2012: A Bahá’í perspective

year with new thoughts, new ideals, new resolutions for the betterment of society, for betterment of the world. Let us transform not only our physical surroundings but also our patterns of behaviour, our ways of dealing with one another.
Current challenges facing humanity are complex and interdependent and none of them can be fully addressed without co-operation and co-ordination at all levels of society. Although not commonly discussed in relation to our challenges in the world, currently certain trends – including the widespread lack of moral discipline, the glorification of greed and material accumulation, racism and prejudice – destroy confidence and trust, the foundations of collaboration. The reversal of these destructive trends is necessary for the establishment of unity and co-operation.
In order to achieve this we need to have a deeper understanding of human nature; as affirmed in a statement of the Bahá’í International Community: “although economics, politics, sociology and science offer important tools for addressing the interdependent crises facing humanity, a true resolution of the dangerous state of affairs in the world can only be realised when the spiritual dimension of human nature is taken into account and the human heart is transformed.”
The spiritual dimension of our human nature can be understood, in practical terms, as the source of qualities that help us rise above narrow self-interest. Such qualities include love, compassion, trustworthiness, courage, humility, co-operation and willingness to sacrifice for the common good, qualities that will also enable us to build a unified world civilisation.
Any well-intentioned group can devise practical solutions to the problems facing humanity. However, good intentions and practical knowledge are usually not enough. A spiritual solution induces an attitude, a dynamic, a will, an aspiration, which facilitates the discovery and implementation of practical measures.
The Bahá’ís view spiritual transformation as the basis for lasting improvements in our lives and central in our approach to social change. There are spiritual principles by which solutions can be found for global problem.
Decency and integrity of individual and collective conduct; the solution of problems through the application of spiritual principles, the practice of consultation in a spirit of unity, and belief in the oneness of humanity, are some of these principles.
“The profound and far-reaching changes, the unity and unprecedented cooperation” according to the Bahá’í International Community, “will only be possible by touching the human spirit, by appealing to those universal values which alone can empower individuals and peoples to act in accordance with the long-term interests of the planet and humanity as a whole.
Once tapped, this powerful and dynamic source of individual and collective motivation will release such a profound and salutary spirit among the peoples of the earth that no power will be able to resist its unifying force.”
What are the practical strategies societies can adopt that will help build moral capacity and raise up from within their populations those who choose to lead lives of service, honesty and integrity and lead the way for others to follow?
There is a crucial need for spiritual education for building moral capacity. It is through spiritual education that we are directed to use the knowledge, tools and means acquired through material and human education, for the advantage of humanity. This should, however, be combined with academic education, as both are required to enable us to realise our full potential as contributing members of socially and spiritually advancing communities.
Our educational approach should encourage unity in diversity. It should be free of all forms of prejudice whether religious, nationalistic, cultural, gender based, racial, of class or creed or ethnic background. It should cultivate mutual tolerance, love, brotherhood, compassion, understanding, the peaceful resolution of conflicts and respect for ethical values of others.
An educational approach directed towards personal growth and societal transformation, and based on the belief that human beings are essentially spiritual, however, must go well beyond a mere statement of purpose. Spiritual principles should become the practical basis for community action, since a community’s advancement ultimately depends on the pure motives and good deeds of its members.
Such education and awareness comes mainly through the knowledge of God and His Messengers, who are the link between man and the spiritual world. The knowledge of the founders of world religions is a starting point in the process of spiritual development. According to the Bahá’í Writings ” . . . that which is the cause of everlasting life, eternal honour, universal enlightenment, real salvation and prosperity is, first of all, the knowledge of God.
“It is known that the knowledge of God is beyond all knowledge, and it is the greatest glory of the human world . . .
Second, comes the love of God, the light of which shines in the lamp of the hearts of those who know God, its brilliant rays illuminate the horizon and give to man the life of the Kingdom.”