Editors note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday a topic is printed inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are edited.
Editors note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday a topic is printed inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are edited. Thoughts or suggestions for future topics are always welcome. Next week’s subject is on chaos. The topic at the end of the column is for the following week.
The Baha’is of Kaua‘i
Fame is neither good nor bad. The famous, however, wield great power to influence and persuade. If the actions of the famous uplift civilization and benefit mankind, then that is as it should be. However, if those who have been so richly blessed perform deeds for personal gain, or for the purpose of appearing better than others, it will be fleeting and may be even harmful to themselves and others. Abdu’l-Baha, son of the prophet founder of the Baha’i Faith, counsels us to obey God’s laws and to do His work without boasting.
Baha’is are cautioned, “Soon will your swiftly-passing days be over, and the fame and riches, the comforts, the joys provided by this rubbish-heap, the world, will be gone without a trace.”
“Some men’s lives are solely occupied with the things of this world; their minds are so circumscribed by exterior manners and traditional interests that they are blind to any other realm of existence, to the spiritual significance of all things. They think and dream of earthly fame, of material progress. Sensuous delights and comfortable surroundings bound their horizon, their highest ambitions center in successes of worldly conditions and circumstances. They curb not their lower propensities; they eat, drink, and sleep. Like the animal, they have no thought beyond their own physical well-being.”
“Summon ye, then, the people to God, and invite humanity to follow the example of the company on high. Be ye loving fathers to the orphan, and a refuge to the helpless, and a treasury for the poor, and a cure for the ailing.
Topic for two weeks from today:
• Will you speak to us on women?
• Spiritual leaders are invited to e-mail responses of three to five paragraphs to pwoolway@kauaipubco.com
• Deadline each week is Tuesday, by 5 p.m.