Your Sunday Best

I am not in the business of preaching a religion or implying that one is better than another.  I am a learner and I like to explore choices ... I don't choose to be told who I am or what I should believe. I do choose to find my way to that place of peace through my own experiences.  That is how, today, I am showing you one of my recent experiences and leaving it for you to ponder ...

The Baha'i House of Worship ... for the North American Continent

The Baha'i Faith is an independent world religion practiced throughout the world by more than 6 million people of nearly every nationality and ethnic background.  They are attracted to the Faith by the belief that we all belong to one human race, that all religions share a common source and aim and that the long-awaited era of peace promised by God in the world's sacred scriptures is now within reach. (Taken from The Baha'i pamphlet available at the House of Worship).

The House of Worship and Gardens  form a single , sacred space where all people are invited to pray and meditate in an atmosphere of beauty and light.  The area of gardens encircles a nine-sided structure covered by a single, majestic dome symbolizing the unity of all people and religions under God.  The Temple is visited by millions every year because of it's beauty and serenity ... because of it's hopeful message of peace.  Enjoy ...

Architect Louis Bourgeois's design celebrates light and unity.

The actual construction started in 1916 and the doors were finally opened in 1953.  Work continued on the Temple and surrounding gardens into the sixties.  It is now listed in The United States Register of Historic Places.

 

Photographs in the sanctuary are not allowed so these are scanned postcard pictures.

This was a "feel good" experience.  If you are ever in the Chicago area you should try to take the time to visit The Baha'i Temple.  I am guessing in the spring and summer the gardens are ravishing.  And one of the best parts of a summer visit is that in the dome there are hundreds of humming birds nesting.   Peace ...