Teach the Baha'i Faith with Ease
by V. Mitra Gopaul
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What the readers are saying
About the book
About the author
Table of Contents
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What the readers are saying
Reviewer: Douglas Martin from Haifa, Israel
The approach is a highly personal one and has a natural inner unity of its own. In any event, it has obviously benefited from consultation with a wide range of Baha'is. I was struck by the practicality of the approach and the low-key spirit in which the material is presented. Without doubt, many Baha'is are going to find it a very helpful manual.
Reviewer: Pat Verge from Cochrane Alberta, Canada
The Baha'i Faith, a religion for humankind in the age of its maturity, does not have clergy. The responsibility and privilege of sharing the message of Baha'u'llah has been given to each individual Baha'i. Mitra Gopaul's book is full of interesting stories about how people from different walks of life have learned about and embraced the teachings of its Founder. These stories are the highlight of a practical book which assists Baha'is in their endeavours to share their Faith with others. Gopaul investigates the spiritual journey which each human being takes, the spiritual qualities needed by the teacher, and the many resources available to help him or her. He examines the life of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the perfect Exemplar of the Baha'i Faith, whose luminous actions are a perfect model for those who wish to live and share the Baha'i life. The book's format makes it very readable.Gopaul uses quotes from Sacred Scriptures, word checks, illustrations, and many personal stories to make his subject come alive. He has included brief sections on important dates in Baha'i history and short synopses of other religions. This book will be of special value to the new Baha'i who will wish to share his newfound faith with others. It will inspire those who have been in the Faith for a long time. It will also be of interest to those who are looking for a model of community which is endeavouring to practice unity in diversity. That community is ever open to welcome those wishing to look into the claims of its Founder to have brought a message and a system of governance capable of uniting the diverse peoples of the world in a common bond of faith.
Reviewer: Maddie Wingett from Ontario, Canada
I have read this book and I find it very interesting as well as informative yet simply told. I love the style and the humor with the pictures and the way it can relate to anyone who reads it. So many personal success stories and a glimpse into the way some people live their lives and teach what they believe in without pressuring others. Good for anyone who wants to learn about a Faith that could be close to their hearts, souls and their daily actions. I hightly recommend it to anyone whether they are interested in religion or not.
Reviewer: Dr. A. K. Merchant from New Delhi, INDIA
...your book is very interesting and deals with the subject from a creative perspective covering a broad range of issues concerning the sharing of the 'Word of God' with the rest of our fellow men. I wish to congratulate you for this splendid work.
About the book
The Baha'i Faith is entering a new and challenging phase of expansion
of its membership, which calls for the participation of every one of
its believers. This requires an effective teaching campaign with a
clear understanding of the guidelines and opportunities.
Teach the Baha'i Faith With Ease is a useful resource for both new
and experienced Baha'i teachers. Gopaul attempts to answer some basic
questions, such as "Why does one have to teach?", "What are the benefits?", and "Is teaching the Faith important?" Next, he examines the
life of Abdu'l-Baha, our Hero and Exemplar. Throughout the book,
quotations from the Writings are extensively used to show how to improve
our teaching work. Finally, there are inspiring stories of how many
have found and joined the Baha'i Faith.
Teach the Baha'i Faith With Ease is a handbook, a tool chest, full of
useful information that one can use for teaching activities.
About the author
V. Mitra Gopaul has been a Baha'i for over 30 years with extensive teaching experience in Canada, USA, Europe, and the Caribbean Islands. He is an independent computer consultant based in Ontario, Canada, offering his software expertise to major international companies such as Merrill Lynch, IBM, Xerox, and the Royal Bank of Canada. He has written six books for software professionals.
