Online Reporter
Flora Teckie
Bahá’í Perspective
We can each contribute to transformation of our communities and the creation of a peaceful and prosperous global civilisation.
According to the Bahá’í Writings, we have a twofold sense of purpose in our lives: to develop ourselves intellectually and spiritually, and to contribute to the transformation of society.
The Bahá’í Writings state: “the honour and distinction of the individual consist in this, that he among all the world’s multitudes should become a source of social good” and that,
“ . . . the purpose for which mortal men have, from utter nothingness, stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony”.
As individuals, our well-being is linked to the well-being of our family, our community, and ultimately to our human family. And the betterment and transformation of society will be possible through changes within the individual, as well as deliberate attempts to change the way our communities function.
According to the Bahá’í International Community, “Because the relationship between the individual and society is a reciprocal one, the transformation now required must occur simultaneously within human consciousness and the structure of social institutions. It is in the opportunities afforded by this twofold process of change that a strategy of global development will find its purpose. At this crucial stage of history, that purpose must be to establish enduring foundations on which planetary civilisation can gradually take shape”.
The three protagonists of social change
Social transformation can be achieved through the inter-related efforts of three protagonists: individual, community, and the institutions in society. The advancement of each of these protagonists is connected to the others, and they need to play a complementary role in building a better world.
For the three protagonists to play a positive role in social transformation, we need to look beyond the physical and material well-being, and explore the role of spiritual and moral aspects of trustworthiness, love, truthfulness, justice, and service to the common good – all of which are necessary to the kind of communities we hope to build.
According to the Bahá’í teachings, there are two facets to civilisation: material and spiritual. These two aspects must be balanced in order for humanity to prosper.
We need to build a civilisation in which all people and cultures participate – a civilisation in which spiritual qualities and virtues complement material and physical accomplishments. Without balancing our material achievements with spiritual perfections, both personal and collective well-being cannot be achieved.
According to the Bahá’í Writings, “Two calls to success and prosperity are being raised from the heights of the happiness of mankind, … The one is the call of civilisation, of the progress of the material world. This pertaineth to the world of phenomena, promoteth the principles of material achievement, and is the trainer for the physical accomplishments of mankind . . . The other is the soul-stirring call of God, whose spiritual teachings are safeguards of the everlasting glory, the eternal happiness and illumination of the world of humanity, and cause attributes of mercy to be revealed in the human world and the life beyond. This second call is founded upon the instructions and exhortations of the Lord and admonitions and altruistic emotions belonging to the world of morality . . .”
Developing our moral and spiritual qualities has several benefits: the individual acquires more and more of those qualities that lie at the foundation of personal and collective well-being. Such qualities include faith, compassion, courage, love, trustworthiness, and humility. As such qualities become manifest in individuals, society will advance.
Creation of a peaceful and prosperous global society
We can all play a role in building a peaceful global society and our sense of purpose can be developed and expressed through serving humanity.
The Bahá’í Writings state: “That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth.”
Humanity has now reached a new level of maturity. It is now possible to create societies founded upon cooperation, trust, and genuine concern for others.
“All human beings,” wrote Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Baha’i Faith, “have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilisation”. Thus, every person, every community, and every nation have been vested with an obligation to play their part in building a peaceful and prosperous global society.
As individuals, we need to develop the powers and capacities latent within us, so that we may contribute our share to an ever-advancing and peaceful civilisation. The purpose of education should be to influence and guide this process.
Social and spiritual development are both essential elements of a more mature civilisation.
Every member of our human family has not only the right to benefit from a peaceful and prosperous civilisation, but an obligation to contribute towards its construction.
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