Customer Reviews (3)

A Life and Legacy Well Portrayed
Bahíyyih Khánum, the Greatest Holy Leaf, daughter of Bahá'u'lláh, can be considered the woman of highest station in her father's faith, and yet the facts about her life are few. Owing primarily to cultural constraints on her sex, the story and character of her outstanding life must be teased out by the biographer through the scattered references of letters, diaries, and recollections. Armed with a mighty assortment of such citations, researcher Janet Khan weaves a moving tapestry of the Greatest Holy Leaf in Prophet's Daughter: The Life and Legacy of Bahíyyih Khánum, Outstanding Heroine of the Bahá'í Faith.

Through this thoroughly readable book, Janet Khan provides a fresh and accessible approach to Bahá'í history and scholarship. Her insight into and explication of the Greatest Holy Leaf's life highlight the sustaining and even pivotal contributions of this servant to the Bahá'í cause, shaming the many male historians who give nary a mention. Both those new to the Bahá'í Faith and those well acquainted will find inspiration. This is a biography worthy of emulation.

Informative and Loving
This book, truely, covers the life and legacy of Bahiyyih Khanum. A person whose qualities call for close examination. Janet Khan, using all available means for research, in spite of the cultural norms of a women in the mid-19th century Persia, succeeds in portraying the "Greatest Holy Leaf" in a way that makes me fall in love. Her plight and perseverance are something to be admired, especially in context to her historical upbringings. Highly recommended read.

excellent book
This book is a very important book for those studying the history of the Baha'i Faith. The writer opens a vivid window that allows us to view the critical role Bahiyyih Khanum played in the growth of her Father, Baha'u'llah's faith, the Baha'i Faith, in the very turbulent years of its beginning. I enjoyed it immensely. ... Read more

Product Description

The twentieth century, the most turbulent in the history of the human race, has reached its end. Dismayed by the deepening moral and social chaos that marked its course, the generality of the world's peoples are eager to leave behind them the memories of the suffering that these decades brought with them. No matter how frail the foundations of confidence in the future may seem, no matter how great the dangers looming on the horizon, humanity appears desperate to believe that, through some fortuitous conjunction of circumstances, it will nevertheless be possible to bend the conditions of human life into conformity with prevailing human desires.

In the light of the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh such hopes are not merely illusory, but miss entirely the nature and meaning of the great turning point through which our world has passed in these crucial hundred years. Only as humanity comes to understand the implications of what occurred during this period of history will it be able to meet the challenges that lie ahead. The value of the contribution we as Bahá'ís can make to the process demands that we ourselves grasp the significance of the historic transformation wrought by the twentieth century.

What makes this insight possible for us is the light shed by the rising Sun of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation and the influence it has come to exercise in human affairs. It is this opportunity that the following pages address.



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Customer Reviews (3)

Great overview of the Baha'i Faith
This is a wonderful book for new Baha'i or for someone who wants a better understanding of the faith.It is well written and covers everything from history to key precepts.I usually keep an extra copy on hand to give away when I meet a "seeker".Even if someone is just interested in getting general information, they can easily study by topic or chapter, without reading the entire book.I highly recommend it for every Baha'i Library.

A thoughtful introduction
Author and Baha'i faithful Frank Stetzer presents Religion on the Healing Edge: What Baha'is Believe, a thoughtful introduction to the Baha'i faith and its practices. Chapters discuss the Baha'i covenant, the Baha'i concept of self-governance (clergy and ritual are not considered necessary), the principle of being loyal to one's government yet not involved in politics (a concept that is not complete withdrawal - Baha'i are permitted to vote, talk to elected representatives, or run for political office, as long as they do not identify with a political party), the Baha'i condemnation of gossip and slander, and much more. A readily accessible primer to Baha'i tenets enthusiastically recommended to anyone seeking to learn more about the faith, whether for personal or scholarly reasons.

What is a Bahai? .
A great book for everyone.

