Bahá’ís hold the conviction that we all belong to one human family.  If we are to overcome the problems we currently face, our relationships with each other and our planet must come to be characterized by new heights of solidarity that bring the richness of our diversity to commitment to the common good.

 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote: 

“… fraternity, love and kindness based upon family, nativity, race or an attitude of altruism are neither sufficient nor permanent since all of them are limited, restricted and liable to change and disruption. For in the family there is discord and alienation; among sons of the same fatherland strife and internecine warfare are witnessed; between those of a given race, hostility and hatred are frequent; and even among the altruists varying aspects of opinion and lack of unselfish devotion give little promise of permanent and indestructible unity among mankind … the foundation of real brotherhood, the cause of loving co-operation and reciprocity and the source of real kindness and unselfish devotion is none other than the breaths of the Holy Spirit.

The teachings of Baháʼu’lláh, Founder of the Bahá’í Faith inspire and guide a motivating impulse to build true friendships across difference and work toward a world that is equitable and just for all. This framework differs from current concepts of unity and diversity in its depth and breadth.

Consider how even a few of the Bahá’í teachings about oneness could transform human relations without dominating others or losing existing points of identity:

1. Teach children in schools around the world that we are one human race. The honor of one is the honor of all, the hurt of one is the hurt of all. Show them the virtues of all the great sacred traditions and thinkers, and encourage them to practice helpfulness, thoughtfulness, love, peaceful resolution of conflict, justice, truthfulness and courage. 
2. Bring representatives of all the governments of the world to a common agreement that all will simultaneously abolish all weapons of warfare. Only some internal arms would be kept for the internal order of nations. Create a covenant that no nation shall ever rise against any nation or all will rise to stop that government from committing aggressive acts. Hold rulers and governments accountable to provide for the safety, education, freedom and opportunities for gainful employment of their own citizens. 
3. Encourage families to form friendships and fellowship between different races, religions and social classes. When intermarriage becomes a common societal norm, and prejudice of any kind has disappeared from the thoughts and feelings of all peoples we will know we have achieved the end of foreignness and exclusion.
4. Give all peoples the right to practice or change their religion, or have no religion. Universally uphold that right. 
5. Create an international tribunal to adjudicate on matters of safety. Bring the world to agreement on common issues through thoughtful, kind and honest discussion informed by spiritual principles and the desire to keep our planet and all beings on it healthy and safe. 

Put into practice, these principles would eliminate war, suffering, displacement and fear. And they are being actively promoted around the world at all levels of society, not yet to the level we need, but showing progress. 

The concept of unity in diversity is not a vague ideal talked about in Bahá’í gatherings. It has been actively constructed by members of the Bahá’í Faith in countries and cultures around the world for 200+ years. What has now emerged is a grassroots framework that can be replicated in infinite variety while maintaining its core integrity and which will build the foundation for the above principles to grow at greater and greater scale. 

Based on the practice of actively engaging members of neighborhoods as protagonists of their own spiritual, social and cultural progress, Bahá’ís have started to see the transformative effects in 10,000 communities around the world and multiple neighborhoods within those communities. The framework consists in meeting neighbors, colleagues, family and friends in the context of elevated conversation. They consider the social, material and cultural aspirations of their neighborhoods. Gradually they come together to participate in core activities foundational to the building of a cohesive community, where difference is celebrated and unity of thought and action are learned collaboratively. These core activities consist of: 

1. Devotional gatherings for prayers, quotes and artistic expression across beliefs
2. Study circles to consider the Sacred Writings and apply spiritual principles to our individual and community words and actions
3. Junior youth spiritual empowerment groups who learn to work together and channel their energies towards solving the problems of their communities and dedicating themselves to service of others. 
4. Children’s classes where children consider the development of virtues, are inspired by the example of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Son of Baháʼu’lláh, hear stories from different cultures and learn about all the world religions so that curiosity replaces any fear of difference. 

We have seen these core activities transform relationships. People who were previously self-segregating in similar groups based on ethnicity, language, race and religion have friends in many groups, while maintaining and deepening their existing friendships. 

Youth who were bored or lacking purpose bring their creative energies to meaningful and beautiful initiatives,  inspiring the adults around them and demonstrating the true powers of youth as catalysts for positive change.  

One West Edmonton 12 year old in a neighbourhood junior youth group told her mother,

“This is beautiful. I feel safe in the junior youth group and free to speak without being judged.” A parent with a child in a South Side children’s class said, “My son never used to help out or listen when I asked him to do something, but now asks to help. I love these children’s classes!” 

A study circle participant exclaimed, 

“When I study these Writings and principles with our group, the ideas inspire my day and my relationships with my colleagues at work have really improved as a result.” 

Out of these core activities emerge many other social, cultural and development projects specifically born out of the creative collaboration of people in the neighborhoods and where everyone has a role to play according to their skills, interests and time.

To explore more about the concept of solidarity in diversity and how it can be practiced, the Edmonton Bahá’í Community is hosting a talk, Saturday, January 27, at the Parkdale Cromdale Community League (11335 85 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 4S1). Music and refreshments will be featured, there is no cost to attend. More details and registration available through Eventbrite HERE.

According to Baha’u’llah, one of the Names of God is “Fashioner”. In that we are created in the likeness and image of the Creator, everything we experience in the physical world is a reflection of that creative power. How much more so with humans who can mirror forth the attributes of the Creator through our own creativity. Fashioning or creating, is an expression of our spiritual nature with which we were endowed.

