What if we accepted each others Religion?

[CG Didymus]

Maybe you can consider the accuracy of this prediction.

".. Buddha is considered to have made a number of fairly specific predictions regarding the circumstances that would occur prior to Maitreya's coming, including the notions that the teachings of the Buddha would be completely forgotten.."

This same principle is also found in the Bible and the Quran, that the return happens when the teachings are forgotten and neglected.

Regards Tony

We can't get too specific. It has people living to be 80,000 years old, then going down to 10 years, then back up. And where did the other supposed manifestations go? Jesus, Muhammad and the Bab?

The same thing happens with the Kalki Avatar. It goes from Krishna to Buddha to Kalki. And, for Baha'is, there needs to be two end-time manifestations. So no, we don't want to get into specific details. Best Baha'is keep it as vague and symbolic as possible.

But the thing I was trying to find out is where these Maitreya prophecies came from? The Buddha himself? Or somebody way later? So, maybe with this also, it's better for Baha'is if we don't know about the details and just assume they came from Buddha.

 

[loverofhumanity]

You said this, and I asked this.

To do as Baha'is say and "investigate" the truth, we should find out where these prophecies came from and what they say.

What?

What did Buddha supposedly say about there being a God?

There are also prophecies about false prophets and Messiahs. How do we know the Baha'i prophet is not one of the false ones?

People aren't always "free" to believe whatever they wish. People have been put to death for not believing the religion of the land. Even Baha'is cast out people that don't believe correctly.

Yes I have investigated the truth for myself and am happy with what I found. And I believe that my information regarding both a future Buddha and that Buddha did teach the oneness of God are true because the information came from the latest Revelation from God. As to Buddhist quotes you can do a search for Maitreya and find the sources.

Which really comes down to is Baha’u’llah the Promised One? That is up to every person to decide for himself.

 

[CG Didymus]

Buddha did teach the oneness of God are true because the information came from the latest Revelation from God.

I didn't know Baha'u'llah said that about the Buddha. What is the quote?

 

[loverofhumanity]

I didn't know Baha'u'llah said that about the Buddha. What is the quote?

Then look it up. Anything as you well know only too well that Abdul-Baha states is the same as Baha’u’llah stating it as He is the appointed Interpreter.

 

[CG Didymus]

Then look it up. Anything as you well know only too well that Abdul-Baha states is the same as Baha’u’llah stating it as He is the appointed Interpreter.

The way you stated it is misleading.

And I believe that my information regarding both a future Buddha and that Buddha did teach the oneness of God are true because the information came from the latest Revelation from God.

The "revelation" is from the manifestation plus whatever his son said? Still, you aren't basing this on anything but what the Baha'i Faith teaches.

So, what happened to accepting all the other religions? That is also misleading. Baha'is accept only what the Baha'i Faith says is true about the other religions. Which isn't necessarily, if at all, in line with what the followers of those other religions believe. There are other religious groups that are much more accepting of the beliefs of the other religions than the Baha'i Faith.

But yes, it would be nice if all religions could get along. But it's gotta be hard for some religions to accept a religion, the Baha'i Faith, that tells the other religions that they know those religions better than the people in those other religions.

Oh and "look it up"? That's what I was hoping you would do about your claims about the Maitreya prophecies. But that's okay. I was wondering about this "Fifth Buddha". It only complicates the Baha'i interpretation. Who are these first three Buddha's? Then, from the fourth, Gautama, it jumps straight to Maitreya. There is no place for Jesus, Muhammad and the Bab.

The problem with Baha'is is they make claims without backing them up.

No wait, I forgot, Baha'is do back them up, Baha'u'llah and Abdul Baha said so.

Here's a link to some stuff about Maitreya from Wikipedia...

