The Sunday Mail
Flora Teckie
A Bahá’í Perspective
WE started a new year with new hopes and new dreams. Let us mark this New Year with new thoughts, new ideals and worthy resolutions 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.
In order to unite we need to value our diversity. It is the variety of colours and cultures that makes the world a more beautiful place.
Having lived in eight countries, on three different continents, I have had the privilege of associating with people of different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds.
A common view often accepted as normal, wherever I lived, is that we can unite if we are of the same race, religion, culture, nationality or tribe.
But there is suspicion and even mistrust towards those who are not from the same background, let alone entertain the thought of uniting with them.
We are occasionally encouraged to be tolerant towards those of other backgrounds. But, is tolerance sufficient? Should that be our ultimate goal?
According to the Bahá’í Writings our well-being, peace and security are dependent on our unity. Unless unity is attained — a unity that embraces and honours the full diversity of humankind — true peace and security will remain out of reach. 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”.
The same way as the perfect functioning of the human body is due to the unity of diverse cells and organs, so the well-being and well-functioning of body of mankind is dependent on the unity of its diverse elements — of all races, nationalities, religions and ethnic backgrounds.
The Bahá’í Scriptures state: “Consider the flowers of a garden: though differing in kind, colour, form and shape, yet, inasmuch as they are refreshed by the waters of one spring, revived by the breath of one wind, invigorated by the rays of one sun, this diversity increaseth their charm, and addeth unto their beauty. Thus when that unifying force, the penetrating influence of the Word of God, taketh effect, the difference of customs, manners, habits, ideas, opinions and dispositions embellisheth the world of humanity”.
The coming together of the peoples of the world in a harmonious relationship is the most crucial need of today. Overcoming our prejudices and accepting the oneness of humanity require a profound change of heart and a new mind-set. It is the power of the Word of God that can produce such a necessary transformation.
The Bahá’í Writings affirm that: “Every human creature is the servant of God. All have been created and reared by the power and favour of God; all have been blessed with the bounties of the same Sun of divine truth; all have quaffed from the fountain of the infinite mercy of God; and all in His estimation and love are equal as servants. He is beneficent and kind to all.
‘‘Therefore, no one should glorify himself over another; no one should manifest pride or superiority toward another; no one should look upon another with scorn and contempt; and no one should deprive or oppress a fellow creature”.
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