Melburnians turn to ‘Soul Food’ for nourishment
28 September 2008MELBOURNE, Australia — Melbourne stands out as a multicultural metropolis – Malaysian restaurants, Japanese paper shops, music venues with bands from Senegal to Indonesia, all within strolling distance of one another. Not surprising, then, that Melburnians have adopted a Baha’i devotional meeting with a difference.
Called “Soul Food,” the gathering – held once a month in a theater at the imposing State Library of Victoria – combines readings from the world’s great faiths with reflections from leading philosophers, interspersed with live and recorded music by some of Melbourne’s most noted performers.
The program, which this year marks its third anniversary, at one point was listed at No.10 among “20 things to do in Melbourne,” published by the city’s main newspaper.
The readings and music are augmented by photographs and videos that illustrate particular themes – generosity, the equality of men and women, purity of heart, unconditional love – all set against a candle-lit background.
"It has been a great success, with participants coming from all backgrounds and walks of life, some even traveling from outside Melbourne to attend,” says Monib Mahdavi, who with his friend Nima Ferdowsi established the event, based on a similar one in Adelaide in South Australia.
“(Soul Food) has clearly shown that there are many people in the community who share our vision and are seeking opportunities to explore their spiritual development,” Mr. Mahdavi says.
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Some of the musicians who perform at Soul Food are well-known locally, and a diversity of instruments and styles is presented.
Soul Food is held in a theater at the State Library of Victoria, an imposing building in the heart of Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city.
The music must suit the reverence and atmosphere of Soul Food, say organizers. ‘In the Baha’is teachings, music is a ladder for the soul,’ says one.
‘Relax in a tranquil environment and reflect on inspiring themes,’ says the invitation to Soul Food in Melbourne. Similar gatherings, also called Soul Food,… »
People who come to Soul Food often stay after the program for informal conversation.
In Melbourne, Soul Food is held the first Sunday of each month, at 10:30 a.m.
Nima Ferdowsi, left, a dentist, and Monib Mahdavi, a graphic designer, are the main organizers of Soul Food in Melbourne.
The event quickly built a following, with average attendance around 120 people, he says.
Kristian Hetyey, who was brought up Catholic and now is investigating other religions, is a regular at the gathering.
“It helps me reflect on the month, I guess it’s that internal reflection where you just think about things,” he says. “Sometimes in life it’s easy to just keep plowing through the challenges of every day, but this removes you from the everyday; it questions our existence, it prompts you in a way that provides insight and wisdom.
“Obviously it draws on all religions throughout history, and some of the most amazing concepts that the world has ever known, so from that point of view it’s a great combination of things which I haven’t found anywhere else,” he says.
“It’s only about an hour, but it can be really powerful,” he continues. “Essentially it’s building unity in our society, which most religions don’t do.”
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, with a population of well over 3 million in the metropolitan area.
