. This web site is devoted to the promotion of music and lyrics for the higher self within us all. It is about our love for God's Beauty, reflected in the spirit of a new Age. These songs are about the happiness born from our recognition of the One True God and His newest Manifestation, Baha'u'llah. * It is dedicated to the Covenant of God, which is recognition of His Manifestation for this Day, as well as acceptance of the Divine Authority of Successorship, which exists today in the Universal House of Justice, the Infallible Guide to our future progress and success. * It is a Baha'i inspired call to celebrate and study, through poetic lyrics and upbeat harmonies, the lives of heroes and heroines whose sacrificial efforts and marvelous teaching of the Cause of God won them shining characters and distinguished stations in our history and in worlds beyond this one. *It includes some of the significant Baha'i principles and teachings released through the Revelation of Baha'u'llah. It is my humble contribution to the development of Baha'i community, art and culture. My name is Jim Styan: bounties@shaw.ca

After writing to the Universal House of Justice, the elected world Head of the Baha'i Administrative Order, that infallible Institution encouraged me to go ahead with the construction of this web site, requesting only that I make it clear that the Baha'i inspired thoughts and understandings I share on the internet are my "interpretations", and not any official Baha'i view or authoritative statement representing this glorious Religion. That infallible Institution said to me: "It is heartening indeed that the friends are arising to teach the Faith in diverse ways, including the Internet. Be assured of the prayers of the House of Justice in the holy Shrines for the success of your endeavors to teach our beloved Faith." (May 25, 2000). Our beloved National Spiritual Assembly's Secretariat wrote me, reiterating: "It seems clear from the guidance in the letter from the Universal House of Justice addressed to you that what is important is that you clearly distinguish between your own interpretations and authoritative statements in the material that you post on your web site." (Aug. 28, 2000)

Quotations from Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha from the Baha'i Sacred Writings amply show the importance of the arts, in particular poetry and divine melodies. Both Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha loved the divine and mystic poets. To view and ponder on these statements, click here.

Paying tribute to a few of those Baha'i inspired musical artists who influenced my own music, I appreciate that there is a huge wealth of Baha'i inspired musical materials out there in the world, many of whom have written and performed some real ground-breaking songs on great Baha'i themes. Unfortunately, even the most talented Baha'is in this area don't get a lot of attention from the bulk of the world's peoples who still have yet to recognize Baha'u'llah and the beauty of His all-encompassing Revelation for humanity. Anyway, here are a few songs that stood out for me, though many more could be mentioned, and will be mentioned in the future. In no particular order, as of September, 2010:

. Caroline MacKay Gordie Munro Gordie Munro Doug Cameron/Jack Lenz Jack Lenz Jack Lenz Smith and Dragoman Leslie and Kelly Leslie and Kelly Parrish and Tappano Red Grammar Marie and Roger Gervais Devon Gundry Seals and Crofts Seals and Crofts Seals and Crofts Seals and Crofts Seals and Crofts Dan Seals Grant Hinden Miller Grant Hinden Miller The Reggae Project Wilford Johnson Susan Engle / Jean Marks Bahiyyih Peters.

. Radiant Sea The Matadors Ye are the Stars Mona with the Children Let it be this Generation My Heart Soars More than a Man Spiritual Connection Be a Light in the Darkness Royal Falcon Listen Le Bab Armed Most Great Light East of Ginger Trees The Bab Garden of Ridvan Year of Sunday We are One Seven Martyrs of Tihran Whither Can a Lover Go Baha'u'llah Says Wildfire Various Land of Light.

. Tidings of Light Unity in Diversity Unity in Diversity - Let it be this Generation - Open the Gates We are One We are One Various Teaching Peace Feast at my House - - - - - - - Sing O Carmel Sing O Carmel - Wildfire Loving Hands -.

. Not Available Basic Good sound for this song Good for this song Not Available Basic Excellent Quality/Coverage Not Available Not Available Good for this song Basic Not Available Excellent for this song Not Available Good Sound Not Available Not Available Fair Good for this song Good Not Available Good Not Available Little to No Coverage Not Available.

. Caroline MacKay Gordie Munro Gordie Munro Doug Cameron Doug Cameron Buffy Ste Marie Smith and Dragoman Leslie and Kelly Leslie and Kelly Parrish and Tappano Red Grammar Marie Gervais Devon Gundry Seals and Crofts " " " " Dan Seals Grant Hinden Miller Grant Hinden Miller The Reggae Project Wilford Johnson Susan Engle / Jean Marks Bahiyyih Peters.

I apologize for any errors or omissions, and I do hope the quality and presence of such Baha'i inspired songs is improved greatly soon.

I have used quotations marks to indicate the accurate Baha'i quotation references, but here is a good quote about "individual interpretations": "The existence of authoritative interpretations does not preclude the individual from engaging in the study of the Teachings and thereby arriving at a personal interpretation or understanding. A clear distinction is, however, drawn in the Baha'i Writings between authoritative interpretation and the understanding that each individual arrives at from a study of its Teachings. Individual interpretations based on a person's understanding of the Teachings constitute the fruit of man's rational power and may well contribute to a greater comprehension of the Faith. Such views, nevertheless, lack authority. In presenting their personal ideas, individuals are cautioned not to discard the authority of the revealed words, not to deny or contend with the authoritative interpretation, and not to engage in controversy; rather they should offer their thoughts as a contribution to knowledge, making it clear that their views are merely their own." (The Kitab-i-Aqdas by Bahá'u'lláh: p. 221 - Note #130 in reference to paragraph K105 in the main Text) After making one's steps firm and fulfilling one's duty to the Covenant of God, then artistic expression and license can rightfully play its role in demonstrating the beauty, wonder and excitement of one's love for God's truths, mysteries, and bounties.

May this library of Baha'i inspired songs be springs of joyous bounties for your devotionals, children's classes, study circles, academic studies, for your Baha'i Holy Days and Feasts and other celebrations, activities, special events and dates at your homes and centers. "The first teaching is that man should investigate reality, for reality is contrary to dogmatic interpretations and imitations of ancestral forms of belief to which all nations and peoples adhere so tenaciously. These blind imitations are contrary to the fundamental basis of the divine religions, for the divine religions in their central and essential teaching are based upon unity, love and peace, whereas these variations and imitations have ever been productive of warfare, sedition and strife. Therefore, all souls should consider it incumbent upon them to investigate reality. Reality is one; and when found, it will unify all mankind. Reality is the love of God. Reality is the knowledge of God. Reality is justice. Reality is the oneness or solidarity of mankind. Reality is international peace. Reality is the knowledge of verities. Reality unifies humanity." (Promulgation of Universal Peace by 'Abd'ul-Baha: p.372)

Other Baha'i Inspired Artistic Links Disclaimer: The personal views on this web site are a sincere attempt by this author to accurately present the Baha'i teachings poetically and artistically. For an official Baha'i web site, click on Other Baha'i Inspired Artistic Links above, and then on The Baha'i Community of Canada.

Web Design by J. Styan