The Baha'i Faith
The following information was taken from the official Baha'i Faith
website. Please visit
www.bahai.org
for additional information.
A Way of Life
Bahá'u'lláh taught that
each human being is a mine rich in gems unknown even to the owner,
let alone to others, and inexhaustible in its wealth. The purpose of
life is to develop these capacities both for one's own life and for
the service of humanity. Life in this world, as Bahá'u'lláh
presents it, is like the life of a child in the womb of its mother:
the moral, intellectual, and spiritual powers which a human being
develops here, with the help of God, will be the and
needed for the soul's progress in the worlds beyond this earthly
one.
The way of life which Bahá'ís seek to cultivate, therefore, is one
that encourages personal development. Daily prayer and meditation
free the soul from conditioned patterns and open it to new
possibilities. Joining in projects with peoples of diverse
backgrounds breaks down traditional prejudices. The use of alcohol
or narcotic drugs is avoided, except when prescribed for medical
reasons, because these substances eventually deaden the mind. The
latter is also true of the habit of backbiting, which weakens trust
between people and undermines the spirit of unity upon which human
progress depends. Bahá'u'lláh's writings attach great importance to
the institution of the family as the foundation of human society.
The sanctity of marriage, recognition of the equality of the husband
and wife, and the use of are especially emphasized.
A message of peace