foundational beliefs of the Baháʼí Faith

 Principle Description Key Aspects

The Oneness of God There is one God who is the creator and sustainer of the universe. This God is beyond human comprehension in essence but makes His will known through divine messengers. One single, unknowable God; Source of all creation; Revelation through Manifestations of God (prophets).

The Oneness of Humanity All people are part of one human family, and distinctions based on race, nationality, religion, or social class are superficial and should be overcome. Unity and brotherhood/sisterhood are paramount. Universal human family; Equality of all people; Elimination of prejudice; Global citizenship.

The Oneness of Religion All major world religions are divinely inspired and originate from the same God. They represent progressive stages in the unfolding of God's purpose for humanity, each adapted to the needs of its time and place. Common divine source for all religions; Progressive revelation of truth; Respect for all faiths; Harmony of science and religion.

Interconnected Principles These three core principles are not separate but deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Recognizing the oneness of God leads to understanding the oneness of humanity, which in turn fosters the recognition of the underlying unity of all religions. Unity as the central theme; Foundation for Baháʼí teachings on social justice, equality, and peace.

Implications These principles have significant implications for how Baháʼís view the world and interact with others, guiding their efforts towards building a unified and peaceful global society. Focus on global unity and peace; Emphasis on social action and service to humanity; Commitment to justice and equality.

Rose and the infinite

 

Surya namaskara portugues explicacao

 

The Limitations of Incorrect Practice:

• "De fato, as saudações ao Sol, quando feitas desobedecendo às regras mencionadas anteriormente, são quase apenas um exercício, e não o verdadeiro Surya Namaskara."
  • Translation: "In fact, the salutations to the Sun, when done disobeying the rules mentioned previously, are almost just an exercise, and not the true Surya Namaskara."
  • Explanation: This highlights that Surya Namaskara is more than just a physical sequence. It involves specific rules, perhaps related to breathing, posture, intention, or even the mental attitude during the practice. If these are ignored, the practice loses its deeper significance and becomes merely a physical workout, missing the potential spiritual and energetic benefits. This aligns with the yogic principle that asana (posture) is just one limb of yoga, and its effectiveness is enhanced by the other limbs like pranayama (breath control) and dhyana (meditation).

2. The Necessity of a Qualified Teacher (Satguru):

• "Existem dois tipos de Surya Namaskara. O primeiro tipo engloba nove vinyasas, e o segundo, dezessete. Para aprender o método dos vinyasas, rechaka e puraka, os bhandas, dhyana, trataka [o olhar] e similares, é preciso consultar um satguru, pois seria errado tentar aprender o yoga sem recorrer a um professor desse gênero."
  • Translation: "There are two types of Surya Namaskara. The first type encompasses nine vinyasas, and the second, seventeen. To learn the method of the vinyasas, rechaka and puraka, the bhandas, dhyana, trataka [the gaze] and similar, it is necessary to consult a satguru, because it would be wrong to try to learn yoga without resorting to a teacher of this kind."
  • Explanation: This emphasizes the complexity and subtlety of Surya Namaskara, particularly regarding the vinyasas (flowing sequences), rechaka (exhalation) and puraka (inhalation), bhandas (energy locks), dhyana (meditation), and trataka (focused gazing). These are advanced techniques that require proper guidance from a satguru – a true and enlightened teacher. Attempting to learn these without expert instruction could lead to incorrect practice and potential injury, as well as hindering spiritual progress. The importance of a guru is a central theme in many Indian spiritual traditions, as they are seen as guides who have traversed the path and can lead disciples safely and effectively.

3. The Holistic Benefits of Correct Practice:

• "Se, no entanto, o caminho das escrituras é seguido e praticado sob a orientação de um satguru que não apenas conhece muito bem os shastras do yoga como também pratica, as doenças triplas são destruídas e a pessoa tem uma vida saudável."
  • Translation: "If, however, the path of the scriptures is followed and practiced under the guidance of a satguru who not only knows the shastras of yoga very well but also practices, the triple diseases are destroyed and the person has a healthy life."
  • Explanation: This highlights the profound benefits of practicing yoga, including Surya Namaskara, correctly and under the guidance of an authentic teacher who embodies both knowledge of the scriptures (shastras) and personal practice. The "triple diseases" (trividha duhkha) often refer to:
    • Adhyatmika duhkha: Suffering arising from within oneself (physical or mental illness).
    • Adhibhautika duhkha: Suffering caused by other beings (humans, animals, natural elements).
    • Adhidaivika duhkha: Suffering caused by divine or unseen forces (natural disasters, fate).
  • The text suggests that proper yogic practice can alleviate these three types of suffering, leading to a healthy and balanced life on all levels – physical, mental, and spiritual.