In the Baha’i Writings, each of us is seen to be unique with a specific set of gifts to bring to the world.  Created as “gems of inestimable value” longing for the power of the Divine to reveal our “true and inmost selves”,  we are naturally drawn to what is true and beautiful. This can be what people unknowingly refer to when they say they “resonate” with something that they read, hear, or see. This experience of resonance is a glimpse of the spiritual nature with which we are infused and which attracts us to create through the arts.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá  writes:

[I]n this wonderful new age, art is worship. The more thou strivest to perfect it, the closer wilt thou come to God. What bestowal could be greater than this, that one’s art should be even as the act of worshipping the Lord? That is to say, when thy fingers grasp the paint brush, it is as if thou wert at prayer in the Temple.
Extract from a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

If we allow art to move us spiritually, it serves mystical, moral and social purposes. Art attracts the soul to the Creator and connects us with deeper emotions. Yet the arts are also tools that have been used for harmful purposes, harnessing the emotions to harm.

Whatever is in the heart of man, melody moves and awakens. If a heart full of good feelings and a pure voice are joined together, a great effect is produced. For instance: if there be love in the heart, through melody, it will increase until its intensity can scarcely be borne; but if bad thoughts are in the heart, such as hatred, it will increase and multiply. For instance: the music used in war awakens the desire for bloodshed. The meaning is that melody causes whatever feeling is in the heart to increase.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Music, pp. 79-81

From this quote, we see that art is certainly a Divine gift – but with strings of responsibility attached. We can use our creative gifts of self-expression to imaginatively build unimaginable horrors and destruction, or we can use them to intensify perception, love and beauty around us. Out of gratitude for the gift of creativity, we are enjoined to responsibly use the arts to bring souls closer to their Maker.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá  explains that art itself comes from Divine inspiration intended to draw out what is most significant within.  He writes,

All Art is a gift of the Holy Spirit. When this light shines through the mind of a musician, it manifests itself in beautiful harmonies. Again, shining through the mind of a poet, it is seen in fine poetry and poetic prose. When the Light of the Sun of Truth inspires the mind of a painter, he produces marvellous pictures. These gifts are fulfilling their highest purpose, when showing forth the praise of God.
Quoted in Blomfield, The Chosen Highway, p. 167

When combined with the inspiration of the Divine, art inspires wonder, awe and devotion. Participating in art as either an observer or creator, calls forth possibilities existing far beyond what we could have imagined, and we feel moved to create in response. As such the arts call us to our spiritual nature and to respond to that nature by creating what offers solace and brings joy.  

But the arts are not only for individual spiritual development, they are also mirrors of society, showing us who we are by what we value. As such, the arts are a means to understanding our collective identity and define it. As a mirror of society, art can be used to reinforce what already is, or as a way to transcend and through imagination build a new social reality.  Everything we experience in the man-made world is an expression of how we see reality. As our vision of reality expands, so too do our artistic manifestations of that reality.

But that is not all art does to connect us with the Divine. Art can heal. There are many examples of war torn populations experiencing healing through art and producing works of art that compel us to work towards justice and equity. Art therapy has proven results for many illness, for example with improving memory and reasoning in older people and helping with the treatments of dementia and in reducing symptoms of cardiac patients[i].

Art can connect us to higher and lower emotions, to higher social good or lower social decline, to healing, empathy and joy. Art is a tool intended to connect us to our Divine nature and to reflect on our actions in the world through the lens of attraction to beauty. But we can use it to do the opposite and to achieve mean spirited goals. The choice, as always is ours.

On Sunday, September 17th at 7 pm,  Ania Telfer, an Edmonton Baha’i artist, will share some of the Baha’i teachings about art as a way to connect with the Divine, share her own intuitive, spiritual art making process, and take us through a creative exercise to experience the process ourselves.

If you are curious about how art and spirituality can work together, register on Eventbrite for, “Art as Worship – Where Creativity Meets Divinity, a fireside style talk and experience you will find inspiring and enjoyable!

It doesn’t take much digging to find strife and misery in the world. In Edmonton alone, CTV reported that 2022 saw more violent crimes than any previous year and that violent incidents had risen more than 6% since January 2023. 1

Here is what one anguished 14 year old recently said to his mother: 

“What if we’re living in the part of human history that people in the future look back on as the worst time to be alive, when everything was crumbling and we hadn’t figured things out yet? What if I die right as they invent immortality or something? I’m so worried about that.” 2

Almost 200 years ago, Baháʼu’lláh, Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, foresaw this worldwide angst:

“The winds of despair are, alas, blowing from every direction, and the strife that divides and afflicts the human race is daily increasing. The signs of impending convulsions and chaos can now be discerned, inasmuch as the prevailing order appears to be lamentably defective.” 3

But Baháʼu’lláh did not stop there. He further explained that this condition was a result of humanity’s immaturity and that although it feels insurmountable now, we are headed towards a glorious future. As a human race we are passing from childhood and the tumultuousness of adolescence into adulthood. He likened the process of our current suffering to the cries of a woman in labour about to give birth to a child. The pain is part of the process that brings a child into the world. That child of humanity to which Baha’u’llah referred, is the unification of all the peoples of the world. This understanding of the oneness of humanity will ultimately result in the elimination of war and the establishment of both unity and justice in human affairs. 

‘ʻAbdu’l-Bahá wrote:

“Baháʼu’lláh has drawn the circle of unity, He has made a design for the uniting of all the peoples, and for the gathering of them all under the shelter of the tent of universal unity. This is the Divine Bounty. And we must strive with heart and soul until we have the reality of unity in our midst. As we work, so shall strength be given unto us.” 4

So what is this design? Where does it start and what are we supposed to do with it? 

