Freshers' Week

Freshers' Week was a lot easier when I was actually a fresher. This past week has been non-stop, hectic action.

First of all, I've moved into my new flat. So there's all the hassles associated with moving to somewhere new - changing addresses, unpacking, sorting out bills, rent, internet and stuff, setting up my computer(s), getting to know the kitchen, and so on. Then of course there's me being the President of the Edinburgh University Baha'i Society, so that means organising events, administring over new members, overseeing transfer of certain materials from last year's executive committee to the new one, attending two days' worth of Societies' Fairs and having to explain hundreds of times what the Baha'i Faith is and what our society does. On top of that, helping out the local Baha'i community to organise and advertise certain events, which necessitated a few trips to Glasgow. Naturally there's also the academic side of things, such as registring for my courses and looking up the reading lists in advance. And finally there's just general social time, meeting up with friends I haven't seen since May, or even longer in the case of a few.

Sometimes there are little things that just throw you off. Like when you realise that some of the freshers running around were born in 1990 - which makes me feel old. Sometimes there are bigger, more unexpected things that throw you off. Like when your good friend's grandfather dies suddenly while walking in the sunshine.

Both of these happened. One of them caused a little mirth, the other some musing. Being a Baha'i, I believe that death is not the end. It's not the beginning either. It's simply a continuation of a person's spiritual journey.

Know thou of a truth that the soul, after its separation from the body, will continue to progress until it attaineth the presence of God, in a state and condition which neither the revolution of ages and centuries, nor the changes and chances of this world, can alter. It will endure as long as the Kingdom of God, His sovereignty, His dominion and power will endure.
Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p155

As such, Baha'i funerals are generally more like a goodbye celebration than an occassion for mourning. Of course, they are still serene events, with respect shown to both the deceased and their family.

O SON OF THE SUPREME!

I have made death a messenger of joy to thee. Wherefore dost thou grieve? I made the light to shed on thee its splendor. Why dost thou veil thyself therefrom?
The Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh, #32 from the Arabic, p11

Regrettably I was only able to attend the service for this particular funeral, not the interment. It was a beautiful service nonetheless, with a real tangible sense of love from the deceased's family and neighbours. A very moving event.

So now I'm trying to catch up on my sleep and prepare for next week, when classes begin. I've already been emailed an assignment for this Wednesday. I guess that's why they call it Phonology, not Funology.