I first learned about the Bahá’í faith through a book called Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution. The actor, Rainn Wilson, referred to it throughout the story as the religion he grew up with. After doing some research I was fascinated about how this religion was able to unite major religions. I also found out the one house of worship in North America was located only an hour and half away.

I visited the temple on one of the prettiest spring days. I began by wondering through the gardens and taking a closer look at the intricate designs and quotes on the temple. I found the quotes to be inspirational and the interconnectedness of the symbols for major religions to be beautiful.

After enjoying the outside, I headed inside. When I first went in, there was no one there, so I went to sit as close to the center under the dome as I could. I took a moment to look around and see the words of the Bahá’í faith. My favorite was, “The light of a good character surpasseth the light of the sun and the radiance thereof.” I noticed many themes of light and unity as I started to learn more.

Something I was very excited to try was meditation in the house of worship. I am turning meditation into a daily practice, and I thought this would really be a special place to take things in and listen. I struggled at first, to let go and be vulnerable. As I was meditating, people came in and out and I felt very self-conscious. This was a good challenge for me to try to overcome. By the end, I was feeling very at peace and clear-minded.

After the meditation, I found myself not wanting to leave. My body felt like a weighted blanket had urged me to stay in this comfort. As I was sitting, the wind whirled around the building and even opened one of the “locked” doors. It was as if something was let inside. I found it very interesting to take things in and observe. I also took this opportunity to pray as this is another skill I’m working on.

After my time in the house of worship, I visited the welcome center to learn more. I truly appreciate this religion’s beliefs on equality for men and women, social justice, service, education, and morals. Essentially, religious icons such as Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Abraham, Mohammad, etc., are all messengers from God. Bahá’u’lláh is the most recent messenger and was here to share the word of God.

As I continue my spiritual journey, I can get behind the ideals of this religion. At this time, I don’t feel the need to join this faith, but I do plan on becoming better versed on the world’s religions so I can encompass the beliefs into my own virtues.

It does seem my soul needs some saving because I was attacked by a red-wing blackbird while visiting this sacred ground…I’m going to work on that.

To learn more about the house of worship and beliefs, visit this website.