Nicholas James Bridgewater

My Life
(Mia Vivo)

Legu ĉi-tiun paĝon en Esperanto (Read this page in Esperanto)

My name is Nicholas James Bridgewater. This page is just to tell a little about myself and my life. My life cannot be understood without reference to the beliefs and principles which are my fundamental motivation and animating purpose. I am a Baha'i and thus believe that Baha'u'llah is the Messenger of God for this age and the Promised One of all religions. I firmly believe that Baha'u'llah is the Divine Physician Whose teachings are capable of healing the afflicted world in which we live, and of transforming both the individual and society. The finest fruit of these teachings and the hallmark of the collective maturity of the human race will be the establishment of a world civilisation and the adoption of one common faith by all the peoples of the world. Baha'u'llah says: "That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith. This can in no wise be achieved except through the power of a skilled, an all-powerful and inspired Physician." ("Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah", p. 255) I believe that world peace is not a utopia or vain longing. I believe it is a real, achievable reality and an inevitable step that will occur. Shoghi Effendi describes this vision of a world government:

"The unity of the human race, as envisaged by Bahá'u'lláh, implies the establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united, and in which the autonomy of its state members and the personal freedom and initiative of the individuals that compose them are definitely and completely safeguarded. This commonwealth must, as far as we can visualize it, consist of a world legislature, whose members will, as the trustees of the whole of mankind, ultimately control the entire resources of all the component nations, and will enact such laws as shall be required to regulate the life, satisfy the needs and adjust the relationships of all races and peoples. A world executive, backed by an international Force, will carry out the decisions arrived at, and apply the laws enacted by, this world legislature, and will safeguard the organic unity of the whole commonwealth. A world tribunal will adjudicate and deliver its compulsory and final verdict in all and any disputes that may arise between the various elements constituting this universal system." ("The World Order of Baha'u'llah", p. 203)

The trials and convulsions which the world is now enduring are simply the pains which much be endured in order to give birth to a mature and united world. Shoghi Effendi says: "We stand on the threshold of an age whose convulsions proclaim alike the death-pangs of the old order and the birth-pangs of the new." (ibid., p. 169) These sufferings and pains result most directly from the failure of the world's leaders in the 19th century to heed the call of Baha'u'llah, Who wrote to them and described the steps that must be taken in order to achieve real and lasting peace. Instead, mankind has chosen the harder and longer road to peace, which is accompanied by universal tribulations. Peace, in either case, is an inevitability. Baha'u'llah suffered imprisonment, poverty and exile in order to bring peace to the world. Several years before He left this world, Edward Granville Browne, a Cambridge Professor, visited Baha'u'llah. These are Baha'u'llah's words to Browne:

The Baha'i Faith is not a sect or division of any other religion. It is an independent religion with believers in every part of the world, and from almost every race, class, and people on the planet. As a matter of fact, it is the second most widespread religion on the planet. It is a real cross-section of the human race. The main principles of Baha'u'llah include the independent investigation of truth, the equality of men and women, the abandonment of all forms of prejudice and superstition and the fundamental unity of all religions. In order to learn more about the Baha'i Faith, and consequently, more about my cherished beliefs, see www.Bahai.org, the official site of the Baha'i International Community or see www.Bahai.com to find your national community. Also, you can see my own unofficial website about the Faith, in English: Nick's Baha'i FAQ.

Me in the mountains near Patras, Greece

Me and Baha'i youth in Belgium and Counsellor Firouzeh Moghbel

My mother and I with Esperantists in Warsaw, Poland

A much more recent part of my life is Esperanto, a working, living, international language with its own literature and world-wide community of speakers. It was initiated by Ludwik Lazarus Zamenhof in 1886, intended to be an intrument of world peace and international understanding. He designed it to be an easy-to-learn, regular, yet beautiful language capable of representing any human thought and expression. It is neutral, belonging to no person, nation, culture, creed or religion. Esperantists have developed a lively international community, culture and literature based upon the principle of the brotherhood of humankind. (If you want to learn more about Esperanto, you can see Esperanto.net, the official website of the Universal Esperanto Association, the Esperanto League for North America, the Esperanto Association of Britain or a number of other sites in English.)

