THE recent eclipse of the sun was spectacular. It’s incredible too, that vapours that rise from the earth as clouds can blot out our vision of it. The sun still continues to exist though, and to shower the bounty of its warmth and light on us.

Surely then, it’s worth considering the possibility that our vision of the spiritual world could be similarly obscured. Isn’t it possible that the route to peace and unity have been there all the time, but the truth has been veiled from us?

Right now, around the world, Baha’is (followers of Baha’u’llah) are preparing to celebrate the bi-centenary of His birth.

The central theme of this independent world religion is unity. Baha’u’llah tells us "Mankind’s peace and security are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established." Real unity is an incredible concept. Its implications are staggering. The reconceptualising of how society is ordered and functions. Creating a just world based on spiritual qualities is the only way to achieve happiness and peace.

Baha’u’llah teaches the independent investigation of truth, the equality of women and men, the harmony of science of religion, the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty and universal education. These principals create a balance between the material and spiritual.

It’s been around all this time, as clear as the noonday sun, as long as you haven’t let the clouds block your view. Baha’is are celebrating this anniversary with positive confidence in a better world.

Karen O’Donoghue, Kendal Baha’i Group