JERSEY’S Bahá’í community are offering Islanders new ways to explore their spirituality.

The Bahá’í Faith want to unite different religions across the Island and are expanding the range of activities on offer in order to do so. Spiritual discussions, walks, meditation and a study course are all organised by the group and are open to everyone.

‘Reflection on the Life of the Spirit’ is a course run by Jill Butterfield aimed at anyone who would like to learn more about their own spirituality. The course is part of a series developed by the Ruhi Institute, an educational organisation operating under Bahá’í guidance. It is free of charge and there are no future obligations on those attending.

In addition to this course, other methods of discovering spirituality are offered by the community and are held at varying times during the week.

Discussion evenings are held at 7.30 pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month, covering any topic which the participants are interested in. Mrs Butterfield will also hold guided meditation on the second and fourth Sunday of each month.

Though the Bahá’í faith doesn’t use a specific type of meditation, the meetings will include references to the Holy Writings of the Faith. These sessions will take place at Mrs Butterfield’s home and lunch will be provided afterwards for those who wish to stay.

Every Tuesday at 1 pm, meditation will take place at the Bahá’í Centenary tree in Howard Davis Park. This tree was planted in 1992 replacing a dead oak tree as a symbol for the future. On the last Sunday of each month at 2.30 pm there is a meditation walk to exercise the mind, body and spirit.

The one hour walk will go at the pace of the slowest walker and will involve silent walking and scripture readings. The next walk will be meeting at St Clement’s Church yard on Sunday 31 August at 2.30 pm. The community have also restarted children’s classes and these are open to anyone who would like their child to have a spiritual dimension to their education.

Mrs Butterfield said: ‘It is very important to us that all faiths can join in with our activities. That is the overall purpose of the Bahá’í Faith – unity between religions as we believe that all faiths came from one God.’
For more details about any of the courses or classes, call Mrs Butterfield on 629575.

• Picture Marlene Morris, Jill Butterfield, John Butterfield, Catherine Morris and Mary Connell of Jersey’s Bahá’í Community, who are offering new ways to explore your spirituality. Picture by Rob Currie (00584236)