According to Buddhist tradition, each kalpa has Buddhas.[15] The previous kalpa was the vyuhakalpa (Glorious aeon), and the present kalpa is called the bhadrakalpa (Auspicious aeon).[16] The Seven Buddhas of Antiquity (Saptatathāgata) are seven Buddhas which bridge the vyuhakalpa and the bhadrakalpa:[17]​

​

• Vipassī (the 998th Buddha of the vyuhakalpa)
• Sikhī (the 999th Buddha of the vyuhakalpa)
• Vessabhū (the 1000th and final Buddha of the vyuhakalpa)
• Kakusandha (the first Buddha of the bhadrakalpa)
• Koṇāgamana (the second Buddha of the bhadrakalpa)
• Kassapa (the third Buddha of the bhadrakalpa)
• Gautama (the fourth and present Buddha of the bhadrakalpa)
• Maitreya will be the fifth and future Buddha of the bhadrakalpa, and his arrival will occur after the teachings of Gautama Buddha are no longer practiced.

 

[loverofhumanity]

The way you stated it is misleading.

The "revelation" is from the manifestation plus whatever his son said? Still, you aren't basing this on anything but what the Baha'i Faith teaches.

So, what happened to accepting all the other religions? That is also misleading. Baha'is accept only what the Baha'i Faith says is true about the other religions. Which isn't necessarily, if at all, in line with what the followers of those other religions believe. There are other religious groups that are much more accepting of the beliefs of the other religions than the Baha'i Faith.

But yes, it would be nice if all religions could get along. But it's gotta be hard for some religions to accept a religion, the Baha'i Faith, that tells the other religions that they know those religions better than the people in those other religions.

Oh and "look it up"? That's what I was hoping you would do about your claims about the Maitreya prophecies. But that's okay. I was wondering about this "Fifth Buddha". It only complicates the Baha'i interpretation. Who are these first three Buddha's? Then, from the fourth, Gautama, it jumps straight to Maitreya. There is no place for Jesus, Muhammad and the Bab.

The problem with Baha'is is they make claims without backing them up.

No wait, I forgot, Baha'is do back them up, Baha'u'llah and Abdul Baha said so.

Here's a link to some stuff about Maitreya from Wikipedia...

According to Buddhist tradition, each kalpa has Buddhas.[15] The previous kalpa was the vyuhakalpa (Glorious aeon), and the present kalpa is called the bhadrakalpa (Auspicious aeon).[16] The Seven Buddhas of Antiquity (Saptatathāgata) are seven Buddhas which bridge the vyuhakalpa and the bhadrakalpa:[17]​

​

• Vipassī (the 998th Buddha of the vyuhakalpa)
• Sikhī (the 999th Buddha of the vyuhakalpa)
• Vessabhū (the 1000th and final Buddha of the vyuhakalpa)
• Kakusandha (the first Buddha of the bhadrakalpa)
• Koṇāgamana (the second Buddha of the bhadrakalpa)
• Kassapa (the third Buddha of the bhadrakalpa)
• Gautama (the fourth and present Buddha of the bhadrakalpa)
• Maitreya will be the fifth and future Buddha of the bhadrakalpa, and his arrival will occur after the teachings of Gautama Buddha are no longer practiced.

All of the spiritual teachings of all religions complement one another and as they are eternal we can all follow them. As to the social laws they are suited for each age so these change over time. So we accept Buddha and His wonderful teachings such as the Noble Eightfold Path and the Five Precepts.

But we also believe the Fifth Buddha has appeared with new laws for this age and cleared up what is true and what isn’t as religion deteriorates over time becoming filled with man made doctrines so is in need of renewal. This is what Baha’u’llah has done.

Basically all Buddhas teach enlightenment and we agree with these teachings.

As far as backing claims up we do but what constitutes proof for us may not be so for you so we have another ‘prove God exists’ scenario.

 

[CG Didymus]

All of the spiritual teachings of all religions complement one another and as they are eternal we can all follow them. As to the social laws they are suited for each age so these change over time. So we accept Buddha and His wonderful teachings such as the Noble Eightfold Path and the Five Precepts.

But we also believe the Fifth Buddha has appeared with new laws for this age and cleared up what is true and what isn’t as religion deteriorates over time becoming filled with man made doctrines so is in need of renewal. This is what Baha’u’llah has done.

Basically all Buddhas teach enlightenment and we agree with these teachings.

As far as backing claims up we do but what constitutes proof for us may not be so for you so we have another ‘prove God exists’ scenario.

Then of course we have this quote from Abdul Baha...

