June 18, 2023 will mark 40 years since 10 Baha’i women were hanged in Shiraz. Their only ‘crime’ was their refusal to renounce their beliefs in a faith that promotes the principles of gender equality, unity, justice, and truthfulness. This collection highlights Baha’i Blog content relating to the ongoing persecution of Baha’is in Iran.
This short animated film by Naisan Yazdani explains the difference between man’s lower and higher natures.
Through a character named Frank, this video explores how a life focused on our lower nature is limited to the material world alone, while focusing on our higher nature allows us to better approach God.
In her innermost heart, Sonjel is a stay-at-home parent and a bookworm with a maxed out library card but professionally she is a museologist with a background in English Literature. She currently lives on Prince Edward Island, an isle in the shape of a smile on the eastern Canadian coast. Sonjel is a writer who loves to listen to jazz when she's driving at night.
You’re most welcome! And thank you for sharing a quote from Abdu’l-Baha. The idea of becoming someone who is interested in the exaltation of humanity is an idea deserving of much reflection and deepening!
Selection writings of Abdu’l-Baha, Pages 68-69, #34
O thou who art serving the world of humanity! Thy letter was received and from its contents we felt exceedingly glad. It was a decisive proof and a brilliant evidence. It is appropriate and befitting that in this illumined age—the age of the progress of the world of humanity—we should be self-sacrificing and should serve the human race. Every universal cause is divine and every particular one is 69 temporal. The principles of the divine Manifestations of God were, therefore, all-universal and all-inclusive.
Every imperfect soul is self-centred and thinketh only of his own good. But as his thoughts expand a little he will begin to think of the welfare and comfort of his family. If his ideas still more widen, his concern will be the felicity of his fellow citizens; and if still they widen, he will be thinking of the glory of his land and of his race. But when ideas and views reach the utmost degree of expansion and attain the stage of perfection, then will he be interested in the exaltation of humankind. He will then be the well-wisher of all men and the seeker of the weal and prosperity of all lands. This is indicative of perfection.
Thus, the divine Manifestations of God had a universal and all-inclusive conception. They endeavoured for the sake of everyone’s life and engaged in the service of universal education. The area of their aims was not limited—nay, rather, it was wide and all-inclusive.
Therefore, ye must also be thinking of everyone, so that mankind may be educated, character moderated and this world may turn into a Garden of Eden.
Love ye all religions and all races with a love that is true and sincere and show that love through deeds and not through the tongue; for the latter hath no importance, as the majority of men are, in speech, well-wishers, while action is the best.
We’re so glad you’ve enjoyed Naisan Yazdani’s video. If you haven’t already, please check out and subscribe to Baha’i Blog’s YouTube channel for more Baha’i inspired videos.
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A good material/video for teaching.
Criselda R. Figuerres (September 9, 2016 at 11:16 PM)
Thank you for sharing this. This going to be a conceptual revolution for the world, moving us from a geocentric model to a heliocentric model.
Farhan Yazdani (September 9, 2016 at 1:58 PM)
You’re most welcome! And thank you for sharing a quote from Abdu’l-Baha. The idea of becoming someone who is interested in the exaltation of humanity is an idea deserving of much reflection and deepening!
-Sonjel
Sonjel Vreeland (September 9, 2016 at 10:05 PM)
Selection writings of Abdu’l-Baha, Pages 68-69, #34
O thou who art serving the world of humanity! Thy letter was received and from its contents we felt exceedingly glad. It was a decisive proof and a brilliant evidence. It is appropriate and befitting that in this illumined age—the age of the progress of the world of humanity—we should be self-sacrificing and should serve the human race. Every universal cause is divine and every particular one is 69 temporal. The principles of the divine Manifestations of God were, therefore, all-universal and all-inclusive.
Every imperfect soul is self-centred and thinketh only of his own good. But as his thoughts expand a little he will begin to think of the welfare and comfort of his family. If his ideas still more widen, his concern will be the felicity of his fellow citizens; and if still they widen, he will be thinking of the glory of his land and of his race. But when ideas and views reach the utmost degree of expansion and attain the stage of perfection, then will he be interested in the exaltation of humankind. He will then be the well-wisher of all men and the seeker of the weal and prosperity of all lands. This is indicative of perfection.
Thus, the divine Manifestations of God had a universal and all-inclusive conception. They endeavoured for the sake of everyone’s life and engaged in the service of universal education. The area of their aims was not limited—nay, rather, it was wide and all-inclusive.
Therefore, ye must also be thinking of everyone, so that mankind may be educated, character moderated and this world may turn into a Garden of Eden.
Love ye all religions and all races with a love that is true and sincere and show that love through deeds and not through the tongue; for the latter hath no importance, as the majority of men are, in speech, well-wishers, while action is the best.
Farhan Yazdani (September 9, 2016 at 2:01 PM)
Nice video. Simple message delivered simply 🙂
Joe Walshe (September 9, 2016 at 9:24 PM)
This is great – we just studied this in our Jr youth group while doing “Spirit of Faith” – gonna share this video with them 🙂
Heitha (September 9, 2016 at 7:19 PM)
Hi Heitha! That sounds wonderful! I hope they enjoy it!
Sonjel Vreeland (September 9, 2016 at 9:18 PM)
Ty, very good example.plz furnish more like these.
Britt (September 9, 2016 at 1:18 PM)
Fantastic. Great work. Thank you for sharing and making Sonjel. All the best ..
Mobin Sheraz (September 9, 2016 at 10:22 AM)
Hello Mobin!
We’re so glad you’ve enjoyed Naisan Yazdani’s video. If you haven’t already, please check out and subscribe to Baha’i Blog’s YouTube channel for more Baha’i inspired videos.
Sonjel Vreeland (September 9, 2016 at 12:06 PM)