wfn.org | BWNS -- Location unveils Hidden Words

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Location unveils Hidden Words
MELBOURNE, Australia, 28 June 2004 (BWNS) --  Location, location, location.
Those are called the three most important guidelines in real estate -- and
taking notice of them has helped boost visitor numbers at a Baha'i bookstore
here in the nation's second biggest city.

The number of customers, browsers, and window shoppers has increased since
the
bookshop -- "Hidden Words: Baha'i Books and Information" -- moved recently
from a small shopping arcade to a nearby prominent location on a main road.

Its new spot is near a busy intersection close to both the Hawthorn Town Hall
and one of Melbourne's major universities, and in a restaurant precinct.

Many motorists stopped at red traffic lights spend their waiting time looking
into the shop window.

"At least one third of the customers and browsers are not Baha'is, and many
come to the shop from other suburbs," says spokeswoman Emilia Tabrizi.

"It has a growing name among Baha'is as a good source of quality books and
resources. Our reputation has spread by word of mouth and as a result we even
have some interstate customers who order books from us."

The shop is an information center, Ms. Tabrizi says, that lets the public
satisfy its growing curiosity about a Faith that bases its work for world
unity on Baha'u'llah's teaching of the principle of the oneness of humanity.

Customers have had many positive things to say about the shop, she says,
including comments that it is "inspirational," "soothing," and "informative."

The number of participants from the general public has also increased at the
study circles hosted by the shop. At least half the membership of a new study
circle, for instance, comes from outside the Baha'i community.

The study circles -- an activity now offered by the Baha'i communities in
more
than 180 countries worldwide -- aim at developing individual capacities in a
range of activities, such as reawakening one's spiritual life, teaching
values
to children, and expressing one's views to others.

Another popular event is 30-minute "tranquility zones" offered on Sunday
mornings. They provide music, meditation, and spiritual upliftment through
readings and prayers.

Facilitators change for the tranquility zones, giving a different flavor from
time to time.

Although Baha'is do not force their beliefs on others, they are keen to offer
the teachings of Baha'u'llah to anyone interested in inquiring -- and now the
shop has an increased number of those. To satisfy this demand information
evenings are held every fortnight on Friday evenings and they feature a
speaker on the Baha'i Faith and a question and answer session.

Some 25 local Baha'i volunteers are involved in the operation of the shop,
which is open eight hours a day from Monday to Friday and six hours on
Saturday.

A newsletter updates customers of forthcoming activities.

The shop, overseen by the Regional Baha'i Council, takes its name from The
Hidden Words by Baha'u'llah. That volume comprises 150 brief inspirational
counsels and admonitions for spiritual life and growth.