The real teaching of Buddha is the same as the teaching of Jesus Christ. The teachings of all the Prophets are the same in character. Now men have changed the teaching. If you look at the present practice of the Buddhist religion, you will see that there is little of the Reality left. Many worship idols although their teaching forbids it. – Abdu’l-Baha, Abdu’l-Baha in London, p. 63.​

​

The author also says this...

​

Baha’is believe that Buddha was a Manifestation of God, like Christ, but that his followers do not possess His authentic writings.​

I actually am more like you. I'd could go to almost any religious gathering and get something out of it. But does the Baha'i Faith say that Baha'is can go to the religious gatherings of any of the other religions be okay with what's going on and what is being said? It don't sound like it by what Abdul Baha' says. Plus, Baha'is don't believe the Buddhist Scriptures are "authentic"? Why would we go to any Buddhist gathering? He says that they've lost most of the "Reality"? And some of them worship idols? That can't be good.

Now you say that "we" agree with the teachings about enlightenment. What do Buddhists teach about enlightenment? What is it exactly, and how does a person attain enlightenment?

With the little I know about Buddhism; it sounds like it involves several "rebirths". You okay with that? I don't think Baha'is believe in "rebirths" and reincarnation. I personally don't mind the idea. And I could listen to what they have to say. But what would a Baha'i do? Tell them they misinterpreted the Buddha's teachings?

I don't know. You go ahead and keep accepting the teachings of these other religions. Go to their gatherings. If you can do that and not push your beliefs on them, then great.

 

[loverofhumanity]

Then of course we have this quote from Abdul Baha...

The real teaching of Buddha is the same as the teaching of Jesus Christ. The teachings of all the Prophets are the same in character. Now men have changed the teaching. If you look at the present practice of the Buddhist religion, you will see that there is little of the Reality left. Many worship idols although their teaching forbids it. – Abdu’l-Baha, Abdu’l-Baha in London, p. 63.​

​

The author also says this...

​

Baha’is believe that Buddha was a Manifestation of God, like Christ, but that his followers do not possess His authentic writings.​

I actually am more like you. I'd could go to almost any religious gathering and get something out of it. But does the Baha'i Faith say that Baha'is can go to the religious gatherings of any of the other religions be okay with what's going on and what is being said? It don't sound like it by what Abdul Baha' says. Plus, Baha'is don't believe the Buddhist Scriptures are "authentic"? Why would we go to any Buddhist gathering? He says that they've lost most of the "Reality"? And some of them worship idols? That can't be good.

Now you say that "we" agree with the teachings about enlightenment. What do Buddhists teach about enlightenment? What is it exactly, and how does a person attain enlightenment?

With the little I know about Buddhism; it sounds like it involves several "rebirths". You okay with that? I don't think Baha'is believe in "rebirths" and reincarnation. I personally don't mind the idea. And I could listen to what they have to say. But what would a Baha'i do? Tell them they misinterpreted the Buddha's teachings?

I don't know. You go ahead and keep accepting the teachings of these other religions. Go to their gatherings. If you can do that and not push your beliefs on them, then great.

Buddhist teachings like the Dhammapada are very similar to our Hidden Words and we read from it in our Houses of Worship worldwide. Then there’s the Noble Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts these all lead to spiritual enlightenment. The Beatitudes, the Ten Commandments and so on.

Baha’is believe very much in spiritual rebirth or awakening but that when we die we take on a form according to the elements of the next world.

As far as which teachings are authentic, we believe that only a Buddha can say that and thus we turn to Baha’u’llah because we believe Him to be the return of Buddha and that He not any layman has the authority to give the correct interpretation of all the past religious scriptures. So by Baha’u’llah stating that all the Manifestations taught about God that includes Buddha and even Manifestations a million years ago Who’s names have been lost in time.

Baha’u’llah’s interpretations builds bridges which enables people to accept the essence of all religions. Visiting any of these religions and having friendship and fellowship is encouraged and a joy. So we can pray and meditate with Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. I have made good friends with many religious leaders. Here i went to mass many times and the entire Indian Catholic community said that they consider me one of them, an Indian too and invited me to Indian only meetings. And it didn’t bother them that we didn’t take part in rituals and they never expected us to. At one of these meetings an Indian asked me about the Lotus temple but then the priest interrupted and told them about us and that we read from the Bible and the Gita in our Houses of Worship. He even took a visiting Bishop to our Temple in Sydney and bought a prayer book. It’s really so refreshing to have these friends. No one expects them to become Baha’is or is trying to change them just have good friendship.