Especially for those people who know a Bahá'i or have a Bahá'i family member but don't really "get" what Bahá'i is. This book is an expertly written explanation of many things Bahá'i. It uses intelligent language and sacred texts to explain everything from a basic history of The Bahá'i Faith, The Covenant of Baha'u'llah, and Bahá'i laws and responsibilities. It will truly give the reader a foundation for understanding The Bahá'i Faith and its believers. ... Read more

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"Science is the first emanation from God towardman".Baha'i Writings.

From the history of religions andcivilization, the writer of this study purports to demonstrate that2000 years of dichotomy of religion and science in the human psycheled to utter spiritual confusion and the decline of the Westerncivilization. The Baha'i revelation (1844-1921) announced a New Age ofMan and offers the blue print of a Global civilization based onreligion and science. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Not a serious book
This book has three major flaws: it contains very little sciences, it cannot claim to represent main stream Baha'i ideas in the debate between science and religion and it is not "a study in the philosophy of science". The author does not know more about science than a junior college student and ignores most of the modern contributions on the philosophy of science. Regarding the Baha'i content, I feel very sorry that the author and the editor present the book as "a baha'i perspective on religion and science". The Baha'i Faith has deep thinkers and scholars who have made major contributions in the field, whereas the author presents very personal and outdated ideas (the author is over ninety) which are not consistent either with modern science or with Baha'i philosophy. It would be a pity if the general public thinks that this book represents the Baha'i level of scholarship or the current trend of Baha'i ideas on the subject. The book will not either qualify as "A study in the philosophy of science" because the author knows nothing about modern epistemology and the philosophy of science.

Dots Not Really Connected
Back in September I posted this review: "I didn't get far enough into the book to find the science. Its in the title. I expected it to be in the book." Lame, I know. So, I went back and read CEaE.

Several major points required trying to think like Eliane in order to understand them. In principle, I agree with all the major points.... I just found it difficult to understand what they were at first. A major problem in comprehending this book is the vagueness in building the philosophical arguments. Certainly, this is from a lack of concrete evidence to connect the dots. Others working with the same topic have filled these gaps with hypothetical and admission of incompleteness. Eliane expects one to make the same leaps of logic whereas I fell into the gaps, making this a really difficult book to complete.

The tiny spelling and grammatical errors throughout the book also threw me off in places. A good editor ought to be able to point out the logical gaps and these little mistakes.

Creation, Evolution and Eternity: A Bahai's perspective on religion and science.
I was very facinated with this book because it gave much information about how the ancient scientific peoples were influenced by religion. The book is factual and does not preach about religion. The idea about the necessity of science and religion being in agreement inorder for a civilization to survive is expecially interesting given the recent news about state school boards being against evolution. ... Read more

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Explores the history and teachings of the Bahai Faith and some of the important figures in this religion's development. ... Read more

Product Description
Illumine My Heart is a collection of prayers from the sacred writings of the Bahai Faith. The prayers included here will assist spiritual seekers to walk a spiritual path with practical feet, and to navigate the ups and downs of life with comfort and assurance. There are prayers that deal with the tests and difficulties we face in everyday life, prayers for healing and bereavement, prayers we can say for loved ones that have passed away, prayers for families and marriage, for young children, and for peace and unity. In Illumine My Heart, readers will find a wellspring of soul-stirring and uplifting words to accompany them on every stage of life's journey. ... Read more

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Muhammad ‘Abduh (1849-1905) was one of the key thinkers and reformers of modern Islam who has influenced both liberal and fundamentalist Muslims today. ‘Abdul-Baha (1844-1921) was the son of Baha’ullah (1817-1892), the founder of the Baha’i Faith; a new religion which began as a messianic movement in Shii Islam, before it departed from Islam.

Oliver Scharbrodt offers an innovative and radically new perspective on the lives of these two major religious reformers in 19^th century Middle East by placing both figures into unfamiliar terrain. While one would classify ‘Abdul-Baha, leader of a messianic movement which claims to depart from Islam, as an exponent of heresy in Islam, ‘Abduh is perceived as an orthodox Sunni reformer. This book, however, argues against the assumption that both represent two extremely opposite expressions of Islamic religiosity. It shows that both were influenced by similar intellectual and religious traditions of Islam and that both participated in the same discussions on the reform of Islam in the 19^th century.