The Universal House of Justice wrote in 1985:

“World peace is not only possible but inevitable. It is the next stage in the evolution of the planet.” 

Looking around the circles of our family and friends for role models, it is easy to feel confusion over how to live our lives, what constitutes healthy relationships and how to be as members of society. Considering that most of us have fractured family lives, longstanding afflictions, are affected by injustice and war, and that intergenerational trauma is likely keeping us all from being our best selves, how do we make any sense of life and how to live? How can we come to any understanding of who we are in relation to others, and what is harmful or beneficial? How do we live a better, happier life?

We are first and foremost spiritual beings

The Baháʼí teachings emphasize that we are first and foremost spiritual beings and that we can only be happy when we learn to live according to spiritual principles. The spiritual principles we adhere to need to be in conformity with an agreed upon authority or we will be in constant disagreement and confusion over what is true. This authority, according to Baháʼí teachings, comes to us in the form of a Messenger, also called Prophet or Manifestation, sent by the Creator and appearing in every culture and people when the society is most in need of guidance. 

Follow the instructions

Each Messenger brings a portion of spiritual understanding to humanity as we are ready to understand and apply it. Although part of that message is a reinforcement of the spiritual teachings of previous Messengers, another part is specific to the needs of the people at the time. According to Baháʼu’lláh, however, all Divine Messengers have the same basic mission: 

God’s purpose in sending His Prophets unto men is twofold. The first is to liberate the children of men from the darkness of ignorance, and guide them to the light of true understanding. The second is to ensure the peace and tranquility of mankind, and provide all the means by which they can be established. 
– Gleanings from the Writings of Baháʼu’lláh, pp. 79-80.

From this quote we can see that these Divine Messengers have both an individual and collective mandate to provide a framework for living which is comprehensive and ensures peace and tranquility for all. To the degree that each of us follows these teachings, we feel and promote peace and tranquility in our lives and those around us. That is the role of religion in the world – to liberate individuals and to provide a framework for living that builds healthy and just relationships, structures, institutions, and governments. When religion does not fulfil its role, society becomes weakened, and institutions lose the trust of the people. When individuals do not follow spiritual laws and principles, relationships become blurred, and boundaries violated. And when communities lose their sense of responsibility to individuals and institutions, there is mistrust and chaos. So how do we get out of this mess? What would help us to live better lives?

Take the medicine

It helps to think of each of the Divine Messengers or Manifestations as skilled physicians providing the remedy we need as individuals and as societies:

Each Manifestation is the heart of the world and the proficient Physician of every patient. The world of humanity is sick, but that skilled Physician hath the healing remedy and He bestoweth divine teachings, exhortations and advices which are the remedy of every ailment and the dressing for every wound.
  –  ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Baháʼí World Faith, pp. 380-381.

Once we receive the prescription from the Messenger of the time in which we live, not taking the medicine means we will get progressively sicker and more confused. As a human race we have not been very good at taking our divine medicine, which is part of why we need a continuous flow of Messengers or Manifestations over time to keep us on track. 

These prescriptions for better living from the Manifestations of God fall into three basic categories: 

1. Our relationship with the Creator. These pertain to humility, reverence, prayer, submission, patience, and servitude to God which actually becomes the source of liberty in the same way that we are all free to travel and be safe when we follow traffic laws.
2. Our relationship to our own continuous spiritual progress. These involve detachment from things like material possessions and desire for personal power and status, purity of intent, mind and heart, and chastity which is channeling our passions and desires into healthy outcomes. This points to the fact that continuous effort is required for positive growth.
3. Our relationship with others and the virtues required for these relationships to be healthy. Some of these are truthfulness, trustworthiness, sincerity, justice, moderation, wisdom, love and compassion. As we intentionally practice these virtues we all experience happier lives.

The practice of purity for living a better life

Albert Einstein is attributed to have said “What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.” Consider that what has become normalized behaviour in society is not a good measure for our individual conduct. The teachings of the Manifestations of God are more accurate guides for our behaviour, since they point us to the best versions of ourselves through the practice of virtues. 

One of the many recurring virtues in the writings of the world religions is that of purity. When we have purity of heart, purity of intent and purity of spirit, the hearts and souls of other people are attracted to us. The Divine in us compels the Divine in others. Others feel they can trust us and that they are safe in our presence. There is no hidden agenda when purity of heart is the foundation for interpersonal relations. The agenda is only to be present to others in love. 

Baháʼu’lláh wrote:

O Son of Spirit! 
My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting.
-Baháʼu’lláh, Hidden Words, p 3.

We adorn our hearts with purity through daily prayer, reading and reflection of the Sacred Texts which cleanses and refreshes our spirits. We sustain pure intentions through service to others, awakening our latent potential and building momentum for higher levels of purity. And we expand our capacity to stay pure under even difficult circumstances as we focus on the development of virtue until our desire for the betterment of the world becomes stronger than our desire for self-gratification. This expansion of spirit is a dawning point of peace, not only on an individual level, but on a societal level as well. The more we practice purity, the more we expand the capacity of others to do the same and increase the calm and security that comes from knowing that our trust in others will not be violated.  

‘Abdu’l-Bahá illustrates this most beautifully in the quote below:

First in a human being’s way of life must be purity, then freshness, cleanliness, and independence of spirit. First must the stream bed be cleansed, then may the sweet river waters be led into it. Chaste eyes enjoy the beatific vision of the Lord and know what this encounter meaneth; a pure sense inhaleth the fragrances that blow from the rose gardens of His grace; a burnished heart will mirror forth the comely face of truth.

• ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 146-147

When a few Edmonton Baha’is were asked to contribute their thoughts on the topic of purity in their lives, one comment stood out in particular. This is what an 18 year old member of the Edmonton Baha’i Community, Maya Asdaghi, had to say about practicing purity in her life:

“Oftentimes I find in our society we have a limited perspective when it comes to applying the idea of purity in our lives. In my own life I have realized how vast its applications can be, from what courses through my mind when someone upsets me, to how I interact with friends and family. The spiritual teaching of purity reminds me to bring myself to account, and reflect on my intentions, especially in receiving things from others or carrying out acts of service. I have noticed that often, when I find a task grueling it is because I have forgotten the deeper purpose and meaning behind it—by reminding myself of this daily it helps me to feel more aware of my motivations and the purity of them. I think that if we all took the time to reflect on our purity of motive, and allow ourselves to be guided by it we would find ourselves in a world free of corruption and hypocrisy— a world that I would one day love to see and contribute to.”
Maya Asdaghi

Conclusion

In summary, our lives are happier and healthier when we follow spiritual principles rather than passing trends of popularity. One of these spiritual principles that has a huge effect on the holistic development of both individuals and society, is the practice of purity. As 18 year old Maya so eloquently put it, when we reflect on and allow ourselves to be guided by purity, we bring freedom to our lives and to those around us. Freedom from corruption, fear and hypocrisy. And that is a world we would all love to live in. Let’s make it happen by starting with the practice of purity in our own lives.

Over 10,000 conferences are taking place from February on to August 2022  around the world to highlight diverse global efforts to create the conditions for vibrant communities and peaceful neighborhoods. These conferences are springboards for a nine-year plan to engage the world’s populations, one neighborhood at a time in a positive and conscious effort towards a world where all can be safe, happy and realize individual and collective potential.  

Based on the principles and experiences of Baháʼí communities and their many partners to date, these conferences intend to widen the circle of protagonists in a drama to join material and spiritual development for a better world. They are an invitation to think systematically about building connections between people based on spiritual and moral principles which lead to grassroots actions, pertinent to each neighborhood. 

Baháʼu’lláh wrote: 

The remedy the world needeth in its present-day afflictions can never be the same as that which a subsequent age may require. Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and centre your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.1

Baháʼís have been working on this project for almost 100 years, most systematically over the past 40 years, using a process of informal education, collaboration, social action and artistic expression. The community focus has been on children, junior youth, neighborhood study circles and creative devotional spaces. Out of these spaces have emerged interesting opportunities to work together and to jointly meet community needs. 

During these interactive and participatory conferences, we are excited to share what has been learned so far, to build on your ideas and to discuss the material and spiritual advancement of our communities.  Conferences are taking place now and over the next few months in every community in the world. This is the first grassroots initiative for world peace that has ever taken place at such a worldwide scale; it is a very exciting – although daunting – project!

In Edmonton, there will be two Conferences for the Betterment of the World. You can join them on: 

Signs of disintegration

Anyone who is paying attention can see that the state of the world as we know it is undergoing a rapid process of disintegration. So many things that used to work don’t work anymore. World leaders and their governments seem to be ineffective in solving huge and critical problems that are actually within our power to solve, if only we could muster the collective will to do so.

To reach the goal of a just and equitable world we need to ask some critical questions:  

How do we have to treat each other so that everyone can flourish and everyone can meet basic needs and have a chance at realizing their true potential as human beings? How do we have to behave as individuals, one to the other, as communities toward our members, as institutions within our society, as nations toward their own citizens and towards other nations?

What most of us will call “good” and “right” behaviour will result in peace, unity, cooperation,  prosperity, and well-being for all. “All” means exactly what it says. No one can be left out. 

No matter what your race, religion, ethnicity, country of origin, economic status, personal beliefs and preferences, you are, first and foremost, a human being, and in order to flourish, you need to be able to have access to food, clothing and shelter, education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, safety and security, a community that supports and cares for you, and a reasonable voice in shaping the world in which you have to live. These are basic determinants for a good, healthy, and prosperous life.

It has been shown in countless examples around the world that when people unite and focus their attention on bringing good things to everyone, significant improvements can be made in the well-being of all. But, it has also been shown that there are attitudes, behaviours, and actions that seriously undermine the well-being of other people. These behaviours may bring wealth, power, or advantage to some, but they create chaos and misery for many others and may create a level of destruction of the natural world that will harm sustainable life for generations to come.

We can easily list the signs that tell us that the world is in trouble and that disintegration is everywhere present. But that is not the whole story. In spite of these increasingly depressing difficulties, could we be missing signs that the forces of integration and positive transformation are not only happening, but actually having an impact?