 

[Trailblazer]

So by Baha’u’llah stating that all the Manifestations taught about God that includes Buddha and even Manifestations a million years ago Who’s names have been lost in time.

But Baha'u'llah did not state that Buddha taught about God, Abdu'l-Baha said that.
No, it is not the same as if Baha'u'llah said it, not to me. Never has been the same, never will be.

Appointed interpreter of Baha'u'llah's Writings means that he had the authority to interpret what Baha'u'llah actually wrote, not that he could make up new stuff, anything he wanted. Baha'is cannot see how this could be problematic because they relate to Abdu'l-Baha as if he was the same as Baha'u'llah, carrying the same level of authority as a Manifestation of God.

I do not need to be taught about the Covenant, I know all about it, but that doesn't cover it for me because I think for myself, so I can see what can happen after a Manifestation of God dies, the same thing that happened after Jesus died!

 

[loverofhumanity]

But Baha'u'llah did not state that Buddha taught about God, Abdu'l-Baha said that.
No, it is not the same as if Baha'u'llah said it, not to me. Never has been the same, never will be.

Appointed interpreter of Baha'u'llah's Writings means that he had the authority to interpret what Baha'u'llah actually wrote, not that he could make up new stuff, anything he wanted. Baha'is cannot see how this could be problematic because they relate to Abdu'l-Baha as if he was the same as Baha'u'llah, carrying the same level of authority as a Manifestation of God.

I do not need to be taught about the Covenant, I know all about it, but that doesn't cover it for me because I think for myself, so I can see what can happen after a Manifestation of God dies, the same thing that happened after Jesus died!

Baha’u’llah says that to turn away from Abdul-Baha is to turn away from Him and God. The Covenant states Abdul Baha is infallible on all topics
and if something is unclear or not understood in this case Buddha, Abdul-Baha has full endorsement from Baha’u’llah Himself to interpret any of Baha’u’llah’s Words. When Baha’u’llah has stated that all Manifestations teach about God, Abdul-Baha has interpreted as Appointed Interpreter that Buddha is included.

It’s overwhelmingly clear that if we cannot understand whether Baha’u’llah included Buddha as a Manifestation of God or not then this is His advice below - turn to the Master. Abdul-Baha as Interpreter knew what Baha’u’llah intended and whether Buddha was included or not and interpreted that Buddha was included. He is the appointed Interpreter and we respect that power invested in Him by Baha’u’llah.

“ … refer ye whatsoever ye understand not in the Book to Him Who hath branched from this mighty Stock.” - Baha'u'llah

We pray God to illumine the world through Thy knowledge and wisdom, ( Baha’u’llah referring to Abdul-Baha’i knowledge)

Whoever rejects Abdul-Baha rejects Baha’u’llah and God. So Abdul-Baha interpreting Baha’u’llah’s Words to include Buddha is the same as if Baha’u’llah or God said it. To reject Abdul-Baha is to transgress against Baha’u’llah. Very clear Abdul-Baha speaks for Baha’u’llah.

Render thanks unto God, O people, for His appearance; for verily He is the most great Favor unto you, the most perfect bounty upon you; and through Him every mouldering bone is quickened. Whoso turneth towards Him hath turned towards God, and whoso turneth away from Him hath turned away from My beauty, hath repudiated My Proof, and transgressed against Me. He is the Trust of God amongst you, His charge within you, His manifestation unto you and His appearance among His favored servants… We have sent Him down in the form of a human temple. Blest and sanctified be God Who createth whatsoever He willeth through His inviolable, His infallible decree. They who deprive themselves of the shadow of the Branch, are lost in the wilderness of error, are consumed by the heat of worldly desires, and are of those who will assuredly perish.”


The Universal House of Justice has asked us to acknowledge your letter of April 28 …..