Islam and the Baha'i Faith provides new insights into the Islamic background of the Baha’i Faith and into ‘Abduh’s own association with so-called heretical movements in Islam.

Product Description
A collection of spiritual teachings intended for people of all religious persuasions and those who seek a spiritual life. These meditational verses explore the eternal relationship between man and God. They were composed by Baha'u'llah about the year 1858 while in exile in Iraq from Persia. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Lovely
This is a lovely edition of a book we already have several copies of. Nice cover, and the format has one Hidden Word per page, emphasizing the stand-alone nature of each passage. I got one, and liked it so much I started ordering more for gifts.

Gem-Like Verses
"The Hidden Words" were penned by Baha'u'llah in the early years of His Ministry. These wonderful gem-like verses condense the experience of Divine Revelation to its spiritual essence. Few people are unaffected by the clarity and beauty of this small book.

Of "The Hidden Words", Baha'u'llah said:
"This is that which hath descended from the realm of glory, uttered by the tongue of power and might, and revealed unto the prophets of old. We have taken the inner essence thereof and clothed it in the garment of brevity."

It has been said that "The Hidden Words" is a love-song, a romance of the age-old Love of God for Man. Full of short verses, an underlying theme is the Divine Being's faithfulness and the inevitable unfaithfulness of His Creation, Man. "The Hidden Words" tells of a Beloved Who separates Himself from His creatures so that "spirit" may be breathed into those same creatures in mutually desired Reunion.

Due to its brevity, "The Hidden Words" is a take-everywhere volume of slim proportion and vast resource both within the Baha'i Community and the greater community of believers. Highly recommended to those ofcontemplative bent.

Mystical and magical
The words of the Hidden Words contain life's purpose, goals, and meaning.Each read brings new understanding.Wonderful!The Hidden Words

Peace for the world
Bahaullah wrote these short verses of wisdom at a time of great need for spiritual understanding for all mankind. They are inspiring and universal remedys for all beliefs. The best gift you could give yourself or a friend.

ABaha'iReligious Text
I have had a long curiosity about the Baha'i Faith and its teachings of the universal nature of religion, the unity of human beings, and the imperative of tolerating and respecting beliefs different from one's own. I have always been intrigued by how these teachings of universalism and the essential unity of all religions can fit within the confines of an individual, independent religion, the Baha'i Faith, with its own teachings and texts.Thus, I was pleased to have the opportunity to read this short book "The Hidden Words of Bahaullah" composed by the founder of the Baha'i Faith, Baha'u'llah (1817 -- 1892) while in prison. The book was written in part in Arabic and in part in Persian and was translated by Baha'u'llah's disciple, Shogi Effendi. This book was my first experience with Baha'i scripture.

"The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah" consists of about 153 short paragraphs in two parts. It is cast in the form of short revelations to Bahaullah each of which is prefaced by a short exortation such as "To the Son of Man" characterizing the person or persons to whom the revelation is addressed.There is a brief introductory paragraph to the collection, indicating that the aim of the text is to distill, in short form, teachings that are universal to the spiritual life.This goal of the collection is reflected in some of the comments on this site.These teachings have, and were intended to have, many parallels in the teachings of the other great world religions.

The teachings speak of the need for a pure heart, of the need of detachment from everyday life, and of the importance of not envying,critcizing or condemning others.I was struck by the other-worldiness of many of the teachings, as they exhort the follower to turn away from materialism and desire and turn one's attention and heart to the divine.To me, some of the teachings seem directed to mankind, while others, if I am not mistaken, appear primarily directed towards Baha'u'llah himself. In this latter regard, there are several of the teachings which speak of the value of imprisonment, suffering and martyrdom as they advance the cause of God.These teachings seem to be directed to the founder of the faith or to those in danger of persecution on account of their beliefs.While most of the short sayings are readily intelligible to readers of many backgrounds, some sections, particularly near the end of the book, allude to figures that have some specific meaning for the Baha'i faith.

