Afnan
I was born in Iran in 1978. My parents decided to leave Iran when I was five due to religious persecution and they chose to move to Ireland where they could be part of a community and contribute to its betterment. I was raised in a Bahá'í family and the belief that all humanity is from the one, same God, and that guidance from God is revealed to all parts of humanity at different times, made sense to me. As a participant and facilitator of a training course that aims to raise capacity in everyone I have seen people arise to make positive contributions to the betterment of their own lives and society.
Dave
Before becoming a Bahá’í, I spent most of my life as a non practising Christian. In fact, I tended to give religion a wide berth as it seemed to be such a source of trouble. After finding that the Bahá’í Faith is active in trying to bring about the peace and unity of religions, I became a Bahá’í and soon found myself participating in study circles. This involved coming together in a group to study a series of books which helped me to learn much more about myself, and about the Bahá’í Faith. Nowadays I am active in sharing the Word of God with others in the hope that it will bring some joy to their hearts and help to make our world a better place.
Study circles help those who take part to develop the knowledge, spiritual insights and skills needed to start – and most importantly, to sustain – the activities that will help their community.
What is my purpose in life?
How can I make a positive contribution to the world?
What happens when I die?
These key questions, and many others, are explored in a sequence of courses designed to help people develop spiritual values, positive habits, and meaningful social relationships in their lives. All of this contributes to building a community concerned with material and spiritual progress.
The courses offer participants the chance to help build a community, focused on the spiritual ideals of the oneness of humankind and of religion, the equality of the sexes, and all of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings.
Systematic study of the Bahá’í Writings
Each course involves systematic study of the Bahá’í Holy Writings in a group setting, known as a study circle. The first course is called Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. It explores spiritual matters such as prayer, meditation, life after death and the development of the soul. The aim of these studies is also to develop our capacity for spiritual virtues and living a life of service – doing good deeds – for other people.
Community building activities
These study circles help those who take part to develop the knowledge, spiritual insights and skills needed to start – and most importantly, to sustain – the activities that will help their community. These include learning how to hold devotional meetings, children’s classes and junior youth groups, all in our own neighbourhoods.
Those who complete the entire series of courses are immediately able to tutor the courses themselves, in study circles that they set up with their friends.
Becoming an agent of one’s own learning
Study circles are open to all. They are held in an uplifting atmosphere, which empowers each participant to take charge of their own learning. A facilitator assists the group, but he or she is not there to teach everyone else. All participants learn together, through discussion, practice, and use of the arts.