4. The Potential for Mental Healing and the Power of Mantras:

• "Há um senso comum de que as doenças mentais não têm cura. Os Shrutis, no entanto, dizem que, com o Surya Namaskara, até mesmo a doença mental pode ser curada. Se analisarmos o significado de um mantra como “Hridrogyam mama surya harimanam cha nashaya [Remova, ó Sol, a palidez enferma do meu coração e da minha mente]”, vemos que até mesmo as doenças mentais e as doenças originadas do prarabdha karma [resultado de ações passadas que dão frutos na vida atual] podem ser destruídas."
  • Translation: "There is a common belief that mental illnesses have no cure. The Shrutis, however, say that, with Surya Namaskara, even mental illness can be cured. If we analyze the meaning of a mantra like “Hridrogyam mama surya harimanam cha nashaya [Remove, oh Sun, the sickly pallor of my heart and my mind]”, we see that even mental illnesses and illnesses originating from prarabdha karma [result of past actions that bear fruit in the current life] can be destroyed."
  • Explanation: This is a powerful statement about the potential of Surya Namaskara, especially when combined with the power of mantras, to heal even mental illnesses, which are often considered difficult to treat. The quoted mantra, addressed to the Sun (Surya), specifically asks for the removal of the "sickly pallor" of both the heart (emotions) and the mind. This highlights the interconnectedness of mental and emotional well-being.
  • The mention of prarabdha karma is significant. It suggests that even illnesses rooted in past actions (which are often seen as difficult to overcome) can be mitigated or even eradicated through the dedicated practice of Surya Namaskara and the chanting of potent mantras. This aligns with the yogic and Hindu belief in the power of spiritual practices to purify karma and bring about healing.

5. The Wisdom and Experience of Ancestors:

• "Nossos ancestrais certamente estudaram os mantras, compreenderam seus significados e os colocaram em prática. Como resultado, eles tiveram vidas longevas e saudáveis com muita força e intelecto, sem jamais sucumbir às doenças, à morte ou à pobreza. Eles alcançaram o conhecimento divino, unindo-se à bem-aventurança e mantendo um contentamento eterno."
  • Translation: "Our ancestors certainly studied the mantras, understood their meanings, and put them into practice. As a result, they had long and healthy lives with much strength and intellect, never succumbing to diseases, death, or poverty. They attained divine knowledge, uniting with bliss and maintaining eternal contentment."
  • Explanation: This concludes the paragraph by invoking the wisdom and experience of ancestors who diligently practiced these spiritual disciplines, including the understanding and application of mantras. Their long, healthy, and prosperous lives, coupled with spiritual attainment and contentment, serve as a testament to the efficacy of these practices. This emphasizes the lineage and tradition behind Surya Namaskara and mantra recitation, suggesting that these are time-tested methods for achieving holistic well-being and spiritual realization.

The analogy of Jesus plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath

 

Transcendence of Ritual and External Rules:

• Sri Yukteswar's actions: His arranging cremation in Banaras and feeding Brahmins, despite potentially being a renunciate (implied by the earlier mention of restrictions for swamis), highlights a nuanced understanding of dharma (righteous conduct). While there are general guidelines, the true essence lies in the underlying intention and the individual's spiritual state. This echoes the idea that external rituals are a means to an end, not the end itself.
• The "shastric prohibitions were intended to help swamis overcome narrow identifications": This aligns with the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which emphasizes the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Narrow identifications like caste, social status, or even strict adherence to rules can create ego-boundaries that obscure this fundamental unity. The goal is to transcend these limitations.  
• "Shankara and Sri Yukteswar had wholly merged their being in the Impersonal Spirit; they needed no rescue by rule": This strongly resonates with the concept of moksha (liberation). Those who have realized their true nature as Brahman are beyond the need for rigid rules and regulations. Their actions flow from a state of wisdom and unity, naturally aligning with dharma on a deeper level.  

2. The Spirit Over the Letter:

• The analogy of Jesus plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath: This is a powerful illustration of the principle that the underlying spirit and purpose of a teaching are more important than its literal interpretation. Indian philosophy also emphasizes the context and intent behind actions. The well-being and genuine need supersede blind adherence to rules. This is similar to the concept of apaddharma – actions permissible in times of necessity that might otherwise be prohibited.  

3. The Nature of True Knowledge and Wisdom:

• "With the exception of the scriptures, Sri Yukteswar read little. Yet he was invariably acquainted with the latest scientific discoveries and other advancements of knowledge": This suggests that true knowledge isn't solely derived from books. It can arise from direct experience, intuition, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of things. This aligns with the emphasis on jnana (wisdom) in Indian philosophy, which goes beyond intellectual understanding to a direct realization of truth.  
• "A brilliant conversationalist, he enjoyed an exchange of views on countless topics with his guests": This highlights the importance of intellectual discourse and the sharing of knowledge as a path to understanding. Satsanga (association with wise individuals) is a valued practice in many Indian traditions.  