This book is known within the Baha'i community but will appeal to those who have an interest in exploring a variety of spiritual traditions.I am in this latter group.It is an inspiring text.The work here is presented without an introduction, notes, or commentary.Thus, I was unable to learn the place of this specific text within the Baha'i teachings as a whole.An introduction to the book with an overview of the Baha'i Faith and of how this book fits within it would have been invaluable.Also, notes in the way of a commentary on the organization and substance of the text would have been helpful.There is always a great deal more to understanding a short spiritual work than reading the words of the text.Context and discussion would be useful.

This is an important religious text, and it is good to have it widely accessible.It will appeal to those readers interested in the Baha'i Faith, to those interested in comparative religion, and to those interested in spiritual growth.

Robin Friedman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The passages chosen cover a wide range of topics, from marriage, children, love, and healing to loss
Illumine My Family: Prayers and Meditations from the Bahai Faith is an anthology of prayers and meditative selections from writings of the Bahai religion, chosen to aid believers of all walks of life to incorporate more spirituality into their daily routine. The passages chosen cover a wide range of topics, from marriage, children, love, and healing to the loss of a beloved family member or friend. A compilation meant to help families grower closer together and closer to God, Illumine My Family is a spiritual treasury, and highly recommended. "When soldiers of the world draw their swords to kill, soldiers of God clasp each other's hands! So may all the savagery of man disappear by the Mercy of God, working through the pure in heart and the sincere of soul. Do not think the peace of the world an ideal impossible to attain! Nothing is impossible to the Divine Benevolence of God." ... Read more

Product Description
TAHIRIH IN HISTORY: Perspectives on Qurratu'l-'Ayn from East and West

Edited by Sabir Afaqi

Studies in the Bábí and Bahá'í Religions, Volume 16

One hundred and fifty years ago, Tahirih stunned Iran and shocked her fellow believers by removing her veil in the company of men at the conference of Badasht.  This volume is a compilation of historical work that has been written about her in the years since.  It brings together most of what we know about Tahirih Qurratu'l-'Ayn. 

     Included is history from Baha'i sources: 'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi; the work of scholars in India and Pakistan, where Tahirih's work is well known; and essays by Western scholars, such as E. G. Browne, A.-L.-M. Nicolas (translated from French), Abbas Amanat, Farzaneh Milani, and others.  Many of these are new research published in this volume for the first time. 

     An essential book for anyone interested in Tahirih!   ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Concealing Tahirih's Messianic Status
Tahirih in History, Perspectives on Qurratu'lyn from East and West is a compilation of essays from several sources which do give some important accounts of the life of Tahirih.

The book has been compiled and published under the auspicious of the Baha'i Faith which does not recognize Tahirih's Messianic status who declared she is the "Word" (Maid of Heaven who gives revelation) and the "Point of Divine Knowledge". Being martyred in 1852, many years before the beginning of the Baha'i Religion, Tahirih, Herself, never made a claim to association with the Baha'i Faith; yet the Baha'i Faith subsumed Her figure and downplayed Her true Prophetic nature.

Tahirih-Qurratu'l-Ayn does, however, align Herself with the Babi Religion in a Leadership role, as she was instrumental in shaping Babi doctrine and moving the religion forward. At the Conference of Badasht She announced that the Babi Cause was an independent religion and broke with Islamic Shari'a Law. It should be noted that the Babi Community rejected association with the Baha'i Faith, except for a handful of followers.

The many essays presented in "Tahirih In History" do give the reader an opportunity to read between the lines (although some important sources are omitted) and begin to suspect the true Messianic status of Tahirih. Disappointingly, that Hidden truth of Tahirih's Prophetic reality is not brought forward in the book except perhaps in portions of Her own prayer translated by J.R. Cole which is presented in the book where it reads:

"...I am melted, my God, by that mercy whereby Thou dist create me at a time when nothing existed save it. I was formed whirling, after a pattern that no one besides Thee had fashioned, so that Thou mightest set me in motion. Thus might I be brought out of the world of the veils of glory by the attraction exercised by Thy preexistent essence, and thus might I transcend the station of allusions by means of love for Thy shining countenance." And "My God, Thine imperative is the answer to my call; Thy "perhaps" is the salve for my misery, and Thine advent is the decree of my religion and the success of my Cause."

