Belief4

BOOK 2 INTRODUCING BAHA'I BELIEFS SECTION 4: Seeking the truth
	The following ideas on the subject, the independent investigation of truth, will be useful to you on many occasions: We must be lovers of light no matter from what lamp it appears. We must be lovers of the rose no matter in what garden it blooms. We must be seekers of truth no matter from what source it comes. Attachment to one lamp can prevent us from appreciating the light when it shines in another. Attachment to the outer forms and practices of religion can deprive us from understanding the truth of all religions. We must abandon prejudice and outmoded traditions if we are to succeed in finding the truth. There is a difference between dogma, superstition and prejudice on the one hand, and truth on the other. If we understand this, we will able to see that the Divine Light of Truth shone in all the Manifestations of God—in Krishna, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah. In seeking the truth, we must free ourselves of all our opinions and preconceived ideas. We must give up our prejudices and trivial notions. An open receptive mind is needed. If our cup is full of self, there is no room in it for the water of life. The fact that we think we are right and everyone else wrong is the greatest obstacle in the path to unity. And unity is necessary if we are to reach the truth, for truth is one.
1)	As in the preceding section, you should read the above passage several rimes in your group, ask one another questions related to the ideas, and practice saying them in your own words.
2)	The above ideas could be worked into some conversations more easily than others. In the list of topics of conversation below, mark those into which you could introduce the ideas in a natural way, and discuss in your group how you would go about doing this. ___ Traditional agricultural practices versus new technologies ____ Environmental disasters ____ Religious conflict ___ The equality of men and women
3)	Sharing the ideas presented in this passage in a conversation with your friends could open up the possibility for you to discuss some aspect of the Faith with them in more detail. How would you reply if one of them asked you the following question: "What are some of the truths common to all religions?"
4)	It is suggested you memorize the following quotations of Baha'u'llah in order that you may work some or all of them into your speech: "There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God." "Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship." "The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race ..." "The religion of God is for love and unity; make it not the cause of enmity or dissension."


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