Signs of integration

Here are just a few of the positive signs that despite the real challenges, we still have much to be hopeful about: 

• The spirit of solidarity, of the sense that we are all part of one human family, has been steadily growing.
• We see this sense of global solidarity reflected in the almost universal rejection of deeply ingrained racial prejudices, in the dawning of the consciousness of world citizenship, and in the heightened awareness that massive challenges the environmental crisis can only be solved through global cooperation.
• Despite fear-mongering, we see the outpouring of human kindness and support for millions of refugees forced out of their countries by climate change, war, and repression.
• The global pandemic has made clear to many that what happens to some of us happens to all of us, and that to solve global health challenges requires a level of human cooperation beyond anything we’ve seen before.
• There is an increasingly sharpened global concern for the preservation of the human rights of all people. 
• A now universal human value exists that every child, no matter what their background, must receive basic education.
• The strengthening of women’s rights and the increasing prominence of women in their respective societies around the world is growing as women move to the forefront of critical movements to end poverty, and in the calls for climate justice, for indigenous rights, for education rights (particularly of women and girls) to name a few.
• We see an increasing openness for dialogue and cooperation between diverse religious communities. 
• There is growing social action that moves beyond talk to work for comprehensive change in every sector of human life through millions of projects worldwide, all carried out by grassroots people.
• There is an increasingly positive response on the part of many governments worldwide to civil society initiatives to collaborate in order to address critical concerns related to issues such as ending conflicts, addressing chronic poverty, improving child and maternal health, addressing ignorance and illiteracy, ending systemic racism, addressing indigenous issues, improving the status of women, and working to resolve the climate crisis.

Conclusion?

There are twin forces operating in every society on earth and affecting the life of the whole planet. First, the force of disintegration, attacking the foundations supporting our modern social structure. The second, even more powerful in its ultimate potentiality, are the forces of integration, of unity building, cooperation, collaboration and mutual support, kindness, and love. These two forces are operating simultaneously.

Millions of people are pouring their life’s energy into both of these options. However, those whose fortunes and ideologies are linked to disintegrative forces are pushing back with increasing desperation, fanaticism, and violence against the rising tide of positive transformation, feeling that the world they have imagined is slipping from their grasp. 

All signs point to the fact that we are at a crossroads in human history, and that what happens next is literally in the hands of us, the people of the world. 

Many of us have always assumed that it is “them”—the wealthy, the powerful, the rulers of countries, corporations, and armies—those people who are the makers of history while the rest of us become its victims. Many think that it is “them” that have to do something to fix what is going wrong with the world, because we cannot do anything. 

In fact, the very opposite is true. Every human being has an important role to play. Many of us don’t know what our role might be, and many of us feel very inadequate to making a difference, but these are things that can be overcome through a gradual process of learning and collaboration with others. The first step in that journey is to make the decision to act, and at the same time to be open and willing to learn.

Let’s do this! 

As a response to this necessity for collective action to build what is good, Bahá’í communities around the world are initiating global conferences for the betterment of the world. Alberta will feature 11 of these conferences, two of which will be held in Edmonton. These conferences are the beginning of a worldwide effort to bring together those who are already working towards the collective good and those who are seeking a real action to join. 

Details of the Edmonton conferences are coming soon, but you can get an idea of what they will entail by looking at glimpses from around the world: (https://youtu.be/BjC3P99pnno)

Throughout history, there have been attempts to create a desire for peace and to put an end  to war. They met with limited success.

Yet over 200 years ago, Baháʼu’lláh, Founder of the Baháʼí  Faith, created a divinely inspired blueprint for the establishment of world peace with detailed instructions to the rulers and peoples of the world. But humanity was not ready to listen. War continued to rage, more attempts to put limits on fighting were started and stopped, but there was no international attempt with any unity or purpose strong enough to bring any lasting results. The prevailing attitude seems to have been that humanity was “naturally” prone to fight and therefore nothing could be done to change this innate default.

In an attempt to avert the possibility of further damage to the world through war, the Universal House of Justice wrote a seminal document in 1988 called “The Promise of World Peace,” which was distributed to every government of the world and to regions, provinces and municipalities in countries everywhere. Many leaders were inspired by the prerequisites for peace Baha’u’llah so eloquently laid out:  equality of women and men, the elimination of prejudice, universal education, the unity of science and religion – but still no action. It was touted as ideal but not realistic.

Then we faced increasing climate disaster, the polarization of the political right and left, increased lawlessness and terrorism, and a global pandemic. We the people, started to see that we need a better way, a new path forward. Still petty interests, corruption, inequity, and injustice continued.  

But now with the possibility of a nuclear threat and a third world war looming in our minds. Baháʼu’lláh’s blueprint for peace and the conditions for the elimination of war are now not only timely, but of paramount importance to our survival. The volume of Baháʼu’lláh’s writings on the topic of peace is significant, and touches on all aspects of human life, but this post focuses specifically on the responsibility of governments to ensure peace.

What’s your take on youth today?  Bright beacons of enthusiasm, skill, and hope for the future, or hormone-driven and materialistic?

From a Baháʼí perspective, youth are capable, noble, enthusiastic, and powerful forces for social change, upon which the development of the next generation depends. In the prime of their lives, with an energy and desire to dedicate themselves to high ideals and having a strong sense of justice, youth are a potent source for social good. The Bab was only 25 and Baháʼu’lláh 27 when they declared their divine mandate for the unity of humanity. Additionally, the Baháʼí teachings are filled with letters and directives for youth encouraging them to accomplish great things. When young people between the ages of 11 to 25 develop their skills and talents – not just for their own personal gain but to contribute to the betterment of society, they channel their boundless energies towards bringing light to the world. The following quote written in 1925 encourages youth to develop both intellectual and spiritual qualities so that they would be well equipped to shoulder the responsibilities awaiting them.

The future of this Cause, which is so dear to us all, depends upon the energy and devotion of the rising generation. It is you who before long will be called to shoulder its responsibilities and undertake its spread. To do that, however, you ought to be well equipped. You ought to have your intellectual as well as spiritual side equally developed….

(Shoghi Effendi, 28 December 1925 to the Bahá’í Youth of Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A.)

A prayer for youth revealed by ‘‘Abdu’l-Bahá shows just how much faith He had in the power of youth to change the world!