As in all presentations of Tahirih under the wing of, or in association with Baha'i the omit mention of the true status of Tahirih-Qurratu'l-Ayn as the Word (Maid of Heaven) or animating impulse of the Promised One. Rather in their treament of Her, She is relegated to the confines of a mystic poet with no real Divine Authority. This omission in these works only add to further conceal the Female aspect of Deity and perpetrate patriarchy in the 21st century, a time, when it is so necessary to move beyond such outdated construct and be inclusive instead of exclusive.

A close investigation of Tahirih's life will reveal that she was not only a Letter of the Living, but rather she was a Leader who was known as the return of Fatima and the "Point of Divine Knowledge".These points are made in the work entitled: "Tahirih TheAlogy Female Cosmic Christ Spirit of the Age Concealed No Longer" which can be ordered on Amazon.comAll works and reviews that do not reveal Tahirih in Her full light as the Maid of Heaven who opened the Gate (portal), which allowed for all people to connect once again with the Source within, is not only incomplete but by omission is in opposition to the revealed Word and the progress of humanity in creating a civilization of harmony and balance.

Tahirih's Writings were expressed through the iconology and mystical knowledge existent in the culture in which she appeared Iran-Iraq). However, Tahirih's writings should not be confined to the culture in which they were expressed nor should the figure of Tahirih ever be restricted to historical accounts, in that Her teachings are relevant to all the people living now. Her glorious appearance in the 1844 period was foretold in many scriptures as the second coming of the Spirit which was expected by many. Her Spirit and mission is living with us today. Hopefully through investigation many will discover that the Christ Spirit did return in 1844 to open the Cycle of Balance and that the new name was Tahirih-Qurratu'l-Ayn (The Pure Solace of the Eyes).
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Customer Reviews (2)

Very inspiring
This is a beautiful and inspirational compilation of Baha'i writings - I love this book so much I have bought numerous copies for friends and relatives. It's more substantial than I had expected, with prayers and readings for many different occasions.

Every woman needs a copy!
So beautiful. So enriching. So uplifting for females. I've never written a review, but I really feel strongly about this compilation of prayers and Writings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

better than private therapy
This phenomenal work of art (psychology) in this science was tough to read through as a sexually abused (when a toddler) surviver.However, it was well worth it to review and process even more as a 60 year old what I had spent years of 12 Step and other group work weeding through.What is so wonderful is this kind kindred soul, P. Perterson with whom one (reader) develops a bond with because she has not merely studied the topics she writes about, but has lived them and seems sincerely earger to serve humanity with spiritual and practical wisdom.Thank you for facilitating more life saving change within my real self! ... Read more

Product Description
The Baha'i community of Iran is the country's largest non-Muslim religious minority. This collection of essays presents a comprehensive study of the social and historical development of the Baha'i community, and its role in shaping modern Iran.Central to this study is the pioneering character of the Baha'i community in the late 19th and early 20th century, with chapters examining the role of women in the Baha'i community; the impact of Baha'i-run schools on Iranian society, Baha'i contributions to public health initiatives; and the influence of Baha'i thought and the actions of individual Baha'is on the Constitutional Revolution of 1906-1911.Conversion to the Baha'i Faith is another important theme, as contributors investigate the phenomenon of large scale conversion to the Baha'i Faith from the Jewish and Zoroastrian communities. Finally, although persecution of the Baha'is has drawn the attention of the Western media, until now few scholars working in the field of Iranian studies have chosen to write on the history or details of this persecution.Here, five prominent figures in the field redress this balance and look at different aspects of this persecution, including its historical background, the attitude of secular Iranians, persecution before and after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, and human rights perspectives. This book will be of interest to students and scholars of Iranian studies, Middle Eastern studies and comparative religion, and with many chapters authored by leading academics in Iranian studies, The Baha'is of Iran addresses both a gap in academic literature on the Baha'i Faith, and in the study of modern Iran in general. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

A Masterpiece
This masterwork is more than only a story about a number of schools; it is a book about the history of education in Iran, it is about the potentials of the Iranian nation and its challenges, about the Bahá'í community and its visions and actions, about love and unity, about heroism and sacrifices, and it shows the power of service.

