In the Bahá'í Faith, administration is not
seen as mere paperwork, but is closely linked with spirituality and
unity-building. This concept is clearly demonstrated in the centrepiece of
Bahá'í community life, the Nineteen-Day Feast.
The Feast's occurrence every 19 days
derives from the Bahá'í calendar, which consists of 19 months, each of which
has 19 days. Bahá'ís are enjoined to observe this monthly gathering, which is
open to both adults and children.
The Feast consists of three parts:
spiritual devotion, administrative consultation, and social fellowship. As
such, the Feast combines religious worship with grass-roots governance and
social enjoyment, embracing the elements at the very base of society.
The programme of the Feast is adaptable to
a wide variety of cultural and social needs, an important feature in as
multicultural a country as New Zealand. Music is often a component in the
programme and often reflects the Feast's geographic and cultural setting. In
the southern United States, for example, Feast might well feature Gospel-style
music, while in Asia the songs might be pentatonic.
The word "feast" might seem to
imply that a large meal will be served. That is not necessarily the case. While
food and beverages are usually served, the term is meant to suggest that the
community should enjoy a "spiritual feast" of worship, companionship,
and unity. Bahá'u'lláh stressed the importance of Bahá'ís gathering every 19
days, "to bind hearts together," even if nothing more than water is
served.
During the devotional programme, selections
of Bahá'í prayers and writings, and sometimes scriptures of other religions,
are read aloud and meditated upon.
The administrative part of the Feast
includes reports of the activities of Bahá'í communities near and far,
consultation on the affairs of the Faith in one's own community, and reflection
on local progress. Community members have the opportunity to become more
familiar with the guidance and writings of the Faith and to make suggestions to
the Local Spiritual Assembly.
The consultations at Feast are of utmost
importance, as it is by this method that every individual participates in the
affairs of the worldwide Bahá'í community. The consultations allow every member
a voice in community affairs and thus make the Feast an "arena of
democracy at the very root of society."
As for the social part of the Feast, this
is the time for comradeship, hospitality, and love. Carefully selected music,
uplifting talks, and children's presentations are all examples of outlets of
creativity which, when dignified and joyful, can bring this part of the Feast
to life.
Source
This article is adapted from the Canadian Bahá'í website.
