Welcome to the Bahá’í Community of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.
Service to Humanity
In the Bahá’í Faith, one’s own salvation inextricably links to all humanity’s salvation. The purpose of religion being the refinement of character and human happiness, acceptance of God’s most recent revelation must then be accompanied by deeds. When a person accepts Baha’u’llah, a desire born out of love to do good works for others may follow.
Bahá’ís believe that all human beings are born noble. Developing one’s talents and capacities enables to lead a life of service to society. Bahá’u’lláh teaches:
“Man’s merit lieth in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth and riches. Take heed that your words be purged from idle fancies and worldly desires and your deeds be cleansed from craftiness and suspicion. Dissipate not the wealth of your precious lives in the pursuit of evil and corrupt affection, nor let your endeavours be spent in promoting your personal interest.”
In thousands upon thousands of locations around the world, the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith inspire individuals and communities as they work to improve their own lives and contribute to the advancement of civilization. Bahá’í beliefs address such essential themes as the oneness of God and religion, the oneness of humanity and freedom from prejudice, the inherent nobility of the human being, the progressive revelation of religious truth, the development of spiritual qualities, the integration of worship and service, the fundamental equality of the sexes, the harmony between religion and science, the centrality of justice to all human endeavours, the importance of education, and the dynamics of the relationships that are to bind together individuals, communities, and institutions as humanity advances towards its collective maturity.
The concept of service is central to the pattern of Bahá’í life, both individual and collective. “God has given us eyes, that we may look about us at the world, and lay hold of whatsoever will further civilization and the arts of living. He has given us ears, that we may hear and profit by the wisdom of scholars and philosophers and arise to promote and practice it. Senses and faculties have been bestowed upon us, to be devoted to the service of the general good; so that we, distinguished above all other forms of life for perceptiveness and reason, should labor at all times and along all lines, whether the occasion be great or small, ordinary or extraordinary, until all mankind are safely gathered into the impregnable stronghold of knowledge”. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
It is no longer sufficient merely to feel love for one another; we must demonstrate that love by helping others. In a time when we distance ourselves from others and content ourselves with loving one another from afar, or understand the concept of caring for each other but don’t put it into action, the best way to unite and transform the world we live in is to turn our lofty ideals into tangible deeds.
Devotional Gatherings
Bahá’ís across Canada join with friends in devotional meetings for collective worship. Because there is no ritual or clergy in the Bahá’í Faith, devotional gatherings are often held in people’s homes or in public places, and they are diverse in form. Prayer and reflection upon sacred scriptures are at the heart of such programs, and music and poetry may be incorporated as well
These gatherings are held in every Bahá’í community to nourish a pattern of life characterized by its devotional character. The spiritual atmosphere created within a devotional meeting imparts a sense of joy, fellowship and love that enriches the relationships among participants.
Bahá’í devotional gatherings are intended to capture the attitude of prayer and the practice of devotion that is universal to all religions, and they are open to people of all beliefs and backgrounds.
For many, the gatherings provide an opportunity for peace, reflection and revitalization.
Devotional meetings such as these serve to awaken spiritual susceptibilities within the participants, and in concert with the acts of service they perform, lead to a pattern of community life that is infused with the spirit of devotion and focused on the attainment of spiritual and material prosperity.
Service and worship are at the heart of the pattern of community life that Bahá’ís around the world are trying to bring into being. They are two distinct, yet inseparable elements that propel the life of the community forward. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes that, “Success and prosperity depend upon service to and worship of God”.
Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings—one may simply sit, meditate and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere, or take a more active role.
Come and join us
