioner. He actually got into Capoeira when he went to Bahia, Brasil for missionary work. It was interesting to here his comments on the faith and the way the teachings work.
I really enjoy going to things like that. We had one this summer called The Taste of Tacoma and there are all kinds of booths there. It is really neat to see all different kinds of booths and set ups. :)
Rach, I would be grateful if you were to allow me to re-post this delightful entry on Baha'i Views.
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