Brisbane youth journey to Baha’i Temple in preparation for summer of service

About 60 youth from Brisbane and surrounding communities recently travelled to the Sydney Baha’i House of Worship to spiritually prepare for the upcoming summer period of service, and to experience the link between worship and service. 

The bus trip took place at the end of November, with the experience regarded as akin to a profound spiritual pilgrimage. 

Throughout two days, the youth reflected deeply on the role of prayer in individual and collective life, recognising the institution of the House of Worship as the loftiest expression of communion with God. 

Exploration of spiritual concepts was complemented by action. Part of the program was dedicated to service on the Temple grounds through assisting in preparations for the building’s upcoming renovation. 

The days were animated by moments of spiritual grounding and intellectual deepening. Informal conversations resulted in the exploration of vital concepts, such as avoiding false choices and wholeheartedly embracing the twofold moral purpose of individual transformation and contributing to the advancement of society. 

Further enriching the experience was an opportunity to view historical artefacts held in the National Baha’i Archives. 

The group also met with a member of the national governing body of the Baha’i Faith, the National Spiritual Assembly, as well as a Continental Counsellor and the temple director.

The journey resulted in the strengthening of the bonds of friendship and the blossoming of mentorship. The older youth demonstrated great capacity in supporting and guiding the younger ones. 

Auxiliary Board member Hossein Jaberi said visiting the Baha’i House of Worship was important for all communities to consider as part of a bigger process of learning in the field of service. 

“The youth all felt a sense of connection and spiritual upliftment following the visit with a higher desire to connect with prayer and service,” he said. “The youth and their families have shared how impactful the visit has been at the level of enthusiasm of their youth and sense of clearer identity.”

Many of the participating youth made a commitment to strengthen their engagement in the community-building process, start new spiritual educational activities, or even offer a period of full-time service.  

A film documenting the journey and its effects will be released soon.

The Baha’i House of Worship in Sydney, also known as the Baha’i Temple or Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, stands as a symbol of the oneness of humanity. It is a place of worship open to people of all beliefs. Its primary purpose is to join worship of God with service to humanity, and therefore it is the fullest expression of Baha’i devotional life.