1. It was the express wish of Bahá'u'lláh that after Him the friends should "turn" to 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Bahá'u'lláh also said in His Book of Laws that anything that was not clear in His Writings should be "referred" to His Most Mighty Branch springing from the Ancient Root. (See "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh" pages 134-135.) In one of the Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá published in "Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá" (page 214) He quotes the passages mentioned above and interprets them to mean that "whatever He ('Abdu'l-Bahá) saith is the very truth". 'Abdu'l-Bahá further says, referring to those who do not accept Him as the Interpreter of the Word of God, "Whoso deviates from my interpretation is a victim of his own fancy" ("The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh" page 138). Moreover, in the "Star of the West" Volume XII, page 227, 'Abdu'l-Bahá interprets the verses from the "Tablet of the Branch" to mean "...whatsoever His (Abdu'l-Bahá's) pen records, that is correct...."

“When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.' Its meaning briefly is this: that after My ascension it is incumbent upon the Aghsán, the Afnán and the kindred, and all the friends of God, to turn their faces to Him Who hath branched from the Ancient Root.


He also plainly saith in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas: 'O ye people of the world! When the Mystic Dove will have winged its flight from its Sanctuary of Praise and sought its far-off goal, its hidden habitation, refer ye whatsoever ye understand not in the Book to Him Who hath branched from this mighty Stock.' Addressing all the people of the world He saith: When the Mystic Dove flieth away from the orchard of praise to the Most Supreme and Invisible Station—that is, when the Blessed Beauty turneth away from the contingent world towards the invisible realm—refer whatever ye do not understand in the Book to Him Who hath branched from the Ancient Root. That is, whatever He saith is the very truth.”

Excerpt from
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
‘Abdu’l-Bahá

 

[Trailblazer]

Baha’u’llah says that to turn away from Abdul-Baha is to turn away from Him and God.

That is not exactly what Baha'u'llah said, it is your interpretation of what He said.
You and the other Baha'is have turned Abdu'l-Baha into an idol who you worship, and I cannot do that.
The UHJ building a shrine for Abdu'l-Baha says it all.

God knows exactly how I feel about Abdu'l-Baha, and I don't think that God considers me someone who has turned away from Him, just because of how I feel. I cannot change how I feel simply by willing it to be the case, even if I want to. I don't want to change how I feel simply because of some Baha'i dogma.

 

[Trailblazer]

Baha’u’llah says that to turn away from Abdul-Baha is to turn away from Him and God. The Covenant states Abdul Baha is infallible on all topics
and if something is unclear or not understood in this case Buddha, Abdul-Baha has full endorsement from Baha’u’llah Himself to interpret any of Baha’u’llah’s Words. When Baha’u’llah has stated that all Manifestations teach about God, Abdul-Baha has interpreted as Appointed Interpreter that Buddha is included.

It’s overwhelmingly clear that if we cannot understand whether Baha’u’llah included Buddha as a Manifestation of God or not then this is His advice below - turn to the Master. Abdul-Baha as Interpreter knew what Baha’u’llah intended and whether Buddha was included or not and interpreted that Buddha was included. He is the appointed Interpreter and we respect that power invested in Him by Baha’u’llah.

“ … refer ye whatsoever ye understand not in the Book to Him Who hath branched from this mighty Stock.” - Baha'u'llah

We pray God to illumine the world through Thy knowledge and wisdom, ( Baha’u’llah referring to Abdul-Baha’i knowledge)

Whoever rejects Abdul-Baha rejects Baha’u’llah and God. So Abdul-Baha interpreting Baha’u’llah’s Words to include Buddha is the same as if Baha’u’llah or God said it. To reject Abdul-Baha is to transgress against Baha’u’llah. Very clear Abdul-Baha speaks for Baha’u’llah.

Render thanks unto God, O people, for His appearance; for verily He is the most great Favor unto you, the most perfect bounty upon you; and through Him every mouldering bone is quickened. Whoso turneth towards Him hath turned towards God, and whoso turneth away from Him hath turned away from My beauty, hath repudiated My Proof, and transgressed against Me. He is the Trust of God amongst you, His charge within you, His manifestation unto you and His appearance among His favored servants… We have sent Him down in the form of a human temple. Blest and sanctified be God Who createth whatsoever He willeth through His inviolable, His infallible decree. They who deprive themselves of the shadow of the Branch, are lost in the wilderness of error, are consumed by the heat of worldly desires, and are of those who will assuredly perish.”


