Diversity highlights: Baha'i Bicentenary festival Sunday

Several decades ago, I came across this saying: "Travel with the spirit of a world citizen," and I never forgot it. I don't remember where I found it, but it has heavily influenced my life.

That's why I think it's wonderful that I live in such a diverse part of Alaska as the Mat-Su Borough, which is so diverse in culture, ethnic groups, nationalities, languages -- and in spiritual traditions.

In 1973 I first encountered the phrase "unity in diversity" at a Baha'i Faith Fireside (informal get-together). Since then I've seen and heard that phrase in a variety of contexts.

Now -- 44 years later -- members of the Baha'i Faith in our diverse borough are planning a once-in-a-lifetime celebration on Sunday, Oct. 22. It's the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah (1817-1892).

This Bicentenary Anniversary is a global endeavor, which has been in preparation for more than a year. Baha'is in more than 100 Alaskan cities and towns will participate in this auspicious and joyous event.

The Valley event on Oct. 22 will begin with a 1 pm informal Open House at the Palmer Train Depot. The afternoon will focus on the history as well as the spiritual and social teachings of Baha'u'llah.

Residents of all spiritual and religious traditions -- and no traditions -- are invited to come for 10 minutes or 30 minutes or for an hour or two.

A very special dinner will be served at 5 pm and will be followed by a 60-minute film on the life of Baha'u'llah: "Light to the World." This film was completed this past summer.

All over our beautiful state and all across the planet, Baha'is are planning a myriad of activities for Oct. 22, so they can, in effect, all spiritually link up.

Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.

I sure do like the idea of spiritually linking up with the global community on Oct. 22. World citizens, global citizens, planetary citizens -- such wonderful phrases.

The Baha'i Universal House of Justice in Israel has called it "an efflorescence of local activity" in its May 2, 2017, letter.

Around the globe, Oct. 22 will be an unforgettable experience with a myriad of artistic, creative, and cultural expressions on all the continents -- except Antarctica.

The teachings of Baha'u'llah always combine the spiritual and human values together.

The film about Baha'u'llah will focus on the highlights of His life, His message, His banishments, and how He finally wound up near Mount Carmel in Israel -- his final resting place.

Paul Rourke, who currently serves on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Alaska, explained that the world-wide observance will be of unprecedented scope designed to engage folks in exploring Baha'u'llah's vision for humanity.

He continued, "Baha'is stress there is only one God, and in each era, God send a new Divine Manifestation to humanity. Baha'is are followers of Baha'u'llah, whose name in English means "The Glory of God"..... Each Manifestation brings a Divine Revelation from God that becomes the basis of a new religion.

"For Baha'is, religion is a matter of deep personal commitment and spiritual transformation -- it's a way of life.... a joyous spiritual adventure."

He explained that the 200th anniversary celebration will be a global event in a few weeks and will be a spiritual celebration linking Baha'is -- and their families and friends -- around the entire planet.

I think that is absolutely the best definition of diversity.

I love the analogy that we are all different flowers in the garden of humanity. It'd be a boring garden if we were all alike.

The Mat-Su Borough -- in the Heart of Alaska -- has so many diverse blossoms.

Thank you, God, that I have the privilege and bounty to live here!

More information about the Baha'i Faith may be obtained from:

www.baha'i.org

http://www.akbahai.org/

www.baha'u'llah.org

A Wasilla resident, Rosemary Vavrin is retired from her education and media careers.