12 Principles

One of the wonderful properties of light is how it reflects off surfaces, illuminating different facets of an object. We can view spiritual principles in a similar way: they shine upon everyone equally, reflecting the highest ideals of humanity. In 2017 we’re starting a series called “Lights of Unity” to reflect upon spiritual principles.

Why are we exploring these themes? Because this year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith. To commemorate this special occasion we’d like to look at principles which are central to the Baha’i Faith. Please join us in exploring these topics through sincerity, humor, and everything in between.

Each month we will focus on one principle and through artistic expression try to reflect on it. The first week’s challenge will be to find a favorite quote (from your favorite author, poet, philosopher, etc.) that reflects the principle; the second week’s challenge will be to find a picture, photo or drawing; the third week, a story or poem; the fourth week, a video or musical selection.

The simple rules are: No politics; be respectful; do not offend, don't get offended; love and have fun; participate as much or as little as you’d like; cat videos are allowed as long as they reflect the principle.

Here are the principle that we reflected on in 2017.​​

  1. The independent search after truth, unfettered by superstition or tradition;

  2. The oneness of the entire human race, the pivotal principle and fundamental doctrine of the Faith;

  3. The equality of men and women, the two wings on which the bird of humankind is able to soar;

  4. The basic unity of all religions;

  5. The condemnation of all forms of prejudice, whether religious, racial, class or national;

  6. The harmony which must exist between religion and science;

  7. The introduction of compulsory education;

  8. The adoption of a universal auxiliary language;

  9. The abolition of the extremes of wealth and poverty;

  10. The exaltation of work, performed in the spirit of service, to the rank of worship;

  11. The glorification of justice as the ruling principle in human society, and of religion as a bulwark for the protection of all peoples and nations; The institution of a world tribunal for the adjudication of disputes between nations;

  12. The establishment of a permanent and universal peace as the supreme goal of all mankind.