4. The Nature of Suffering and Liberation:

• "To seek the Lord, men need not 'disfigure their faces,' he would say, quoting from the Bible, 'Remember that finding God will mean the funeral of all sorrows.'": This resonates with the core aim of many Indian philosophical systems – the cessation of suffering (duhkha) and the attainment of lasting peace and bliss. The "finding God" or realizing one's true self is seen as the ultimate liberation from the cycle of pain and sorrow. The idea of not needing to "disfigure their faces" suggests that the path to spiritual realization doesn't necessarily involve external displays of austerity or suffering, but rather an inner transformation.

In essence, the passage emphasizes a move from rigid adherence to external rules towards a deeper understanding of the underlying principles and the individual's spiritual evolution. It highlights the importance of inner realization, the spirit over the letter of the law, and the ultimate goal of transcending suffering through the realization of one's true nature.

I demand to return home

 

POPE JOHN PAUL II Rose

• Plant Name: "POPE JOHN PAUL II Rose" - This tells us the common name of the rose variety. It's named after Pope John Paul II, suggesting it's a significant or well-regarded cultivar.
• Scientific Name: Rosa 'JACsegra' - This is the botanical name.¹
  • Rosa is the genus to which all roses belong.
  • 'JACsegra' is the specific cultivar name given to this particular variety by its breeder. The 'single quotes' around it indicate it's a cultivar.
• Family: Rosaceae - This indicates that the rose belongs to the rose family, which includes other familiar plants like apples, cherries, and strawberries.²
• Status: Cultivated - This tells us that this particular rose plant was grown intentionally, likely in a garden or nursery, rather than being a wild variety in this location.
• Accession Number/Code: 2020-0119'B - This alphanumeric code is likely an internal tracking number used by the garden or institution where this plant is located. It could refer to the year it was acquired (2020) and a specific entry number. The 'B' might indicate a specific section or batch.

Inference about the setting:

• The presence of the identification tag suggests this is likely a botanical garden, arboretum, a well-maintained public garden, or a serious private collection. Such places typically label their plants for educational purposes and record-keeping.
• The lush green foliage surrounding the tag indicates a healthy growing environment for the rose.
• The glimpse of what appears to be mulch or well-tended soil further supports the idea of a cultivated garden space.

In essence, the picture provides key information about a specific rose plant, indicating its name, classification, origin as a cultivated variety, and a tracking identifier within a managed garden environment.

• Breeder and Introduction: This beautiful rose was bred by the renowned hybridizer Keith Zary and proudly introduced by Jackson & Perkins in 2008. However, some sources indicate an earlier introduction date of 2006.
• Popularity and Awards: It quickly became a favorite among rose enthusiasts and continues to be highly regarded. It has received top honors for its fragrance, vigorous growth, perfect bloom form, and good disease resistance.
• Vatican Connection: It's so exceptional that it's even a showpiece in the private gardens of the Vatican! That certainly speaks to its beauty and significance.
• Bloom Characteristics:
  • The flowers are a pristine, clean white and can reach about 5 inches in diameter.
  • They possess a wonderful fresh citrus fragrance, considered one of the most fragrant of all roses.
  • The blooms emerge from elegant, pointed buds, unfurling to reveal up to 50 petals.
  • Each flower is held atop a sturdy stem that can be 16 to 20 inches long, making them excellent for cutting.
  • They bloom in flushes from late spring through late fall.
• Foliage and Growth Habit: The rose bush features glossy, dark green foliage that exhibits good disease resistance. It grows to a mature size of 4 to 5 feet in height and 3 to 4 feet in width, with a full and bushy habit.
• Versatility in the Garden: Its size and form make it suitable for various garden applications, including beds, borders, large patio containers, and especially for a cut flower garden so you can enjoy its beauty and fragrance indoors.
• Care Tip: Removing spent flowers (deadheading) is recommended to encourage more blooms.
• Bloom Size Note: The flower size tends to be larger during the cooler spring months.
• Note on Tree and Patio Roses: This note about hardiness zones for grafted roses is interesting but less directly relevant to the plant in the picture, which appears to be a standard shrub rose.

So, knowing this description, that little tag represents a truly exceptional rose – one prized for its pure white blooms, incredible citrusy fragrance, healthy growth, and even its place in the Vatican gardens! It's easy to see why someone would want to identify and appreciate this particular cultivar.