The Universal House of Justice has asked us to acknowledge your letter of April 28 …..

1. It was the express wish of Bahá'u'lláh that after Him the friends should "turn" to 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Bahá'u'lláh also said in His Book of Laws that anything that was not clear in His Writings should be "referred" to His Most Mighty Branch springing from the Ancient Root. (See "The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh" pages 134-135.) In one of the Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá published in "Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá" (page 214) He quotes the passages mentioned above and interprets them to mean that "whatever He ('Abdu'l-Bahá) saith is the very truth". 'Abdu'l-Bahá further says, referring to those who do not accept Him as the Interpreter of the Word of God, "Whoso deviates from my interpretation is a victim of his own fancy" ("The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh" page 138). Moreover, in the "Star of the West" Volume XII, page 227, 'Abdu'l-Bahá interprets the verses from the "Tablet of the Branch" to mean "...whatsoever His (Abdu'l-Bahá's) pen records, that is correct...."

“When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.' Its meaning briefly is this: that after My ascension it is incumbent upon the Aghsán, the Afnán and the kindred, and all the friends of God, to turn their faces to Him Who hath branched from the Ancient Root.


He also plainly saith in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas: 'O ye people of the world! When the Mystic Dove will have winged its flight from its Sanctuary of Praise and sought its far-off goal, its hidden habitation, refer ye whatsoever ye understand not in the Book to Him Who hath branched from this mighty Stock.' Addressing all the people of the world He saith: When the Mystic Dove flieth away from the orchard of praise to the Most Supreme and Invisible Station—that is, when the Blessed Beauty turneth away from the contingent world towards the invisible realm—refer whatever ye do not understand in the Book to Him Who hath branched from the Ancient Root. That is, whatever He saith is the very truth.”

Excerpt from
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
‘Abdu’l-Bahá

To be clear, it is not Abdu'l-Baha who I have issues with, it is the Baha'is. Just as Christians elevated Jesus to God and worshiped Jesus as God, what I see in the Baha'i community are Baha'is worshiping Abdu'l-Baha as if He was God. It is too bad that Baha'is cannot recognize what they are doing because they are too close to it, but I think they have gone off track, just as the followers of every religion get off track after the Messenger of God dies. In the case of the Baha'is, I think it is psychological because they want to elevate Abdu'l-Baha to a station he never claimed for himself.

When you say that Abdu'l-Baha was infallible, you are saying he cannot be wrong. Only God is infallible, and Manifestations of God are infallible because they perfectly reveal the will of God.

Abdu'l-Baha never claimed to be infallible, nor did Baha'u'llah say that about Abdu'l-Baha. The Baha'is did that. The only reason it bothers me is because I hate to see a eligion get off track like this, and it is always the followers who get it off track by misinterpreting what the Messengers of God revealed to suit their fancy.

Abdu'l-Baha only claimed to be a Servant of Baha'u'llah. I think he would be rolling over in his grave if he saw that so much money was spent erecting a shrine to him, when that money could have gone towards teaching the Faith.

The Servant of Glory​

‘Abdu’l-Bahá affirmed time and again that He was a “herald of peace and reconciliation”, “an advocate of the oneness of humanity”, and an agent calling humanity to the “Kingdom of God”.

Despite the acclaim given to Him, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá always made clear that Bahá’u’lláh was the Source of His thought. In a letter to His followers in America He wrote: “My name is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (lit. “Servant of Bahá’u’lláh”). My qualification is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. My reality is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. My praise is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Thraldom to the Blessed Perfection [Bahá’u’lláh] is my glorious and refulgent diadem, and servitude to all the human race my perpetual religion…No name, no title, no mention, no commendation have I, nor will ever have, except ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This is my longing. This is my greatest yearning. This is my eternal life. This is my everlasting glory.”

The Significance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá | What Bahá’ís Believe

The website of the worldwide Bahá’í community

www.bahai.org

 

[CG Didymus]

As far as which teachings are authentic, we believe that only a Buddha can say that and thus we turn to Baha’u’llah because we believe Him to be the return of Buddha and that He not any layman has the authority to give the correct interpretation of all the past religious scriptures.

