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We
gave a lot of thought to find a form that is attractive and would not marr the
consecrated character of the meeting. Therefore we avoided the term ‘Prayer
Meetings’ in the announcement and choose ‘Meditative Meetings’ (note: in
the Dutch language there is not a word for devotional). In Nijmegen such
meetings are organized regularly for example by the Buddists and in other
spiritual centers. We have striven to distinguish ourselves qua form and
positive content and finally decided on a program one hour and a half
long with parts We decide beforehand on the theme for a cycle of four meetings. For example: 'The Soul' or 'The New Day'. We carefully select a small number of texts from the Bahá’í Writings and from other Holy Books for each meeting. We always begin with live music, usually by an amateur ensemble, for example, a flute or small choir. We choose the music to suit the theme. Further we always recite the texts two times after each other with a long pause in between. This meditative part we close with music. After
the break – when coffee and tea is served – we try to stimulate an exchange
of thoughts with several questions based on the text. We
split up into small groups of three to four persons with a Bahá’í as
facilitator. If
the time allows we end the meeting with creativity. For
example mandala drawings. This we do very peacefully. There is no talking during
this. Dr. Charles Hamburger, Assistant to the Board member for Protection in the Netherland |