High above Haifa, Israel, 19 terraced gardens on Mount Carmel offer a serene escape. These gardens, a significant cultural and spiritual site in Israel, feature geometric designs and cypress-lined paths. The golden-domed Shrine of the Bab, a sacred Baha’i site, overlooks Haifa’s port and the Mediterranean Sea.
The gardens provide a spiritual journey for visitors, guiding them towards the holy Shrine of the Bab. The Baha’i Faith, founded in 19th-century Persia, promotes the unity of God, religions, and humanity. Followers believe in the oneness of humanity, transcending cultural and religious differences.
India boasts the largest Baha’i community globally, with around two million followers. The Lotus Temple in New Delhi stands as a prominent Baha’i House of Worship in Asia. Despite the global significance of the Baha’i World Centre in Israel, there is no local Baha’i community in the country. Instead, volunteers from over 90 nations serve at the World Centre, maintaining the holy sites.
The Baha’i Faith stands out for its lack of clergy, emphasizing direct connection with the divine. Governance occurs through elected Spiritual Assemblies at various levels. The faith advocates for human transformation as a path to peace, viewing military conflicts as failures in human relations. The Baha’i World Centre in Haifa remains a key destination for international visitors, known for its gardens and spiritual ambiance.