That's fine for anybody that has come to accept Baha'u'llah. But for people in these other religions, it is not "building" bridges, it is telling them that what they've been taught as being true in their religion... is false. For the Jews, Ishmael not Isaac. For Christians, no Satan and no resurrection. For Hindus, no reincarnation. For Buddhists, no rebirth.

Baha’u’llah’s interpretations builds bridges which enables people to accept the essence of all religions. Visiting any of these religions and having friendship and fellowship is encouraged and a joy.

This thread has Buddhists and Hindus, and I haven't seen any bridges being built. If you can accept them in your city, then why can't you and other Baha'is accept them here on the forum? I think one of the problems is that the Baha'is don't accept their Scriptures and beliefs. Baha'is accept what their prophet has said about those religions. Which isn't building bridges. It is telling them how wrong their beliefs have been. But... it's never too late to start. Let's see some bridges get built.

 

[TransmutingSoul]

Just as Christians elevated Jesus to God and worshiped Jesus as God, what I see in the Baha'i community are Baha'is worshiping Abdu'l-Baha as if He was God. It is too bad that Baha'is cannot recognize what they are doing because they are too close to it, but I think they have gone off track, just as the followers of every religion get off track after the Messenger of God dies. In the case of the Baha'is, I think it is psychological because they want to elevate Abdu'l-Baha to a station he never claimed for himself

I will reply to this statement, as is an incorrect observation as to how the Majority of Baha'i would embrace Abdu'l-Baha. It is also wrong to make such a statement.

Abdu'l-Baha made it clear as to his station. His name is the station he chose for himself and it is how he asked Baha'i's to embrace him, and why he asked Baha'i to look at him and to be as He was.

It makes me sad to see such statements made.

Baha'ullah made it clear as to who we were to turn to after His passing and to what authority Abdu'l-Baha's interpretations of Baha’u’llah's Message were given.

It is about obedience and submission to the authority given to Abdu'l-Baha. Regards Tony

 

[loverofhumanity]

For the purposes of this thread and that Baha’u’llah made no direct mention of the name of Buddha, He states in His Most Holy Book.

174. O people of the world! When the Mystic Dove will have winged its flight from its Sanctuary of Praise and sought its far-off goal, its hidden habitation, refer ye whatsoever ye understand not in the Book to Him Who hath branched from this mighty Stock. (Baha’u’llah- Most Holy Book)

This passage refers to His eldest Son Abdul-Baha Who He appoints as His authorised Interpreter of His texts.

Abdul-Baha further explains below, the above passage as authorised Interpreter.

“Therefore, with His own pen He wrote the Book of His Covenant, addressing His relations and all people of the world, saying,

Verily, I have appointed One Who is the Center of My Covenant. All must obey Him; all must turn to Him; He is the Expounder of My Book, and He is informed of My purpose. All must turn to Him. Whatsoever He says is correct, for, verily, He knoweth the texts of My Book. Other than He, no one doth know My Book.” The purpose of this statement is that there should never be discord and divergence among the Bahá’ís but that they should always be unified and agreed.... Therefore, whosoever obeys the Center of the Covenant appointed by Bahá’u’lláh has obeyed Bahá’u’lláh, and whosoever disobeys Him has disobeyed Bahá’u’lláh....

(The Covenant Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)

Being the only One to know Baha’u’llah‘s purpose and the only One to know His Book, Abdul-Baha explained that Buddha was a Manifestation of God too Who taught the oneness of God.

The Blessed Beauty, Bahá’u’lláh, appointed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Centre of His Covenant and confirmed upon Him infallible interpretation of His Word. Anything ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said was as if Bahá’u’lláh Himself had said it. This was implied in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and confirmed in the Kitáb-i-‘Ahd.

 

[Vinayaka]

That's fine for anybody that has come to accept Baha'u'llah. But for people in these other religions, it is not "building" bridges, it is telling them that what they've been taught as being true in their religion... is false. For the Jews, Ishmael not Isaac. For Christians, no Satan and no resurrection. For Hindus, no reincarnation. For Buddhists, no rebirth.


