LOOKING FORWARD

THIS PAGE REPLACES 'Dialogue' and provides us with an opportunity to reflect on various themes which make us want to develop our knowledge about ourselves and the world we would like to create. We welcome constructive dialogue and comment on these themes.

This month's theme is 'Developing the Human Spirit'

There are many ways of developing the human spirit and the avenues we choose in order to do this will reflect what we hold most dear to ourselves. What follows is an account of just one way of doing this but what is different about it is that it is an initiative which began initially in Columbia a country torn by so many troubles but now a country which has given birth to a world wide phenomenon know as the Ruhi Institute.

This 7 step training programme has now engendered a global response and been adopted by hundreds of Baha'i Communities in many different regions some very rural and others highly urbanised.What is even more remarkable is that it is also attracting increasing numbers of people who are not declared Baha'is but who recognise the importance and significance of the Baha'i teachings.

The following explanation as to what the process that has been set in motion actually represents has been defined for us here by the Belize Baha'i Institute.

Founding Principles:

We are all created noble

We can be empowered step by step

We can be spiritually and morally transformed"

...religion seeks to improve and transform." - Baha'i Writings

Goals: Development of the skills, knowledge, insights, and attitudes needed for this millennium, including the following:

Assistance to individuals in becoming more noble human beings

Preparation of individuals for a life of service to God's teachings

Training of individuals who will help guide humanity to solutions for today's problems and bring about a more peaceful, unified, and spiritual society

Preparation of joyful attitudes of service including the ability to lead others to spiritual and moral solutions to today's challenges.

Courses and Workshops:

Are based on the Word of God

Address your basic needs, spiritual thirst, and questions about life and death

Help you learn skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will help you in your daily life and work

Help you transform your own self and become a better, more capable, and more noble human being than you are today

The Baha'i community of Belize is currently concentrating on fostering study circles and on training youth, pre-youth, children's class teachers, and tutors.

The following are some of the courses available in English and Spanish:

RUHI- Book 1: "Reflections on the Life of the Spirit"
RUHI- Book 2: "Arising to Serve"
RUHI- Book 3: "Children's Class Teacher"
RUHI- Book 4: "Twin Manifestations"
RUHI- Book 6: "Teaching the Cause"
RUHI- Book 7 "Walking Together on a Path of Service"

Also available in English this year is a "Workshop on Devotional Meetings"

For an audio visual account of this fascinating process as it is being implemented in seven very different parts of the world click on the link below:-