Annual Report, 2006
English
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'IRFÁN COLLOQUIUM IN 2006
A Brief Report
Conceptual analysis and practical applications of the Bahá'í Belief system was the main theme of the `Irfán Colloquium in 2006. It provided a special opportunity for the participants to benefit from a series of scholarly presentations on the Writings of the Central Figures of the Bahá’í Faith, fundamental principles of the Bahá’í belief system, and .the interface of the Bahá’í Faith with different religions and schools of thought. It was also a unique opportunity for the participants to meet and associate with Bahá’í scholars, and plan for collaboration in Bahá’í studies. All participants received a free set of `Irfán publications.
The 2006 `Irfán Colloquia were conducted in English, Persian and German languages, at the following centers: Bosch Bahá'í School, California (May 25-28); Acuto Centre for Bahá'í Studies, Italy (June 30- July 10); Tambach Conference Centre, Germany (July 20-23); and Louhelen Bahá'í School, Michigan (October 6-9). A total of 62 Scholars from 12 countries delivered 97 presentations at these colloquia and engaged in dialogue with a total number of 350 participants, in very friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.
Since the inception of the `Irfán Colloquium in 1993, a total of 72 of its annual sessions have been convened. During the same period, 21 volumes containing selected papers presented at these sessions and over 100 previously unpublished Tablets; as well as 12 Guidebooks for the study of Bahá'í Writings, and 72 booklets containing abstracts of the presentations have been published in Persian, English and German. Additional and update information about the `Irfán Colloquium programs and publications is available at www.irfancolloquium.org.
Steady progress has been achieved, as the result of special efforts exerted over these years, in attracting an increasing number of women and youth engaged in systematic and in-depth study of Bahá'í scripture, basic principles of Bahá'í belief system and their application to the challenging issues facing humankind.
In 1997 the `Irfán Study Seminar was added as an integral component of the program of the Colloquia. For the past nine years the seminars have been focused on introducing the background and the contents of major Writings of the Central Figures of the Bahá'í Faith. Starting in 2006, the in-depth study of texts was added to the program of the seminars. Thus every year one of the Bahá'í sacred texts is taught as part of the program. Bahá'u'lláh's Tablet known as "Ridvánu'l-`Adl" (Garden of Justice) was the text studied in 2006.
Young Bahá'ís in countries of the Middle East and Western Asia who are interested in Bahá'í studies are encouraged to contribute research papers for presentation at the `Irfán Colloquia. Every year a few such friends, circumstances permitting, personally participate at the Colloquium. The papers that they submit are reviewed by highly knowledgeable Bahá'í friends and their recommendations for modification and improvement of the texts are communicated to the authors.
As a side activity, every year a few scholarship grants are given to the young Baha'is that need of financial assistance to complete their post-graduate studies in the fields related to religious studies.
`Irfan programs and activities are sponsored by Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund and benefited from the collaboration of the Persian-American Affairs Office and the Treasurer's Office of the Bahá'í National Center of the United States. `Irfán Colloquia are convened under the auspicious of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the host countries. Organization and management of the `Irfán programs are deeply indebted to the support and assistance received from the above agencies and the friends who make generous contributions to the Irfan fund.
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