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Flora Teckie Correspondent
As we start the New Year with new hopes and new dreams, with joy and expectation for a better future, let us set new and noble goals for the betterment of society, for the betterment of the world. Let us resolve to devote time and energy to building peace and unity of humanity. Let us transform, not only our physical surroundings, but also our patterns of behaviour, our ways of dealing with one another.
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 problems.
Decency and integrity of individual and collective conduct, belief in the oneness of humanity and the practice of consultation in a spirit of unity 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”.
Practical strategies for building moral capacity
We need to look for practical strategies that will help build moral capacity and raise up from within our communities those who choose to lead lives of service, honesty and integrity and lead the way for others to follow.
Thus, the crucial need for spiritual education in order to build such moral capacity cannot be over emphasised.
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.
The approach we use in our educational programmes should be one that encourages unity in diversity. It should be free of all forms of prejudice whether racial, religious, cultural, gender based, of class or creed or ethnic background.
Our educational programmes 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.
The fundamental spiritual truth of our age
According to the Bahá’í International Community: “The fundamental spiritual truth of our age is the oneness of humanity”.
Belief in the oneness of humanity provides both a unifying vision and the foundation for a new system of values. Only when we, as individuals, see ourselves as members of one human family, sharing one common global homeland, will we be able to commit ourselves to the far-reaching changes, on both individual and collective levels, which an interdependent and rapidly changing world necessitates.
There is need for a set of spiritual and moral standards and values that lead to the unification of humanity. It has to take into account that our well-being, peace and security will depend on our unity as humanity.
As Bahá’u’lláh says: “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established”.
Each one of us can contribute towards harmony and peace, towards freeing the planet from war. This is achievable through the belief in the oneness of humanity — through the understanding that we all belong to one human family, created by one Almighty God and that physical differences, such as skin colour or hair texture have nothing to do with any supposed superiority of one ethnic group or another.
The Bahá’í Writings prescribe: “Love ye all religions and all races with a love that is true and sincere and show that love through deeds and not through the tongue; for the latter hath no importance, as the majority of men are, in speech, well-wishers, while action is the best” and Do not allow difference of opinion, or diversity of thought to separate you from your fellow-men, or to be the cause of dispute, hatred and strife in your hearts. Rather, search diligently for the truth and make all men your friends.”
If our well-being, peace and security are threatened due to global problems, such as racism, disunity, social injustice and poverty, let us respond to such challenges by working towards spiritual empowerment and building moral capacity, towards unity and peace for humanity.
By unity — a unity that embraces and honours the full diversity of humankind — our current global problems can be addressed and peace and prosperity of humanity can become a reality.
For feedback: [email protected] or [email protected]. Website: www.bahai.org
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