Wherefore, O ye illumined youth, strive by night and by day to unravel the mysteries of the mind and spirit, and to grasp the secrets of the Day of God. Inform yourselves of the evidences that the Most Great Name hath dawned. Open your lips in praise. Adduce convincing arguments and proofs. Lead those who thirst to the fountain of life; grant ye true health to the ailing. Be ye apprentices of God; be ye physicians directed by God, and heal ye the sick among humankind. Bring those who have been excluded into the circle of intimate friends. Make the despairing to be filled with hope. Waken them that slumber; make the heedless mindful.

Such are the fruits of this earthly life.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

This is a far cry from the popular image of youth that views them as entitled and self-absorbed, clamouring for entertainment and relentless in their mindless pursuit of pleasure. If the stories we tell ourselves about youth and who they can become show such low expectations and disconnection from purpose, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If, however, we see youth as the beautiful souls they are, possessing earnest curiosity, a deep desire for self-expression and excellence, we will encourage these characteristics so natural of this period of life to flourish. In the Baháʼí teachings, youth are so important that the entire future of the Faith and indeed, the promulgation of international peace – is dependent upon their efforts:

A very great responsibility for the future peace and well-being of the world is borne by the youth of today. Let the Bahá’í youth by the power of the Cause they espouse be the shining example for their companions.”

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, April 15, 1965)

This is not to say that the situation this responsibility or the role of being a shining example are easy or that forces of discouragement and materialism are not affecting us all, including youth who are still forming their abilities to discern and to make good decisions. It is no secret that youth go through great physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual changes while facing an increasingly uncertain and dangerous future. Shoghi Effendi, In anticipation of a second world war, wrote,to a young Baháʼí, words that apply equally to the present day:

The present condition of the world–its economic instability, social dissensions, political dissatisfaction and international distrust–should awaken the youth from their slumber and make them inquire what the future is going to bring. It is surely they who will suffer most if some calamity would sweep over the world. They should therefore open their eyes to the existing conditions, study the evil forces that are at play and then with a concerted effort arise and bring about the necessary reforms–reforms that shall contain within their scope the spiritual as well as social and political phases of human life.

(Shoghi Effendi, 13 March 1932 to an individual believer, published in “Bahá’í News” 68 (November 1932), p. 3)

A few years later, written to the Baháʼí youth of the USA, Shoghi Effendi wrote:

By all means persevere and associate in a friendly spirit with other groups of young people, particularly of a different race or minority nationality, for such an association will demonstrate your complete conviction of the oneness of mankind and attract others to the Faith, both young and old alike. A spirit of prejudice-free, loving comradeship with others is what will open the eyes of people more than any amount of words.

(From a letter of the Guardian to the Dayton Bahá’í Youth Group, January 18, 1945)

On the one hand, the problems youth face today are largely those left unresolved by their parents, society and circumstances that surrounded their parents and grandparents as they grew up. On their own, youth did not invent racism, conflict, misogyny, extreme poverty and war. Youth, not surprisingly, unless given viable options to do otherwise, will model the behaviour and attitudes of their parents, teachers and coaches. The behaviour of adults around them may also be sources of confusion and discouragement as youth attempt to make sense of the world and to take their place within it. 

On the other hand, youth are strongly influenced by the context of their peers, school environments, concerns about the world they are inheriting. Not able to adequately express their feelings, or to make sense of their thoughts, youth often feel misheard and misunderstood. Yet they have so much to offer and can be the very agents of positive change they find lacking in the society around them.

I am reminded of the time our son, who was 17 at the time, went to French Guyana for a year of youth service. One of the tasks assigned to him was to create opportunities for two tribes who were traditionally hostile to each other to work together. All past attempts by adults had failed. Because he was interested in music, and in the cultural expression of music, our son made arrangements to “commission” a local drum maker from one tribe to make a medium sized drum for him to take back to Canada. He also commissioned a drum painter from the hostile tribe to do the painting of the drum. The small sums of money he offered were inadequate but increased the stakes in the project. Then he told each of them they would need to work together to create a new style for the drum or they wouldn’t get paid. Begrudgingly they discussed their mutual requirements and after working together for several hours found they had quite a bit in common.

This act of unity was the beginning of several nascent friendships and cross-tribe initiatives, previously unheard of. Youth bring energy, new ideas and creativity to difficult problems and are undaunted by the old ways of thinking that keep adults from trying again.

To capitalize on this fresh energy while realistically addressing the problems of neighbourhoods around them, Baháʼís seek to provide opportunities for youth to develop their latent potential, right in the neighbourhoods where they live. Local youth spiritual empowerment programs fostering grass roots efforts at unity building are hosted by Baháʼí communities in thousands of locations all around the world. In the company of like-minded peers and trustworthy older youth, younger youth actively engage in their own spiritual and moral learning. Collaboratively they plan local service activities inspired by the stories of youth from cultures around the world, examples of courageous youth and quotes from the world religions and leaders of thought. During these gatherings, neighbourhood youth from diverse backgrounds, races, faiths, and social classes come together to explore questions of moral and spiritual significance to them in their daily lives. They find ways to express their artistic, cultural, and scientific talents, dedicate themselves to service in meeting the needs of the families and communities where they live, discuss their own questions about purpose and channel their energies towards the creation of neighbourhoods where people can trust each other and live in safety.

