Cluster 19 Celebration - Tacoma/Pierce County

There was much to celebrate at our Cluster Reflection Meeting, with news about the many study circles, devotional meetings, children's classes and junior youth groups operating within the Tacoma area. Since there is no clergy in the Baha'i Faith, the Baha'is take on the responsibility of sharing the teachings of Baha'u'llah, with support from community members. Once someone has shown an interest in the Faith, they can choose any number of programs to enhance their study of the teachings, offer a devotional program in their home, or promote fellowship within Baha'i community life.

This group presented a play written by Karen Smith, "One People, One Problem, One Solution" based on the document by the Universal House of Justice, "One Common Faith". The play had two primary voices, that of the East and that of the West, showing the subtle differences of thought and perspective that permeate these cultures.

The West began by saying, "I am the dominating force of the world. What I do and what I have is important to the world." The East responded gently, with the words, "I am Asia. I am Africa. I am the cradle of civilization and religion."

As the play continues each side shares their strengths and concerns, of how to grow and prosper. The East refers back to its spiritual traditions, and says, "Begin again from the past. A vast literature to which all religious cultures have contributed records the experience of transcendence reported by generations of seekers. No other force in the world has ever inspired so many to such heights of heroism, self-sacrifice, discipline and artistic expression. Anyone who is serious in their quest for spiritual truth will find an answering voice in the Upanishads, Psalms, or the Qu'ran. The words of the Buddha and Jesus still touch hearts and transcend Reality today. "

The West counters with the thoughts, "Those antiquated systems don't fit today's daily moral decisions a soul must make as an active member of society. Individuals now have authority when they vote, women want equality with men! Then, there is stem cell research, nuclear energy, ecological and environmental issues as well. These and countless other inescapable choices that must be made have no answer in either old contentious religion, or modernity."

With the sharing of concerns, the East offers a final solution, "We must come to understand each other. We must come to know the issues involved. We must consider the spiritual needs of our neighbors. All faiths call upon their believers to meditate, to ponder and to reflect. Let us do so now."

The children read the story of the Martyrdom of the Bab in Tabriz. This story is quite poignant, as when the Bab was tied to the wall to be executed, and the 750 rifles shot their round, the Bab was nowhere to be found! The smoke cleared, and the officials found the Bab in his room, giving some last moment instructions. He said to the onlooking crowd, "The day will come when you will understand who I am; that day I shall no longer be with you." Then, he walked back to the execution wall.
At the end of the meeting everyone waited in suspense for a special tribute to all of the Baha'is who completed the sequences of the Ruhi Study Circles. Developed by the Ruhi Institute in Colombia, the Ruhi Study Circles offer reflections on the life of the spirit, with materials used around the world by Bahá'í communities in an effort to foster constructive personal and community transformation.

"By learning about our spiritual reality and our individual role in the progress of society, we can better understand our purpose in life and the way to improve our own lives and the lives of those around us." ~ Ruhi workbook

A beautiful scroll with everyone's name was unfurled. This scroll will be sent to the World Center of our Faith in Haifa, Israel. Just as Tim carried the scroll to the front of the room, a shaft of sunlight glinted briefly over Debbie's shoulder to all of the names on the scroll. What a blessing and delight, a most powerful and wonderful ending to our evening!