Southern Breeze

Being in NABI-The Native American Bahai Institute has been a time of inspiration, fun and excitment. I thought it appropriate to share with you what I wrote for their Newsletter coming out soon.

Southern Breeze

In Yukon-OK, at the home of a young interracial couple, a group of friends sit around a table enjoying freshly brewed Persian tea with goodies taking pleasure in the strengths of friendship as they study Book Four.

In Albuquerque-NM, in a gorgeous house facing the Watermelon Mountains, a handsome number of diverse participants gather for a devotional gathering, followed by a musical fireside on “The Greatness of this Day.”

Under pretty blue skies and the wafting of refreshing breeze, in a park in Santa Fe-NM, young adult collaborators of a Book One study circle say prayers with family and friends, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and listen to live music that combines African rhythms with the haunting sounds of the Didgeridoo (An Australian wooden pipe musical instrument).

At a retirement community building in Taos-NM, elderly folks get together to complete Book Two in an atmosphere of joy, laughter, conversation plus singing.
An assembly of mostly Native people of the Navajo Nation offer praises to the Great Spirit in different languages, in the Prayer Hogan (That Sacred and Spiritual circle at NABI), sharing stories and later on has a delicious meal in a spirit of cheerfulness and gratitude.

I was blessed to visit these Bahá'í communities recently, and felt privileged to be part of the above mentioned activities. I think the catchphrase behind a blue van at the NABI campus that clearly states, “Got RUHI?” summarizes the outlook and motivation of the friends who are involved in the core activities of the Five Year Plan, and it’s even more fitting to say “Got Core Activities?” (Smiley faces).
Having the bounty of traveling around the U.S and more recently the South West; it’s a source of great joy to experience and see first hand the magic and transforming power of the Institute process. The involvement of the friends and communities who enthusiastically carry out core activities (Study Circles, Devotional Gatherings, Children’s Classes and Junior Youth Classes) and their allied achievements is beyond expression. “People are more unified, they are focused on the institute process and eagerly prepare for Entry by Troops,” are the words of a youth in Santa Fe which echoes the brilliant changes the Institute process brings to a community.

When I posed the question, “What changes do you see in your community as a result of the Institute process?” the response from a young adult in Santa Fe was, “A LOT.” With a voice of contentment she continued, “We have a community of many Bahá’ís participating in one, two or more activities regularly, instead of a community of a few burned out Bahá’ís who had to participate in all community activities… I feel more comfortable inviting my non-Bahá'í friends to study circles where they can share and learn directly from the Holy Writings rather than the interpretations of individuals… since the friends are busy with core activities, it leaves no time for backbiting (another laugh of satisfaction).”

In all the communities I have been to, from the suburbs of Chicago to the mountains of Arizona, the friends exude a confidence second to none. They see a bright future and they know their investment in the Ruhi courses, core activities and goals of the Five Year Plan; be it in kind, cash, sweat and blood (Yes! some youth have bled for the core activities) will yield incredible rewards. In the words of my interviewees from Santa Fe; the youth affirms, “I pray for more youth involvement. The future of our community is bright.” The young adult concludes, “I see my community growing, ready and executing Intensive Growth Programs, becoming a recognized group in Santa Fe and providing valuable services to the general community.” Feelings I wish for all Bahá'í communities.

As I listen to the birds sing early in the morning, watch inspirational sunrises and sunsets, gaze at the majesty of nearby mountains, witness the color changes of Ponderosas, pray and meditate in the prayer Hogan with NABI staff, I am convinced and thrilled to learn that the next community I am honored to visit, is passionately working to establish God’s Kingdom on earth one core activity at a time. The Beloved Universal House of Justice declares, “The elements required for a concerted effort to infuse the diverse regions of the world with the spirit of Baha’u’llah’s Revelation have crystallized into a framework for action that now needs only to be exploited.” So! Got your Core Activities Yet?

In His Service,
Gustaff Besungu.