In this series of talks, author Nathan Thomas offers a number of lectures about how the Bahá’í Faith is experienced. It covers many aspects of Bahá’í life from the personal, to the family, to the community and beyond. It explores the practical elements of trying to live up to the high standards laid out by the founder of this faith, Bahá’u’lláh. Along the way the talks present numerous quotations from the Bahá’í Holy Writings including from Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice to provide you with direct access to the source of these ideas. Presented in a conversational and inviting style, Nathan offers his own insights as a member of this faith and shares a number of clips from other members of the Bahá’í Faith who offer their stories and experiences for your consideration.
Part 1. Introduction to Living the Life
Explore why we try, how we engage the world, and why it matters
76 minutes
This video talk includes:
• An overview of the contents of all nine talks in this series
• An exploration of the motivations for living the Bahá’í life
• Concepts of service, work as worship, and continual spiritual development
• Perspectives from a variety of Bahá’ís sharing stories, insights, and experiences
Part 2. God and Faith
Discover the Baha’i concepts of God, religion, and personal faith
80 minutes
This video talk includes:
• An explanation of the Bahá’í concept of God and the Divine
• Discussion on the need for religion in daily life and its role throughout history
• Implications of belief and personal faith in our personal development
• Perspectives from a variety of Bahá’ís sharing stories, insights, and experiences
Part 3. Spiritual Growth
Appreciate the Baha’i approach to detachment and contentment
62 minutes
This video talk includes:
• A definition of spiritual growth that focuses on realization through service
• An exploration of the concepts of detachment and true contentment
• Path to enduring happiness and fulfillment in our lives
• Perspectives from a variety of Bahá’ís sharing stories, insights, and experiences
Part 4. Practicing Devotion
Learn about the Baha’i practices of prayer, meditation, fasting, and pilgrimage
71 minutes
This video talk includes:
• An introduction to prayer and meditation
• Coverage of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting in the Bahá’í Faith
• Extending our spiritual experiences through pilgrimage and an enduring awareness
• Perspectives from a variety of Bahá’ís sharing stories, insights, and experiences
Part 5. Standards and Laws
Discover the Baha’i laws and learn how we approach and follow them
77 minutes
This video talk includes:
• An introduction to key Bahá’í laws and standards and why we follow them
• Explorations of the value of the laws and how they make our lives better
• Suggestions for helping people live up to high Bahá’í standards on a daily basis
• Perspectives from a variety of Bahá’ís sharing stories, insights, and experiences
Part 6. Tests and Difficulties
Explore how Baha’is deal with challenges in our lives
74 minutes
This video talk includes:
• Accepting the reality that no life is without challenge
• Realizing the purpose of tests and difficulties in our spiritual development
• Paths to embrace obstacles as opportunities in our lives to grow
• Perspectives from a variety of Bahá’ís sharing stories, insights, and experiences
Part 7. Community Life
Appreciate the Baha’i focus on unity, consultation, and sacrifice
86 minutes
This video talk includes:
• The importance of community life in developing spiritual qualities
• The role of the Covenant in protecting the unity of the Bahá’í Faith
• How the Bahá’í Funds help channel our resources and purify our possessions
• Perspectives from a variety of Bahá’ís sharing stories, insights, and experiences
Part 8. Marriage and Family
Learn about the Baha’i approach to marriage, children, and raising youth
80 minutes
This video talk includes:
• An introduction to marriage as a fortress for well-being
• Guidance for raising children who are balanced, healthy, and wise
• Exploration of the role of youth in the Bahá’í faith
• Perspectives from a variety of Bahá’ís sharing stories, insights, and experiences
Part 9. Teaching the Faith
Explore how Baha’is share their faith with the world
72 minutes
This video talk includes:
• An overview of the responsibility and duty to teach the Bahá’í Faith
• Suggestions for preparing oneself for the teaching work
• Guidance for effectively sharing the message with humility
• Perspectives from a variety of Bahá’ís sharing stories, insights, and experiences