Local Bahá’ís Return from Journey Optimistic and Spiritually Refreshed

Well before the global pandemic, my family and I began planning a trip of a lifetime. While we dreamed about it for years, our goal wasn’t simply a vacation in a faraway land. Like thousands of people of many faith traditions, we wanted to travel as pilgrims to locations that have special significance for our spiritual heritage. However, the global COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by my personal battle with cancer during the same period, skuttled those plans.

There’s an old saying: If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans.

Fortunately, I survived cancer following intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments in 2020, and I grew stronger the following year. Then a window opened in early June this year. COVID-19 cases were on the decline, and many travel restrictions lifted

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For us, who are members of the Bahá'í Faith, pilgrimage serves as a physical expression of our devotion and an outward representation of each individual’s personal spiritual journey.

On Holy Ground

While the Bahá’í Faith is similar in many ways to other world religions, some things are unique. For example, the Bahá’í Faith is the first religion to have both its administrative and spiritual centers in the same location.

Situated in the heart of magnificent gardens in Haifa and nearby ‘Akka are the final resting places of both Bahá'u'lláh (“Glory of God”) and the Báb (the “Gate”). Baháʼu'lláh (1817–1892) is the Prophet-Founder of the Baháʼí Faith. The Báb (1819-1850) is also a Prophet of God who established an independent religion but fills a similar role as Elijah or John the Baptist in preparing the world for a new message from God. In the Báb’s case, He referred to the coming of “He Whom God shall make manifest,” Bahá’u’lláh. Haifa is also home to the seat of the Universal House of Justice, the international governing council of the Bahá'í Faith.

The majestic gold-domed Shrine of the Báb sits on the slopes of Mount Carmel in Haifa while the beautifully-serene Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh is located just across the bay in Bahjí, outside of ‘Akka. These two spots are considered by Bahá'ís to be the most holy places on earth.

Each year, thousands of pilgrims come from around the world to pray and meditate in the Shrines and visit the other Bahá'í holy places and gardens in the Haifa / ‘Akka area.

RELATED VIDEO: Experience the Bahá’í Gardens by Drone, an aerial view

A Shared, Yet Uniquely Individual, Experience

While we travelled together as a family and shared many experiences, each of us had the opportunity to walk in the gardens, ascend the 19 terraces and spend time in the Shrines on our own. The experience was different for everyone.

For me, this pilgrimage was more than a goal realized. It gave me an opportunity to detach from the day-to-day grind for an extended period, connect to something bigger… something deep within, and reflect. I said many prayers for my family, departed loved ones, friends, co-workers and my community. I said a special prayer for America and offered prayers for peace in the world.

Returning home after a short but intensive sojourn in the Holy Land, pilgrims often feel reinvigorated by the experience, keen to rededicate themselves to service to humanity and eager to share with family and friends the joy that has filled their hearts.

It’s difficult to express it in words, but as my Pilgrimage drew to a close, I literally felt lighter – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity. While I wish everyone could experience what I felt, I appreciate many are not able to make the trek like my ninety-one-year-old mother-in-law and her late husband, for example. In their case, we brought a photo of them with us. They were both there with us in spirit.

Some Parting Thoughts…

One can’t help but be inspired by the beauty and majesty of the Bahá'í Gardens and Terraces on Mount Carmel. I, and others, believe they’re symbolic of the transformation that’s destined to occur in the physical environment of our planet and within the hearts of the world’s people. As I reinsert myself in daily life once again, I cling to the cord of tranquility and optimism I felt while in the Bahá'í Gardens in Haifa.

We're using the Writings of the Bahá'í Faith to guide the administrative affairs of our community and work for the betterment of the world. Lofty goals, yes, but we take small actions to contribute to that goal. For example, we host a monthly interfaith reflections and devotional space that focuses on a different virtue each month, where all are welcome. For more information, join Reflecting on Virtues, a Group on Nextdoor.

If you enjoyed reading this article, you may enjoy others I’ve written. You can find them here =>

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The Bahá'í Faith, an inclusive, unifying vision

We live in a time of rapid, often unsettling change, inspiring mixed feelings of dread, anxiety, anticipation and hope. Amid this turbulence, the Bahá'í Faith can be a haven. The optimistic teachings of the Bahá'í Faith answer essential questions about the human condition and the relationships that bind us together.

Bahá'ís view the world's major religions as part of a single, progressive process through which God reveals His Will to humanity. Bahá'í teachings offer hope to a troubled world. They include spiritual principles on which humanity may, with divine assistance, establish lasting peace. Tenets include one Creator, the oneness of humanity and the eradication of all forms of prejudice, equality of women and men, universal education and the harmony of science and religion.

To learn more about the Bahá'í Faith in America, visit www.bahai.us.