This thread has Buddhists and Hindus, and I haven't seen any bridges being built. If you can accept them in your city, then why can't you and other Baha'is accept them here on the forum? I think one of the problems is that the Baha'is don't accept their Scriptures and beliefs. Baha'is accept what their prophet has said about those religions. Which isn't building bridges. It is telling them how wrong their beliefs have been. But... it's never too late to start. Let's see some bridges get built.

I'm afraid such bridges have long been burnt. It is indeed too late ... way too late. There has been no shift in 10 years on this forum. Most people just give up on any real dialogue. We've seen lots of that on this thread. They talk of unity, yet even the Baha'is themselves here disagree on a lot of stuff. It's sad, because the irony is that many of us non-Bahai's do accept each other's religion (as is) It is the Bahai's that don't.

 

[Trailblazer]

That's fine for anybody that has come to accept Baha'u'llah. But for people in these other religions, it is not "building" bridges, it is telling them that what they've been taught as being true in their religion... is false. For the Jews, Ishmael not Isaac. For Christians, no Satan and no resurrection. For Hindus, no reincarnation. For Buddhists, no rebirth.

This thread has Buddhists and Hindus, and I haven't seen any bridges being built. If you can accept them in your city, then why can't you and other Baha'is accept them here on the forum? I think one of the problems is that the Baha'is don't accept their Scriptures and beliefs. Baha'is accept what their prophet has said about those religions. Which isn't building bridges. It is telling them how wrong their beliefs have been. But... it's never too late to start. Let's see some bridges get built.

So let me get this straight.
Do you think that Baha'is should lie about what they believe and misrepresent the Baha'i teachings just so they can build bridges?
That is a bridge that will ultimately fall down since it is based upon dishonesty.

 

[loverofhumanity]

I'm afraid such bridges have long been burnt. It is indeed too late ... way too late. There has been no shift in 10 years on this forum. Most people just give up on any real dialogue. We've seen lots of that on this thread. They talk of unity, yet even the Baha'is themselves here disagree on a lot of stuff. It's sad, because the irony is that many of us non-Bahai's do accept each other's religion (as is) It is the Bahai's that don't.

We have a lot of good friends with many religions and they like us and accept us.

 

[Trailblazer]

I'm afraid such bridges have long been burnt. It is indeed too late ... way too late. There has been no shift in 10 years on this forum. Most people just give up on any real dialogue. We've seen lots of that on this thread. They talk of unity, yet even the Baha'is themselves here disagree on a lot of stuff. It's sad, because the irony is that many of us non-Bahai's do accept each other's religion (as is) It is the Bahai's that don't.

The bridge between Baha'is is only good for as long as the Baha'is adhere strictly to the dogma. As soon as one even questions that dogma the bridge falls down and one is deemed a dissenter. No, there can be no real dialogue with people are so convinced they are right and others are wrong because they have to make everything fit into their dogma.

A few years ago I argued with atheists and said the Baha'i Faith has no dogma, but some of us can learn by listening to others.
It did not take me 10 years on this forum to figure out why some people have a problem with the Baha'i Faith. It took me less than 5 years.

All that said, I still believe in Baha'u'llah, just not in all the baggage that goes with being a Baha'i.

 

[loverofhumanity]

That's fine for anybody that has come to accept Baha'u'llah. But for people in these other religions, it is not "building" bridges, it is telling them that what they've been taught as being true in their religion... is false. For the Jews, Ishmael not Isaac. For Christians, no Satan and no resurrection. For Hindus, no reincarnation. For Buddhists, no rebirth.


This thread has Buddhists and Hindus, and I haven't seen any bridges being built. If you can accept them in your city, then why can't you and other Baha'is accept them here on the forum? I think one of the problems is that the Baha'is don't accept their Scriptures and beliefs. Baha'is accept what their prophet has said about those religions. Which isn't building bridges. It is telling them how wrong their beliefs have been. But... it's never too late to start. Let's see some bridges get built.

Baha’is have accepted their scriptures by accepting their own Promised One. By rejecting their Promised One, other religions are rejecting their own scriptures.

.a large multitude of people will arise against you, showing oppression, expressing contumely and derision, shunning your society, and heaping upon you ridicule. (Abdul-Baha)

The truth has always been opposed. Nothing new here.