Why did I want to learn Esperanto? My entire life I have believed that a world language is needed and essential to a global society, the global village in which we now live. The concept of an international auxiliary language was revealed by Baha'u'llah and is one of His most important teachings. True peace is unattainable unless the whole world can communicate on an equal basis. Baha'u'llah says: "The day is approaching when all the peoples of the world will have adopted one universal language and one common script. When this is achieved, to whatsoever city a man may journey, it shall be as if he were entering his own home." ("Tablets of Baha'u'llah", p. 165) Baha'u'llah did not say which language will be the world auxiliary language of the future. The Baha'i Faith does not officially support English or Esperanto or any other language as the world language of the future. This will be decided by a committee of experts appointed by the world government when the time comes. However, 'Abdu'l-Baha, the eldest son of Baha'u'llah and the Centre of His Covenant, as well as Shoghi Effendi, grandson of 'Abdu'l-Baha and Guardian of the Faith have both encouraged Baha'is to learn Esperanto. 'Abdu'l-Baha says: "It has all the potential qualities of becoming the international means of communication... With untiring effort and self-sacrifice on the part of its devotees Esperanto will become universal. Therefore every one of us must study this language and spread it as far as possible so that day by day it may receive a broader recognition, be accepted by all nations and governments of the world, and become a part of the curriculum in all the public schools... Therefore I hope that you will make the utmost effort, so that this language of Esperanto may be widely spread." (quoted from J. E. Esslemont: "Baha'u'llah and the New Era", pp. 164-165) Many prominent Baha'is learned Esperanto. Lidia Zamenhof, the daughter of the creator of Esperanto, herself became a Baha'i.

Another thing is very important to me is vegetarianism. I have been a vegetarian for more than 6 or 7 years. Although it's not clear to me why I became a vegetarian in the first place, my reasons for being a vegetarian have evolved. Probably, it was because I no longer liked to eat meat. Now, I am a vegetarian because I believe that vegetarianism is more compassionate to other, feeling, living beings. Animals and fish are exploited and suffer greatly for our unnecessary tastes. I don't need to explain all the scientific and logical reasons to become a vegetarian here. These have been explained on many good websites. See the Vegetarian Society UK or the International Vegetarian Union. A vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat, fish, or any slaughterhouse byproducts (rennit, gelatine, etc.). This is the simple definition, and is more precisely called a lacto-ovo vegetarian, because he or she still eats dairy and egg products. Other types of vegetarian either abstain from dairy or egg products. A vegan is someone who does not eat any animal or fish products, and most vegans do not even wear leather. I am not a vegan, but I greatly respect veganism (see the Vegan Society UK).

With Baha'i friends in Banneux, Belgium

During a course in Belgium

Me in Banneux, Belgium

Me with Baha'is in Cieszyn near the Polish-Czech border

Me and the Patras Baha'is

Does vegetarianism have a relationship to the Baha'i Faith? Yes, this is also a reason why I am a vegetarian now. There are no dietary requirements in the Baha'i Faith. Baha'is are allowed to eat meat or any other type of food, except dead animals which have been killed in a trap. Also, Baha'is cannot consume alcohol or narcotics, unless prescribed by a doctor. 'Abdu'l-Baha strongly discouraged smoking, but Baha'is are allowed to smoke if they choose. Generally, Baha'is are encouraged to eat healthily. Baha'u'llah revealed a Tablet with advice about health. This was only advice, not religious law. His advice is very sensible. The only time Baha'is cannot eat or drink is during the annual Fast which lasts 19 days. During this time, Baha'is abstain from food and water from sunrise until sunset. This is followed by the Baha'i Holy Day of Naw-Ruz ("New Day"), the Baha'i New Year (March 21st). So, how is the Baha'i Faith connected to vegetarianism? Baha'is are certainly not required to be vegetarians. From the Baha'i perspective, even though Baha'is don't have to be vegetarians, 'Abdu'l-Baha has stated that the world society of the future will not eat meat. 'Abdu'l-Baha was asked "What will be the food of the united people?" He replied: "As humanity progresses, meat will be used less and less, for the teeth of man are not carnivorous... When mankind is more fully developed, the eating of meat will gradually cease." ("The Promulgation of Universal Peace", p. 170) Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, wrote: "It is certain... that if man can live on a purely vegetarian diet and thus avoid killing animals, it would be much preferable. This is, however, a very controversial question and the Bahá'ís are free to express their views on it." (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, July 9, 1931) (Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 296) 'Abdu'l-Baha Himself ate simply: "He took little meat, and hardly any fruit. His preference was for milk, cheese and herbs such as mint, tarragon and basil." (H.M. Balyuzi, "'Abdu'l-Baha - The Centre of the Covenant", p. 419)

