Vision Statement

In these days the East is in need of material progress and the West is in need of a spiritual ideal... The East and West must unite to give to each other what is lacking. This union will bring about true civilization where the spiritual is expressed and carried out in the material.

Abdu'l-Bahˆ, Paris Talks, October 20, 1911

My website "Cultural Fellowship of Sarasota" considers this observation by Abdu'l-Bahá, son of the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá'í Faith Bahá'u'lláh, as true today as it was a century ago. Bahá'ís believe that spiritual and material growth will be realized only when humanity recognizes its inherent unity, that all people are as the flowers of one garden. Conversely, diversity is also essential to life, both biologically and culturally. It is only with wholehearted unity that the diversity of humankind can be fully appreciated, celebrated, and preserved.

Sarasota is in many respects a microcosm of unity in diversity. Like many cities, Sarasota is home to dozens of ethnicities and nationalities. Unlike many cities, Sarasota actively promotes the interests of its diverse population through arts, cultural festivals, and numerous citizens groups. A favorite of travel writers, the city so excels in its celebration of local diversity that it has been honored with the title "Florida's Cultural Coast." Sarasota continually presents culture activities, from global-themed International Sister City events to local-themed Seminole Indian native gatherings, and everything in between. The area seems perpetually infused with a sense of wonder and cultural exploration, aided in no small part by the many activities of one of America's largest museum/university complexes, the John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art, and a score of music halls, art galleries, world-class botanical gardens, and self-sustaining artists' colonies.

The Bahá'í Faith considers art to be one of humanity's most spiritual endeavors, and it is clear that the arts can help eliminate prejudices and foster unity. As we practice art, we come in touch with the source of artistic inspiration, our higher spiritual self. Recognizing this self-less source can bring us to recognize that, at a transcendent level, unity is obvious and real. Prejudice, on the other hand, has its root in ignorance. It stems not only from not knowing about others and other cultures, but also from not fully knowing oneself. Celebration of the arts, especially when undertaken as a community, can help people learn about each other's traditions, religions, and arts, and thereby help reduce prejudice and improve the society for all.

It seems to me that education is another source of self-betterment and societal improvement. A well-rounded education provides not just facts and figures, but also spiritual growth. It brings out our capacities for positive thinking and acting in service to mankind, and helps us discover our own innate capacities and talents. Art and religion, too, can bring out one's innate capacities and talents, and when practiced together will uplift our heart and train our virtues. As the Ringling Museum of Art's "Education Team" has observed, art combined with education offers quantifiable results: many people with social or criminal problems have found that Ringling Art Education has helped them confront their issues and improve as a person. Getting "in touch with" one's spiritual self can help people better adjust to society and their responsibilities to society (see Ringling's philosophy).

The Sarasota Cultural Fellowship offers both a website and local discussion meetings. At the site readers can browse essays about culture and the arts and follow guides to local cultural events through a comprehensive set of links. The site includes a Forum, where I and guests discuss themed topics about Sarasota and spirituality. We have included discussion questions about art, diversity, community, and peace, where we encourage readers to explore their innate understanding of real things rather than what they were taught. Readers who wish to continue discussions in person at one of regular community circles, or to collaborate on projects celebrating Sarasota's cultures, can consult the website's event calendar.

For more information, continue by reading a FAQ on the Cultural Fellowship and the Baha'i Faith.