Threaded Wisdom is an opportunity to foster our interfaith relationships through a sharing of prayers, meditations, and practices from diverse faith traditions—a threading together of wisdom that allows for a greater depth of appreciation and understanding of others’ faith traditions.
Each month, we welcome community members to share words and practices that are related to a particular theme. Submissions can be a prayer, an excerpt from a text, a meditation, or an embodied practice.
Submissions don't necessarily have to be from a particular religious figure or tradition. We welcome shares from texts or individuals outside of a spiritual context who have offered inspiration and insight, which could be a philosopher or even a neuroscientist.
Thank you for joining us as we honor each other and ourselves through this threading together of wisdom.
With gratitude,
Wyoming Interfaith Network
MARCH'S THEME: PURIFICATION
Katrina, a member of the Baha'i faith and WIN Board Chair, offered the following:
Purification is a journey central to the Baha'i teachings and especially resonant during the first month of the Baha'i calendar—Ala or Loftiness—when the Baha’i fast calls us to a profound inner renewal. This period, which this year coincides with the first 19 days of March, invites us to quiet our minds, reflect deeply, and strip away the layers that obscure the light of our soul, paving the way for a closer communion with the Divine.
During this time, the physical act of fasting serves as an outward symbol of our inner transformation. By abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset each day, we participate in a process that allows our bodies to experience a cleansing that mirrors the purification of our spirit.
Through prayer and reflection we reinforce our commitment to personal growth and alignment with the Divine. As The Báb teaches, "Purification is regarded as the most acceptable means for attaining nearness unto God and as the most meritorious of all deeds.” -The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 126
In embracing both the physical and spiritual dimensions of purification, we align our daily practices with our highest aspirations. As our bodies are purified, so are our hearts, minds, and spirits, enabling a deeper connection to the Divine and a clearer path forward toward love and unity.
Mohamed, a member of the Islamic tradition, contributed the following commentary and quotes on this month's theme:
Purification is an important and required part of Islam belief and rituals. Prophet Mohamed said "Purification is half of your faith". Muslims are required to practice purification both spiritually and physically. The spiritual kind is achieved by being grateful to God, being kind, having empathy, respect and concern for others. Physical purification is achieved by conducting ablution (washing) before each prayer, before touching or reading the Quran. Ablution consists of washing the hands, the mouth, nose, face, ears, wiping the head and washing the feet. As one washes he/she is symbolically as well as physically cleanse oneself from the mundane and prepare self to be in the presence of God.
Kim shared the following quote by Mahatma Gandhi:
Civil disobedience can only lead to strength and purity.
Liz, who is a Druid, sent the following:
Common saying in Druid circles goes something like this: "When I hear the word 'purification,' I smell disinfectant and I hear the sound of jackboots."
Next month's theme — Empathy
We want to hear from you! Please feel free to share your words or practices.
Submissions are due by the 15th of each month.
Please use this Google document form to send us your contributions, or email them directly to Kim for inclusion.