The Writings of Shoghi Effendi
A Weekend Study Retreat with Jack Mclean
Retreat Address: 1999 Ridge Rd, North San Juan, CA 95960
Contact Kaathlyn Connor at (530) 777 8275, operations@firm-foundation.org
Arrive: Friday evening, the 4th of September for dinner and orientation
Depart: Monday morning, the 7th of September after dawn-prayers and breakfast
A Celestial Burning is the winner of the Association for Baha'i Studies, North America's Book Award 2013 for distinguished scholarship.
This book is a comprehensive study of selected writings of Shoghi Effendi Rabbani (1897-1957), the Guardian of the BahΓ‘'Γ Faith. The author has approached Shoghi Effendi's writings from two main perspectives: the Guardian as the divine interpreter, a man of incisive religious thought; and Shoghi Effendi the eloquent writer, a vocation that was inseparable from his sacred office as Guardian of the Faith. Based on years of careful analysis and research, the author treats such themes as Shoghi Effendi's view of providential history as divine drama, his effective use of rhetoric, his views on morality and spirituality, his understanding of the emerging world order as a modern-day apocalypse, and it analyzes the style and patterns that emerge from his epistolary prose.
This book will serve to inform not only scholars but also all those teachers, administrators, and general readers who seek a deeper understanding of these aspects of the writings of the Guardian, and who may wish to develop them in their talks or publications.
Where will this be held?
In the mountains of Northern California, just East of Sacramento, our friends have a beautiful boarding-school facility with a gymnasium and comfortable classrooms. If you are not within driving distance, you can fly into the Sacramento Airport (SMF) or take a train to the Sacramento Amtrak train station. Our community volunteers will pick you up and shuttle you to the school. The school has various accommodation options, so families will usually be able to stay together.
Who should attend? (ages 15+)
Given the pace and difficulty of material, only adults and youth 15 or older. Minors will need to be accompanied by a parent or a designated guardian. We will not be splitting out into groups so all participants should be mature enough to sustain a solid day of reading together.
What to Bring? (books, light clothes, shampoo)
Every student should bring their tablet or laptop computer. Materials, pencils, notepads, bedding, towels, food etc. are supplied. We have plenty of laundry facilities as well. You may want to bring a swimsuit for occasional outings to the nearby river.
How much? ($110)
Weβre working hard to keep costs as low as possible β and so far that seems to come to about $30 per day for room, board and materials. This program includes three nights lodging and eight meals. As well as transportation to and from the airport, if you are arriving by plane.
Our costs are reduced because of the generosity of the community and some very dedicated volunteers. If you need any help getting here, just let us know. Weβll do whatever we can to find a way. If youβre driving and have extra room for a ride share, let us know.