Now you have read about three important parts of my life. These are not only hobbies, but are part of my life. The first, my faith in God and in Baha'u'llah is even more important to me than my life. Indeed, I would sacrifice my life for Baha'u'llah, my Beloved. The Baha'i Faith is not a club or even just a simple set of principles, important as they may be. It is a way of life, and the Baha'i community and administration is the embryo of the emerging world civilization, which will embrace the entire human race. We are too close to the beginning of this process of transformation to comprehend its full significance.

Grandpa Freddie Bridgewater

Grandma Laura Hopley

Grandpa James C. Eaton

Grandma Margaret Nutter

I am a human being, a world citizen. This is my greater nationality. I am a member of the human race and my family is the human family. However, a healthy patriotism is not bad. We simply must recognize that the interests of the part are best served by the interests of the whole and abandon forever all nationalism, racism, sexism and prejudice. However, I am not really attached to either of my homelands. I am officially a citizen of the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This is because my father is British and my mother is American. I am very interested in genealogy. I have discovered that I am related to several US Presidents. Also, my great-grandmother, Olive Clifford, was a friend of Princess Ileanna of Roumania, the daughter of the dowager Queen Marie of Roumania, who was the first Baha'i monarch (Now there are many tribal chiefs in Africa and other lands who are Baha'is, but only one Baha'i monarch, Malietoa Tanumafili II, King of Western Samoa). We still have a letter from the princess. However, the first Baha'is in my family are my parents, Leslie and Carolyn Bridgewater. You can learn more about my genealogy at my webpage, in English and Esperanto: Nicholas J. Bridgewater - Some of my ancestors.

My G-Grandfather James Kent Eaton (1886-1979)

My G-Grandmother Olive Clifford wife of James K. Eaton (1887-1981)

My G-G-Grandfather James Francis Eaton (1850-1922)

My G-G-G-Grandfather Joseph Eaton (1817-1910)

My G-G-G-Grandfather Emery Clifford (1832-1896)

I was born on the 11th of June 1985 in Worcester, England. I lived four years in the Malvern Hills and in Coalville, in England, before my parents moved to Palymra, a small town in upstate New York, USA. We lived very near to my grandparents, James and Margaret Eaton. We lived there from 1989 until 1999, ten years. We then moved back to Britain. We stayed temporarily in Hastings and Torquay before settling in Adderbury, near Banbury, in Oxfordshire, England, where we lived for two years. In 2001, we moved to Patras, Greece as Baha'i pioneers. We lived in this small Baha'i community for two years before we returned to Britain. I studied my GCSEs and A-levels at home. We returned to Britain in 2003. I received two A-levels after one year of study: History (B), English Literature (D). We stayed near Taunton for several months before we moved to Blaenavon, a little village near Pontypool, in South Wales. I studied two A-levels at Coleg Gwent, Pontypool for one year and received a B in Socioloy and a B in Religious Studies. I was accepted into the University of Manchester to study Middle Eastern Languages (Arabic and Persian). After a gap year, which I spent in Poland, I am now studying at the University of Manchester in England. The course will last four years. The third year is spent in two Middle Eastern countries.

