Vision for Humanity
Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.
~ Bahá’u’lláh
Imagine a world where everyone thrives…
Bahá'u'lláh—Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith—brought a vision of humanity as one people and of the earth as a common homeland. This vision is based on these principles:
One God
There is only one Creator - the Source of all light and life, the ultimate reality, that unknowable essence of essences we call God.
Elimination of Prejudice
Acceptance of the oneness of mankind requires the abandonment of prejudices of all kinds—race, class, color, creed, religion, nation, gender, anything that enables people to feel superior to others.
One Evolving Faith
Throughout history God has sent Spiritual Educators to guide mankind: Zoroaster, Krishna, Moses, Buddha, Christ, Muhammad, and now Bahá'u'lláh.
Equality of
Women and Men
Men and women are as two wings of a bird—if one wing is weak, the bird cannot fly. Only when women are welcomed into full partnership in all fields of human endeavor can humanity reach its true potential.
One People
We believe all of humanity is one human family. We are wonderfully diverse in culture, expression and experience and we are one people.
Harmony of Science and Religion
Human beings are endowed with both an intellect and a soul. Both must be developed for mankind to advance. Without reason, religion becomes mere superstition. Without the spiritual aspirations of religion, the fruits of science can be used in destructive ways.
Learn more about:
Bahá’í Faith: A Bahá’í (Bah-HIGH) is a follower of Bahá’u’lláh
Bahá’u’lláh: (Bah-hah-ol-LAH) Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith
The Báb: (The Bob) Prophet-Herald of the Bahá’í Faith
‘Abdu’l-Bahá: (Ab-dol ba-HAH) Son of Bahá’u’lláh
The Distance Traversed
Universal peace is an impossibility through human and material agencies;
it must be through spiritual power.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Glimpses of a Hundred Years of Endeavour
This film provides glimpses into a hundred years of endeavour and learning, carried out by a burgeoning Bahá’í community, and outlines the journey that has led to the community’s current efforts to contribute to the emergence of a world based on the principle of the oneness of humanity.
Building Vibrant Communities
Ye are all the waves of one sea, the rays of one sun, the flowers of one garden...
‘Abdu’l-Bahá
How do we help our communities thrive?
As we work together to gain a deeper understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, we start to see how the welfare of individuals rests in the welfare of society at large. We get better at transcending differences and harmonizing perspectives. We develop the skill of using consultation to make collective decisions. We see everyone as a potential partner to collaborate with and strive to focus on the creative power of unity and humanity’s capacity for altruism.
Help cultivate communities dedicated to spiritual and material progress.
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1-800-228-6483
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Learning is Key
Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value.
Bahá’u’lláh
Training for all ages
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Children
Not only are the children our future, but they have their own spiritual aspirations and a deep need for spiritual education. In neighborhoods throughout the Portland/Vancouver Metro area, we offer free classes that focus on developing spiritual faculties and lay the foundations for a noble and upright character. Learn more about children’s classes.
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Junior Youth
Working together with youth in their early teens, we’ve developed free programs to help them navigate this crucial stage in their lives. Developing skills and a sense of place in the world, these youth become empowered to direct their energies toward the advancement of civilization. Learn more about youth empowerment programs.
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Adults
Informal study classes are a means of exploring spiritual questions and learning how to put spiritual values into daily practice and service. Classes include learning about the purpose of life, importance of prayer, life after death, raising spiritual children and sharing what we learn with family and friends. Learn more about study classes.
Working for Social Transformation
Only when material and spiritual civilization are linked and coordinated will happiness be assured.
‘Abdu’l-Baha
The heart of all of this is Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings of unity, justice and mutual cooperation
As we study and learn together, we start to see the needs in our neighborhoods and how the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh address those needs. We consult together, develop plans and take action together. We reflect on what we’ve learned and refine our approach. In the process, we are always building greater circles of unity, welcoming more people as partners and collaborators. We also start to see the implications of these teachings for our work, our professions and for society as a whole. In discourses large and small, we explore with others how these principles can transform our approach to a wide variety of society’s challenges.