Here is what Alast and Sarah, two participants from Edmonton youth empowerment programs, said about their experience learning to bring light to the world:

“My perspective as a young adolescent living in society broadened from the junior youth discussions. I was challenged to think about things I would never have considered on my own. Like for example, competition. We discussed it in the context of comparison and jealousy, and what it would mean if our lives were motivated mostly by competing with others. I now think of competition in terms of how it will affect my soul. This was a whole new way of seeing things for me. And I was challenged by people coming in and out of the group, I had to learn to make friends with people when the members were changing, when we were online and in person. To be honest it wasn’t easy, but it made me more confident.”

Alast

“I felt safe and happy with my junior youth group. It was a place where you could be yourself, and others could be themselves. We learned how to communicate with each other in ways that were kind and truthful. We became more trustworthy and responsible by doing service projects together. For example, we did tutoring for children in grades 1 and 6 who needed some help. Their parents were surprised we would dedicate our time to their children. We made cards for elders and delivered them in person to them in a seniors home, they were so happy. I could see it on their faces – it made me happy to see that.”

Sarah

“I believe I developed confidence and strength from the conversations we had and the projects we did in our junior youth group. I participated in outreach activities, and it was easy for me to strike up conversations and to talk with strangers because of my experience expressing myself at JY. I see myself as having bigger power to make the world a better place because I was actively serving – we helped at the food bank, at a soup kitchen, gave sandwiches to the homeless. Those were some of the things we did. I learned that by serving, by focusing on service, you learn to cooperate with people who are not like you and to work together.”

Alast

“I told my friends at school about the junior youth program, they are interested to join but Covid has made things difficult. And parents of the children we tutored are interested because of the service.”

Sarah

If the comments of these two young people are any indication, we have a lot to be hopeful and enthusiastic about! Rather than focusing on perceived inadequacies of young people, let us be secure in the knowledge that as they become infused with spiritual power, they become potent forces for good, inspiring their peers through their love, dedication to service and purity of motive. Those glimmerings of this “bigger power to make the world a better place” seen in the comments of Alast and Sarah are just the beginning of what is to come.  

I am a captive; rid me of my bondage, by the power of Thy might and through the force of Thy will, that I may soar on the wings of detachment towards the loftiest summits of Thy creation.

Prayers and Meditations by Baháʼu’lláh, p. 103.

During this time of increased stress and anxiety, disease, dissension and strife, people are living more often in conditions that sadden and trouble them. It can be difficult to feel hopeful and to find ways to experience happiness and joy. In the Baháʼí teachings, sadness and suffering are acknowledged as a necessary part of the human experience, stemming from two principal sources. These are, first, our own actions that are not in alignment with the laws of God/spiritual principles and second, those sufferings that are necessary for the perfecting of our character.

On the first point, Shoghi Effendi wrote:

There is a tremendous darkness in the world today, the darkness caused by mankind’s going against the Laws of God and giving way to the animal side of human nature. People must recognize this fact, and consciously struggle against pessimism and depression.

Shoghi Effendi, Lights of Guidance, p. 113

Since the foundation of religion is to bring about love and harmony and to safeguard the interests of humanity so we can all progress and advance, the laws of God are considered absolutely necessary for this purpose. To apply this thinking, laws of God that bring about happiness are not about things such as, for example, dietary restrictions, that over time would need to be changed.  Rather they are indicators of behaviour that benefit us individually, others collectively and society as a whole. For a start, consider  the 10 commandments as examples of laws that are necessary for our wellbeing. Society is certainly safer and able to pursue our many interests when no one is being murdered, people are not sleeping with each other’s partners and parents are shown respect.

Within the Baháʼí context, we experience more joy when the children and youth in our communities are given opportunities to grow and develop, serve others and develop their talents and faculties. When people in disagreement listen to each other and respond with love and honesty, problems can be more easily solved than with fighting, judgements and harsh words. And when everyone has equal opportunity to access education, work and basic human necessities, joy also expands and sadness is reduced. These are spiritual principles that bring about joy and happiness. 

Yet even in a world where everyone is living in alignment with spiritual principles, we will experience sadness as a part of becoming mature and caring human beings. Losing a loved one, caring for someone who is ill, not being chosen for a job we wanted, having friends move away – all these types of suffering are part of perfecting our character. We develop empathy and responsiveness to others when we experience pain and we learn to overcome obstacles when we persevere through difficulties, discovering latent talents in the process. The flip side of suffering, is that as we acknowledge the role sadness and difficulty play in our lives, we understand that what God really wants for us is to fully experience love and joy. As we learn to reduce the sadness around us we become receptive to the love and joy that is our destiny, and play our parts in the spiritualization of the planet.

 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes:

Joy gives us wings! In times of joy our strength is more vital, our intellect keener, and our understanding less clouded. We seem better able to cope with the world and to find our sphere of usefulness. But when sadness visits us we become weak, our strength leaves us, our comprehension is dim and our intelligence veiled. The actualities of life seem to elude our grasp, the eyes of our spirits fail to discover the sacred mysteries, and we become even as dead beings.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 35.

In another passage, He gives us a window of understanding into how to detach from sadness and open to joy.

There is no human being untouched by these two influences; but all the sorrow and the grief that exist come from the world of matter—the spiritual world bestows only the joy!

Attach not thyself to anything unless in it thou seest the reality of God – this is the first step into the court of eternity. The earth life lasts but a short time, even its benefits are transitory; that which is temporary does not deserve our heart’s attachment…. Detachment does not consist in setting fire to one’s house, or becoming bankrupt or throwing one’s fortune out of the window, or even giving away all of one’s possessions. Detachment consists in refraining from letting our possessions possess us. –

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Divine Philosophy, p. 134.

