The Sunday Mail
Flora Teckie : Baha’i perspective
A human being is the highest form of life, not simply because of the material side of our nature, but because of our spirit. Some think that the body exists by itself and that the spirit depends on it. On the contrary, the body depends on the spirit.In the Bahá’í view, “Central to the spiritual life is the development of spiritual qualities that assist each of us in our eternal journey towards God. In this world, the cultivation of such qualities is inseparable from an ongoing refinement of our conduct in which our actions increasingly come to reflect the nobility and integrity with which every human being is endowed.”
According to the Bahá’í Writings, “We must strive unceasingly and without rest to accomplish the development of the spiritual nature in man, and endeavour with tireless energy to advance humanity toward the nobility of its true and intended station.”
Human nature is fundamentally spiritual. Although human beings exist on earth in physical bodies, the essential identity of each person is defined by an invisible, rational, and everlasting soul. Bahá’u’lláh confirmed the existence of a separate, rational soul for every human being. In this life, He said, the soul is related to the physical body. It provides the underlying animation for the body, and is our real self.
When the human body dies, the soul continues to live.
The body can be compared to a vehicle which is being used by the soul for its journey through earthly life. As such it is important to cater for the needs of both the body (the vehicle) and the soul (the driver). Material means are necessary for humanity to be able to pursue its spiritual and other goals, as long as we use our material means towards the primary goal in life, which is fostering our soul’s progress, and contributing towards the spiritual transformation of our societies.
The Bahá’í Writings state “… only if material progress goes hand in hand with spirituality can any real progress come about, and the Most Great Peace reign in the world. If men followed the Holy Counsels and the Teachings of the Prophets, if Divine Light shone in all hearts and men were really religious, we should soon see peace on earth and the Kingdom of God among men. The laws of God may be likened unto the soul and material progress unto the body. If the body was not animated by the soul, it would cease to exist”.
We can develop our spiritual capacities through our individual relationship with God. This relationship is fostered through prayer, meditation, regular study of the Holy Scriptures moral self-discipline and service to humanity. Acceptance of the teachings of the Messengers of God and obedience to the laws are the essential requirement for the success in our spiritual development and growth.
Furthermore, spiritual principles are the most beneficial and practical basis for social transformation, since the change for betterment of our societies ultimately depends on the pure motives and good deeds of its members – such as tolerance, compassion, love, justice, humility, sacrifice, trustworthiness, and dedication to the well-being of others.
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