bahai religion

7 Great Places to Visit on Your Vancouver Honeymoon
Lion Gates Bridge is one of many places to spend your Vancouver Honeymoon.

Lion Gates Bridge is an attractive spot for couples looking to maximize their Vancouver Honeymoon fun.

Although there are many exotic locations around the world in which to spend your honeymoon, Canada offers a number of great places that are romantic and fun after the stress of a wedding. Flying domestic is typically much less expensive than taking an airplane to an international destination, making it good for your budget. If you’ve never experienced the lovely city of Vancouver, here are seven places to visit on your Vancouver honeymoon, anniversary or just a romantic getaway.

Great Vancouver Honeymoon Spots

  1. Capilano Suspension Bridge – The suspension bridge has been a main attraction in Vancouver since 1889, and many other features have been added to the landmark over the years. Walk across the bridge that sits 70 meters above the river and experience a view that is unlike any other. Take the cliffwalk or the treetops adventure to see all the rainforest has to offer. Don’t forget to take in the Story Centre, which is an educational feature that explores the fine details of the bridge.
  1. Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours – Who wouldn’t enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through many different famous settings in Vancouver? Private tours for two people are available, or you can join a group of even more people to see the red-cedar forest, the Rose Garden, the Lions Gate Bridge and some of the most iconic statues in the area.
  1. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – The first classical Chinese garden in Canada is a perfect place to find peace and romance when you walk through the covered walkways and pavilions. Enjoy a jade green pond filled with koi fish, miniature trees, and tai hu rock. Have a cup of traditional Chinese tea before you leave.
  1. Vancouver Art Gallery – Take in some culture while you’re on vacation at a world-renowned museum. If you’re into photography, you’ll find a huge collection of works from Ansel Adams, Cindy Sherman and Henri Cartier-Bresson. The gallery also has a collection of paintings by Emily Carr, who is known for a modernistic style influenced by the local indigenous peoples of B.C.
  1. Science World – This museum may be known as a place for children to explore the scientific world, but adults can enjoy the exhibits and see how science and art collides. The Geodesic dome is a beautiful piece of architecture that should be admired. The museum periodically hosts adult-only events. Check the calendar to find dates and plan your trip accordingly.
  1. Queen Elizabeth Park – Even if you’re not into floral displays and horticulture, Queen Elizabeth Park offers stunning views in a romantic setting where you and your partner can talk and connect. The park sits 152 meters above sea level and is the highest point in Vancouver. It features native and exotic trees and beautiful sculptures as well as recreational activities.
  1. BC Place – The stadium is the home of the Vancouver Whitecaps and BC Lions, but it also hosts many different special events throughout the year. The retractable roof is a technological wonder, and if you ever get a chance to see this venue, you should definitely take advantage of it.

Vancouver offers many styles of hotels, from the most modern with all the bells and whistles to classical bed and breakfasts outfitted in antique décor. If you enjoy shopping, you’ll find a plethora of different stores featuring local designers and artisans to find the perfect souvenirs of your trip. If you’re into sports, Vancouver has a full selection of summer and winter sports venues. Enjoy the ocean or the mountains, both in the same day should you choose. You can’t go wrong when you take a trip to Vancouver to see all it has to offer.

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The Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, A Bahai Holy Day in November

Bab Shrine in Bahai Garden, Haifa, Israel

November 14 marks one of the holy days in the Bahai calendar, the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of their faith. Work is suspended on this day, while the Baha’is focus on their faith, worship, and family, much like Christians might on December 25 when they celebrate the birth of Jesus. Although the Baha’i faith is one of the youngest of the world’s religions, there are over five million Baha’is worldwide, with about 30,000 here in Canada.

Who Are the Baha’is?

In Persia (Iran) in 1844, the Babi religion began when the Bab announced that he had divine teachings for humanity to prepare for a greater messenger. In 1850, the Bab was executed. Just two years later, Bahá’u’lláh was arrested for his support of this movement, and later, he received the revelation that he was the chosen Messenger. He was exiled to Baghdad in 1852, and the Baha’i religion was born. Bahá’u’lláh is considered the return of Christ, the fifth Buddha, the reincarnation of the Krishna, and the Lord of Hosts that the Jews were promised.

It wasn’t until after his death that the Baha’i faith moved beyond the Middle East. In 1893, 11 years after Bahá’u’lláh died, the religion was publicly mentioned in North America for the first time. It was in 1902 when the first Canadian Baha’i group was formed in Montreal. In 1912, the son of Bahá’u’lláh arrived in Montreal as part of his North American tour. The home where he stayed is the only Baha’i shrine in the Western Hemisphere.

What Do the Baha’is Believe?

The Baha’is have a radical faith, revolving around social principles that promote and establish the oneness of humanity. All of the great religions come from the same source – God. Baha’is want:

  • Equality for women and men
  • Education for everyone
  • Harmony of science and religion working together to advance humanity
  • Abolition of poverty and wealth (financial equality)
  • A universal system of weights and measures
  • Removal of economic barriers
  • Spiritual solutions for the world’s economy
  • Human rights for everyone
  • Elimination of prejudice

In addition, the Baha’i have a strict moral code, with prohibitions against extramarital sex, gambling, drug and alcohol use, and backbiting. Interestingly, Baha’is generally do not criticize those who do not follow the faith, but they do see their laws as advantageous for all to follow. They respect the laws of the land but abstain from partisanship. They may vote in general elections, but they probably won’t run for office or accept a political appointment. However, some serve the government in administrative posts. They generally won’t participate in aggressive debate, but they do want to work with others to build a peaceful and united world.

Facets of Faith

The Baha’i faith teaches that one must constantly refine inner character and provide service to humanity to keep improving. These two actions are mutually responsive, and one acts upon the other to mold the environment where you live. It’s not just a spiritual life, but a dedicated life of infusing the world with a devotional spirit. A Baha’i should deepen his or her own knowledge of the faith and share with others.

In addition, Baha’i are taught to resist their own egos while reversing the cultural tendency that glorifies self-gratification. Whatever walk of life, the Baha’i believe in social action to promote the well-being of all. Your beliefs and backgrounds generally do not matter to them. They want social equality in knowledge, wealth, security, and health.

If you know of any individuals who celebrate the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, show them that you understand. It is their spiritual springtime, reviving their commitment to the new faith and their spiritual oneness.