Impressive scholarly study of Bahai's involvement in education in Iran
I enjoyed reading Soli Shahvar's scholarly study of the Bahai's involvement in education in Iran. He brings together much information from varied sources to provide an excellent overview of the topic. As a Bahai, I found it interesting to see how a scholar who is not a Bahai treated the topic. Dr. Shahvar appears well qualified to bring together the historical material from both secular and Bahai sources, and appears to have had good access to primary source material and other resources and scholars.

The price of the book is beyond the reach of more casual readers interested in the topic of Bahai education, but because of the valuable research and perspective that Shahvar gives the topic, it is worth the cost for the more dedicated student.

Dr. Rodney Clarken, Director of School of Education and Professor, Northern Michigan University
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Product Description
The Baha'i Faith is one of the fastest growing, but least studied, of the world's religions. Adherents view themeselves as united by a universal belief that transcends national boundaries. Michael McMullen examines how the Baha'i develop and maintain this global identity. Taking the Baha'i community in Atlanta, Georgia, as a case in point, his book is the first to comprehensively examine the tenets of this little-understood faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A New Vision for world transformation
For those who are blest with the inner eyes of the spirit, this book is a must reading. It very powerfully and elequently maps out Gods' Grand Plan for the regeneration and the salvation of all mankind. One cannot help but to feel the awesome power and majesty of God at work from the lowliest to the highest on earth. But it must be read slowly and meditatively, if it is to penetrate the heart of its readers.

An excellent and historically important book
Written by the great-grandson of Bahå'u'llåh, this book provides valuable insights into Bahå'u'llåh's global plan for world peace. Shoghi Effendi translated many of Bahå'u'llåh's works into English and provides a compelling commentary on the application of his teachings on peace in the modern world. I have read it twice. Shoghi Effendi's writing is exquisite but can be difficult reading for those unfamiliar with his style. I always have a dictionary at hand when reading his writings. ... Read more

Product Description
Discover the Baha'i approach to prayer with this collection of beautiful, soul-stirring prayers and meditations from Baha'i scripture. Pamela Brode's introduction explains basic Baha'i teachings on the subject of prayer and spiritual sustenance and considers questions such as What is prayer? Why pray? Are our prayers answered? Does prayer benefit the world? The selections that follow include more than 120 prayers and extracts from Baha'i scripture on themese such as assistance from God, comfort, contentment, difficult times, death, faith, healing, marriage and family life, protection, strength, and many others. These powrerful selections are sure to sustain, freshen, and gladden your spirit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A nice gift
I got this as a gift for a friend, and she liked it. (I am a Baha'i, but my friend is not).The book has a little introduction where the author talks about prayer, and I think this can some helpful context for someone who is not used to the habit of regular prayer.The rest of the book contains prayers from the Baha'i Scriptures ([...]), organized under helpful headings.The title of the book comes from one of the prayers, which reads: "O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being. O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord."

I find the prayers beautiful, uplifting, and also, interestingly enough, educational in that they give insight into our spiritual nature as well as what as we can understand of God.

Wonderful book to pick up at anytime!
I received this book as a gift from a Bahai Mentor and it is probably my favorite thus far.I look at it constantly.It is a quick and wonderful reference for prayer and meditation and a fantastic guide to bring you right to the area you want to seek prayer for.Example: difficult times, children, being closer to God...etc.

This would be a great first book for those just beginning in the Bahai faith.

Excellent Collection of Baha'i Prayers
If you are looking for a comprehensive collection of prayers from the Baha'i Faith, this is it. They have prayers on every possible topic you can imagine--spiritual growth, families, illness, difficulties. There's also a nice introduction to the Baha'i view on prayer and spirituality. ... Read more