🌙 Welcome Ramadan 2024! A time of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. Fasting from dawn till dusk, Ramadan is a pillar of Islam that brings us together in worship, service, and communal prayers, like the Tarawih. Remember, the end of Ramadan brings the joy of Eid al-Fitr, celebrated differently across communities. Let's embrace this holy month's journey together.

The holy month of Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a month of fasting, worship, service, communal gathering, and spiritual development. Fasting in Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Fasting generally entails abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from before the first light of dawn until the setting of the sun. A pre-dawn meal is common and considered to be a highly meritorious practice. Breaking fast at sundown is often done with dates and milk, followed by a fuller meal after the evening prayers.

✨Embracing Renewal and Unity: Celebrating Naw-Rúz, the Baha'i New Year. Let's welcome a season of new beginnings and shared hopes. Happy Naw-Rúz to all!

The Baha'i New Year, also known as Naw-Ruz, is a significant celebration in the Baha'i Faith. It marks the end of the 19-day fast and the beginning of a new year in the Baha'i calendar. Naw-Ruz falls on the vernal equinox, which happens after sunset on March 19th symbolizing renewal and rebirth.

Baha'is observe this occasion with joyous gatherings, prayers, music, and acts of service. It's a time for spiritual reflection, unity, and community-building. 🌎

A Bodhisattva is a being who, driven by compassion, seeks enlightenment for themselves and all beings.

Explore Buddhism and a vast sea of interfaith literature, where every stroke of insight brings you closer to enlightenment. Join the journey of a Bodhisattva, navigating through texts rich with virtues and wisdom. 📚🌊

Ashvaghosha, Buddhacarita:

https://oceanlibrary.com/link/m4SKQ/buddhacarita_ashvaghosha/

Holi, the festival of colors, is not just about splashing vibrant hues but also a celebration of good over evil, dating back to ancient times.

The tradition of throwing colors during Holi has its roots in the ancient Hindu legend of Radha and Krishna. Krishna, known for his playful and mischievous nature, was concerned about whether the fair-skinned Radha and other girls would accept him because of his dark complexion. Following his mother's playful suggestion, Krishna applied color to Radha's face, which became a symbol of their love and acceptance. This playful act evolved into a tradition and then a significant part of the Holi festivities, representing equality, unity, and the triumph of good over evil.

Over time, the practice of throwing colors became a way for people to forget their differences, come together, and enjoy a moment of happiness and laughter. It symbolizes the breaking down of social barriers, where everyone is equal, regardless of their social status or background.

Luke, The Gospel of Luke - ευαγγέλιο του λουκά, 218

https://oceanlibrary.com/link/2GLhd/kjv-gospel-of-luke/

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✨ Good Friday, the solemn day marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's salvation. It's a time to reflect on the depth of love and mercy, leading to Easter's promise of resurrection and renewal.

“Until the reality of equality between man and woman is fully established and attained, the highest social development of mankind is not possible.”

- Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, "Women"

https://oceanlibrary.com/link/U6rEA/women_bahaullah/

Timing and Calculation: Orthodox Holy Week occurs later than Holy Week in the Western Christian tradition due to differences in the calendars used. The Orthodox Church typically uses the Julian calendar to determine the date of Easter, which is based on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, but always after Jewish Passover. This results in Orthodox Easter often being celebrated later than Western Easter. Structure of the Week:
- Palm Sunday: Celebrates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem with the blessing and procession of palms.
- Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: The services on these days focus on the end times and the second coming of Christ.
- Holy Thursday: Commemorates the Last Supper and the betrayal of Christ. The ceremony of the Washing of the Feet often takes place on this day.
- Good Friday: Marks the crucifixion and death of Christ.
- Holy Saturday: A day of watchful anticipation, the faithful celebrate the first Resurrection service.

🌟 In the Way of Heaven, love knows no favorites—it always champions the good. Embrace the Taoist wisdom: nurture goodness within and around you.

https://oceanlibrary.com/link/bVW7F/tao-te-ching_lao-tzu/