Table of Contents
Foreword ...xi
Preface ...xiii
Chapter 1 Getting Started ...1
Should I Teach the Baha'i Faith? ...1
Teaching and Knowledge of God ...5
How Generous are the Benefits? ...6
A Mighty Task ...11
Divine Help and Support ...11
Central Figures ...11
The Perfect Example ...12
Concourse on High ...13
The Guardianship ...14
The Universal House of Justice ...15
Other Institutions ...16
What is the Minimum Requirement? ...18
Primary Duty ...20
Spiritual Motherhood ...22
The Apostles ...24
Summary ...26
Chapter 2 Abdu'l-Baha: The Perfect Exemplar ...29
Why Do We Need Abdu'l-Baha? ...29
What's in a Name? ...31
Focus ...31
The Longing ...32
The Architect ...36
Don't Blame the Teacher ...37
He Listens ...38
Teaching with Deeds 40 ...
The First Public Speech ...40
Humility ...43
Spiritual Nourishment ...45
Tolerance and Patience ...47
Comfortable with Strangers ...48
White Roses ...50
Mother's Milk ...50
Heart White as Snow ...52
Summary ...54
Chapter 3 The Spiritual Journey ...57
Basics of a Soul58 ...
The Teacher's Role ..59
Who is Ready? ...64
Don't be Pushy ...65
An Independent Journey ...66
Different Development Stages of a Soul ...68
Search ...69
Acceptance ...69
Nurturing ...71
Confirmation ...72
Prayer for the Soul ...73
Listen, Listen, Listen ...74
Religious, Political, Social, and Technological Trends ...75
The Enrolment Card ...81
Summary ...83
Chapter 4 Opportunities Unlimited ...85
Workplace ...86
High School, College, and University ...87
Grade School ...94
Children ...95
Parents ...95
Baha'i Holy Days ...96
Christmas Parties ...96
Baha'i New Year ...97
Friends ...98
Family Members ...99
Parents ...100
Siblings ...102
Spouse ...103
Children ...105
Ethnic Groups ...107
Organizations ...110
Religious Groups ...111
More Opportunities ...111
Summary ...112
Chapter 5 The Message ...115
The Approach ...116
What to Say ...120
The Right Message ...121
The Power of Words ...121
The Message ...123
God ...124
Prophet or Manifestation ...124
Purpose of Religions ...125
Humanity ...125
Soul ...126
Separation of Body and Soul ...126
Equality ...126
Education ...127
Science and Arts ...127
Unity ...128
Methods of Delivery ...130
One-to-one Teaching ...131
Firesides ...131
Public Talks ...133
Direct Teaching ...134
Mass Teaching ...134
Door-to-door Teaching ...135
Traveling Teaching ...138
What are the Benefits of Traveling Teaching? ...139
Preparing for Traveling Teaching ...140
Pioneering ...141
What is Pioneering? ...142
Benefits of Pioneering ...142
Examples ...145
What is the Baha'i Faith? ...145
Summary ...149
Chapter 6 Understanding Entry by Troops .....151
Prophecy...152
Definition ...156
Growth Does Not Mean Progress ...158
Promote Love and Unity ...159
Spiritual Transformation ...162
An Alternative Life Style ...163
Process of Social Decline ...164
Elements of Growth ...166
Time is Now ...167
Universal Participation ...170
Expansion and Consolidation ...170
A Model to the World ...172
Reaching the People of Capacity ...173
Flexible Approach ...175
Concerted and Persistent Efforts ...176
Preventing Inoculation ...177
Reinforcing the Administrative Foundations ...178
Processes of Entry by Troops ...180
Summary ...182
Chapter 7 More Teaching Tools ...185
Promises of Ultimate Victory ...185
The Bab ...186
Baha'u'llah ...186
Abdu'l-Baha ...187
Shoghi Effendi ...187
The Universal House of Justice ...188
Prayers for Teaching ...190
History of the Faith ...193
Principles and Laws ...196
Baha'i Faith and Other Religions ...197
Krishna ...198
Moses ...199
Zoroaster ...200
Buddha ...200
Jesus Christ ...201
Muhammad ...202
Social and Economic Development ...204
Elements for a World Commonwealth ...205
What are the Fundamental Verities?...205
Bibliography ...211
Index ...213
