Document Type

Audio File

Publication Date

2011

Abstract

Unity in Diversity within the Baha’i PerspectiveThe concept of ‘Unity in Diversity’ which is at the heart of integral thinking of Haridas Chaudhuri is also at the core of the Baha’i perspective, a global universalist tradition that deeply practices this principle as a living reality. The most known phrase used in the Baha’i tradition is “All mankind is the fruits of one tree, flowers of the same garden, waves of one sea.” (Abdu’l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, 1945). One of the principles of the Baha’i Faith is the Independent Investigation of Truth. This principle asserts that religion is not hereditary but it is by choice. The practitioners are encouraged to investigate and learn about many spiritual traditions. This journey teaches the seeker to open his/her mind to new ways of seeing and being. This inquiry reinforces the elimination of all forms of prejudice and enlightens the seeker to the oneness of humankind, the oneness of the core of spiritual realities and ultimately to put in practice unity in diversity. Through personal experience and reference to spiritual texts, this presentation explores how compassionate practice, present and open to others and their spiritual views can expand the horizon of the self and a possibility of harmonious social transformation.

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Fariba Bogzaran, Ph.D., is a professor, writer and artist and the founding director of the Dream Studies program at John F. Kennedy University. She lectures internationally on the topics of dreams, consciousness, art and spiritual practices and has been a contemplative meditation practitioner since age fifteen. She is the author of numerous articles and co-author of three books including Extraordinary Dreams (SUNY, 2002) and forthcoming book Integral Dreaming (SUNY, in press). Coming from the Baha’i perspective, trained in Taoist practices and Buddhist meditation, Dr. Bogzaran approaches unity in diversity through the lens of a mystic.

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