Dad, me, my niece Aya, my brother Alex

Alex, mum, me, Aya on shoulders

Aya on my shoulders in the Greek mountains

My brother Paul and sister Victoria

Shakira, her mummy Rose, my sister Melanie her daughter Aya, Alex, me, mum

Last year was my year of service. I was a year of service pioneer to Poland. I arrived in Warsaw, Poland on the 21st of September 2004. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Poland had asked for a year of service volunteer to come to Poland to participate in the Esperanto group in Warsaw - Varsovio Vento (Varsovian Wind), an Esperanto youth group. The group has a strong friendship with the Baha'i community. Introducing Baha'i concepts to my fellow Esperantists and participating in their activities was my main purpose. I also spent a lot of time in the Ruhi Institute process. I also co-tutored a study circle with Marcel Marien and Patricia Crowley which included many members of the National Spiritual Assembly. While in Warsaw I also got to meet the grandson of Ludwik Zamenhof, Ludwik Zaleski-Zamenhof, who was visiting Warsaw.

My niece Rachel Bridgewater

My nephew Scott Bridgewater Marie and my brother Paul

My nephew Joshua Bridgewater

My sister Melanie and my niece Aya Rose Mordas

My hobbies and interests include reading (I like fantasy, science fiction, history, literature, and religious books), writing (I used to write many stories), languages (I know a little Greek, and have made a few, simple, fantasy languages). I enjoy walking, meeting interesting people, and discussing religion and history. I have a desire to see new countries and cultures. I am interested in genealogy. I have been involved in micronations or model countries, which are usually based on the internet. As far as music is concerned, I am interested in classical music and music from various cultures, including reggae, but have little or no interest in dancing. I am also quite interested in my Scottish and Gaelic heritage, music, culture, clothing (particularly the kilt), language and ancestry. I am, through my mother, (if one can be a clan-member through the maternal ancestors), a member of the Eaton (or Aiton) sept of the Home (or Hume) Clan (pronounced ‘Hyoom’). The Gaelic name is Uamh (pronounced ‘Uav’), which means ‘cave’. See Hume Family Home page or Clan Home for more information. According to “ScottishFamilies”, the family Aiton comes from Berwickshire and is descended from an Anglo-Norman knight, Gilbert, in the 11th century, my ancestor. The motto of the Eaton/Aiton family is ‘Decerptae dabunt odorum’ (Roses plucked will give sweet smell). The motto of Clan Home is ‘A Home, A Home, A Home.’

The Home Clan Tartan

The Eaton Coat-of-Arms

I am not sure about my plans for the future. I intend to complete my higher education. I don't know whether I will go on to another degree or not. If I get a degree, I may apply to the Baha'i World Centre on Mountain Carmel in Haifa, Israel. I don't know yet. My future is hidden from me. I would like, possibly, to be a Baha'i pioneer in the future. For me it is very important that I get married and establish a Baha'i family. Having bilingual children, educated in the Baha'i Teachings, is a definite goal, even it is only English and Esperanto. So, I have a vision, even though vague right now. My main concern is how I can best serve the Baha'i community, and spread the Teachings of Baha'u'llah, wherever I live. I only want to serve humanity and establish the world civilization of the future. I leave my destiny in God's hands.

Links:
Nick's Baha'i FAQ
Nicholas J. Bridgewater - some of my ancestors (my genealogy)
Carolyn's Web Site (my mother)
The Baha'i Faith (the official site)
Baha'i World News Service
Baha'i Reference Library
www.Baha'i.com (links to national Baha'i sites)
The Baha'i Faith Index ('your source for all things Baha'i')
The Baha'i Community of the United Kingdom
The Baha'i Community of Greece
Baha'is of the United States
The Baha'i Faith in Poland
The Baha'i Esperanto League (BEL)
The Universal Esperanto Association (UEA)
Esperanto.net
Esperanto Access
The Esperanto Association of Britain (EAB)
The Esperanto League for North America
Esperanto.pl
Varsovia Vento
IJK 2005 en Pollando
Esperanto in Greece (in Greek and Esperanto)
The International Vegetarian Union (IVU)
The Vegetarian Society UK
The Vegan Society UK
ScottishFamilies
Clan Home/Hume
Hume Family Home Page
Clan Home site