One of Seven: Baha’i Temple in Panama City, Panama
Baha’i Temple- Panama City, Panama
What is that dome-ish thing up up there on the hill!? There are only 7 Baha’i Temples in the world, one of which is located right here in Panama City, Panama. After I had that cleared up, I started to wonder, just what is the Baha’i faith? I knew that “The Office” actor Rainn Wilson is Baha’i and that he traveled to Panama for that very reason, but this was the extent of my knowledge.
After visiting various websites I was able to answer the following questions:
Where does Baha’i come from? It was founded in Iran in 1844, making it the world’s youngest independent monotheistic religion.
How popular is the religion? It has more than five million followers in 236 countries and territories.
Who can belong? Those of the Baha’ faith include people from nearly every national, ethnic and religious background. Which, according to the Bahai’s website, makes the religion second-most-widespread religion in the world.
This statistic really surprised me, but I think the key words here are newest and widespread. If you look at where the other temples are located and when they were built, it’s no wonder (newest to oldest): New Delhi, India (1986), Apia, Samoa (1984), Panama City, Panama (1972), Frankfurt, Germany (1964), Kampala, Uganda (1962), Sydney, Australia (1961), Wilmette, Illinois (1953), Ashkabad, Turkestan (1908 destroyed 1962).
What is the Baha’i view? Bahai’s believe that the world’s major religions are part of a single process for God to reveal His will to humanity. That we are all equal and will one day be a unified single race.
Who founded Baha’i? His name was Baha’u'llah (1817-1892), and he’s believed to be the newest divine messenger, others include: Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.
How did Baha’i end up in Panama? A female Baha’i journalist by the name of Martha Root first came to Panama in 1919 spreading information about the religion. In 1946 an official Spiritual Assembly was created and progress occurred from there.
After researching a bit about Baha’i in Panama, what strikes me most is their outreach with the Ngabe-Bugle people. The Bahai’ community runs 10 schools in the region where they otherwise would not exist. These schools are only accessible by horseback or on foot.
It seems as though the Mona Foundation has teamed up with the Baha’i run schools to help in a joint effort.
To learn more visit the following websites:
http://www.monafoundation.org/
http://www.panamabahai.net/
| Written by Cailey Halloran |
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Filed under: Country Guide on March 25th, 2008
Nice story, thanks a lot!
(I am a Baha’i in NY, USA)
“Blessed is the spot… where mention of God hath been made and His praise glorified.” - Baha’u'llah
In the early 80’s, I lived at the Baha’i House of Worship, welcoming the public to that beautiful garden spot. The view is magnificent and the atmosphere is divine. All are welcome, and every visitor will be touched by the serenity atop Panama’s Cerro Sonsonate.
Very nice article. I’ve lived in the Czech Republic since 1992. Baha’is are in 236 countries and territories because they leave their homes to promote the oneness of mankind through living a life of service. There is only one race, the human race…
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Attended the conference on the Media/Radio there in 1979. Walked all around the Temple, just beyond the flower beds to take nine pictures from all sides.Then went in to speak to the young lady and here husband who were caretakers there, and was told’ Oh My! there are deadly fer de lances all around the gardens!
Enjoyed the three days i was there, loved all those i met, and remembeer the time with much love and joy.
Love,Harmony,Peace and Joy be yours forever. toni
Dear Toni,
My husband,Kern, and I were the caretakers you mention and I was a member of the committee which organized the conference.
We also have wonderful memories of the conference, and our days there. (and a few snakes!)
With warmest regards,
Barbara