Strengthening Sydney’s devotional character

It was after completing the first book of the Ruhi institute, Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, that a group of youth from Sydney’s north took the steps to initiate their first devotional gathering. 

“The group quickly recognised that the book’s purpose is to guide individuals toward a path of service,” says Pouya Mousavi. The initial devotional gathering was held at a beach, with around 30 people attending. “Reflecting on the experience, the tutor of the study circle encouraged the friends to maintain the devotional on a weekly basis, recognising an evident desire for such spaces in Sydney.”

And so, a weekly devotional space was established. Following several weeks, the space was decentralised and held in various locations, including one every month at the Sydney Baha’i House of Worship. “This initiative allows each community to build a weekly devotional life, potentially leading to other activities, while also enabling the youth to gather monthly to pray for the success of their service efforts at the House of Worship,” Pouya says. 

Over the course of a few months, capacity to host the devotional gatherings has grown as the youth have shifted from contemplation to action. “As we know, without action, there can be no growth,” Pouya says. “With this action came further study, reflection, and consultation on how these spaces should be shaped, and what steps could be taken in different communities. For example, in the Ryde community, the core team identified the need for a new study circle and recognised a desire among the youth to attend an intensive camp environment.” 

The youth devotionals have helped cultivate a distinct spiritual character in Sydney with the monthly gatherings at the House of Worship creating a culture where the first Friday of every month is set aside for prayer. “This has encouraged the youth to prioritise these Fridays and host weekly devotionals in their own communities, fostering a deeper spiritual life that contributes to achieving the goals of the Nine Year Plan,” Pouya says. 

“As the Sydney community, we are incredibly fortunate to have the House of Worship as a venue for hosting these devotionals, although we might not fully appreciate how different it would be without it.”