181. Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the Dedication of the House of Worship in India

181

Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the Dedication
of the House of Worship in India

9 November 2011

To the National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bahá’ís of India

181.1 We extend our warm and loving greetings to all who have gathered on the auspicious occasion of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship in India. The multitudes who have thronged its halls, from every corner of your country and, indeed, from nations across the globe, have witnessed its power to harmonize the manifest diversity of its visitors, to awaken nobility in hearts, and to strengthen hope for peace. Under the shadow of this magnificent edifice, millions who seek God have found tranquillity and been uplifted by the songs of praise and exaltation that rise from its inner sanctum.

181.2 Since its inauguration a quarter of a century ago, the Temple has not only given expression to humanity’s deep-felt longing to worship God but also demonstrated its efficacy in translating and transfusing that worship into a dynamic and dispassionate service for the betterment of humankind. Those who visit the House of Worship are both enchanted by its exquisite beauty and attracted to the harmony and shared understanding they see reflected in the Bahá’í community, a community that pursues its activities to transform society with energy and vitality yet remains deeply aware that in doing so it must place its complete trust in God, reliant upon His unfailing confirmations and assistance.

181.3 How marvellous has been the progress your community has witnessed since the Temple received its first contingent of visitors! Bahá’ís across the length and breadth of India have been inviting increasing numbers of their fellow citizens to join them in the great spiritual enterprise upon which they have embarked, as they learn, with ever greater effectiveness, to address the needs of society through the education of children, the empowerment of youth, the strengthening of the devotional character of their communities, and the exploration of the application of the teachings of God to their individual and collective lives. It is our hope that thousands, nay, millions will join the Bahá’ís in these endeavours, serving side-by-side in a spirit of humility and forgetful of self, to meet the manifold challenges that lie ahead and to work to build a civilization that will achieve a dynamic coherence between the material and spiritual requirements of life. That they may reach heights of success as yet unattained will be the object of our ardent supplications in the Holy Shrines.

The Universal House of Justice