Ringstone
The inscription upon the Bahá’í ringstone is the symbol of the Greatest Name, Bahá who is the Manifestation of the essence of God. It is also symbolic of the three planes representing the World of God, the World of Revelation and the World of Creation.
- Shoghi Effendi, Lights of Guidance, p. 269
Upon the horizon of eternal Glory two luminous stars have arisen in brilliance: one to the right and one to the left ... this is the mystery of the appearance of the Beauty of Abhá and of the Supreme Highness (the Báb). And though these two diagrams at the right and the left have form of stars, they also represent the body of man, with the head, the two arms and two legs, since this diagram has five points.
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Lights of Guidance, p. 269
The use of most great name or the ringstone symbol on gravestone is not appropriate. In a letter dated September 17, 1971 to an individual believer we wrote the following: "Concerning the question you ask in your postscript, there is no specific ruling regarding the type of headstone that may be used at a grave site. However, regarding the inscription on a headstone, the beloved Guardian asked the believers not to use any form of the greatest name but a nine pointed star may be used.
- Universal House of Justice, Lights of Guidance, p. 198
Quote of the Day
Kamal 18 Mashiyyat 182 B.E.
Be sensitive for the possibility of prior exposure to severe violence, such as a personal or family history of trauma from torture, mutilation, war atrocities, gang rape, arson, bombings, lynchings, or other extreme forms of violence. Prior exposure to other forms of violence may exacerbate the effects of domestic violence.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States – Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies on Domestic Violence, p. 94