The principle is that life and our immediate experiences, while impacting us, are nonetheless transitory. When we realize that we possess our possessions and not the other way around, we experience detachment. When we understand that emotions lead us to seek spiritual answers, we can ask curious questions about what we need to learn from sadness. On this thought, there is a lovely passage about what to do next if  prayer and thoughtful reflection cannot help us to detach from sorrow. That next step is to find someone to serve, to help, to support.

Be not the slave of your moods, but their master. But if you are so angry, so depressed and so sore that your spirit cannot find deliverance and peace even in prayer, then quickly go and give some pleasure to someone lowly or sorrowful, or to a guilty or innocent sufferer! Sacrifice yourself, your talent, your time, your rest to another, to one who has to bear a heavier load than you.

N.B. Although this is from pilgrim notes by Dr. Josephine Fallscheer taken on 5 August 1910 and  cannot be authenticated, they are in keeping with the consistent orientation of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to be of service to humanity and be a source of good for others.

On this topic, here is some sound advice by Shoghi Effendi about being patient with moods, those of others and our own, by consciously turning our faces towards the light:

We must not only be patient with others, infinitely patient, but also with our own poor selves, remembering that even the Prophets of God sometimes got tired and cried out in despair!

He urges you to persevere and add up your accomplishments, rather than to dwell on the dark side of things. Everyone’s life has both a dark and bright side. The Master said: turn your back to the darkness and your face to Me.

Shoghi Effendi, From a letter dated 22 October 1949 to an individual believer

In closing, I would like to offer this consoling prayer to say in times of sadness and difficulty. I find it helps me see the transience of life and to focus on the power of the love of God to release  pain and suffering, if only I remember to put my trust in Him. 

O thou who art turning thy face towards God! Close thine eyes to all things else, and open them to the realm of the All-Glorious. Ask whatsoever thou wishest of Him alone; seek whatsoever thou seekest from Him alone. With a look He granteth a hundred thousand hopes, with a glance He healeth a hundred thousand incurable ills, with a nod He layeth balm on every wound, with a glimpse He freeth the hearts from the shackles of grief. He doeth as He doeth, and what recourse have we? He carrieth out His Will, He ordaineth what He pleaseth. Then better for thee to bow down thy head in submission, and put thy trust in the All-Merciful Lord.

Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, sec. 22

Looking for a role model who is infallible? Who has personally lived and found noble ways to deal with every problem facing our volatile, uncertain century? 

That person can be found in the life and example of ʻAbdu’l-Bahá, whose name means “Servant of the Glory”, the oldest  son of the Founder of the Baha’i Faith, Baháʼu’lláh. Born in Persia during a time so dark and corrupt it’s instability and brutalities were considered unspeakable. By contrast ʻAbdu’l-Bahá’s entire life upheld the principles of His Father’s teachings: the elimination of all forms of racial and religious prejudice, the equality of women and men, service to humanity, and the principles of world peace just to name a few.

Living a life of extreme difficulty, imprisonment and persecution for exemplifying the teachings of Baháʼu’lláh, ʻAbdu’l-Bahá said of Himself:

“My name is ʻAbdu’l-Bahá, my identity is ʻAbdu’l-Bahá, my qualification is ʻAbdu’l-Bahá, my reality is ʻAbdu’l-Bahá, my praise is ʻAbdu’l-Bahá. Thraldom to the Blessed Perfection is my glorious and refulgent diadem; and servitude to all the human race is my perpetual religion. …No name, no title, no mention, no commendation hath he nor will ever have except ʻAbdu’l-Bahá. This is my longing. This is my supreme apex. This is my greatest yearning. This is my eternal life. This is my everlasting glory!”1

Hear the song composed with this quote: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2018/11/abdul-baha-by-dominique-sylvester/

To walk in His footsteps is to learn how to show love under hatred, calm when under attack, and action for the common weal from the tiniest of acts of service to the largest and most impactful projects. Up at 4 am every morning, ʻAbdu’l-Bahá served the poor of the area where he was Himself a prisoner. A beautiful story showing ʻAbdu’l-Bahá’s kindness to a homeless man read by a charming young storyteller shows how important small acts of service to others can transform both the giver and the receiver. 

Yet His actions were not confined to small personal kindnesses. On April 27,1920 ʻAbdu’l-Bahá  was  knighted by the British Empire for having the foresight to plant, harvest and store grain and corn in anticipation of the first world war, saving the city of Haifa and surrounding region from starvation. 

The example of the Master, as ʻAbdu’l-Bahá was called by others, inspired and continues to inspire people around the world. When asked about the role of ʻAbdu’l-Bahá in his life, Pierre-Yves Mocquais, an Edmonton Bahá’í community member said:

“ Many years ago I was on pilgrimage saying prayers at the Shrine of ʻAbdu’l-Bahá when I had the distinct impression that he was there with me in the room. I felt his warm embrace and his assurance that he would never leave me alone. I was completely surrounded by love, it was a very powerful feeling. Since then, I daily feel the presence of ʻAbdu’l-Bahá in my life and when I am worried or frustrated, often turn to his unconditional love for solace.” 

Another Edmonton community member, Sima Abbasi explained,

“Sometimes when I am in public  I see people doing things that make me feel uncomfortable or are frightening. I always ask myself, ‘How did ʻAbdu’l-Bahá deal with that fear when he was living in the dangerous streets of Akka? How did He always see the light of the person’s inner being and treat everyone with love? How did he see their souls when outwardly they were dirty, sick or showing signs of mental distress?’ Then I ask ʻAbdu’l-Bahá to give me courage and wisdom to know how to be in those situations. I look to his example  to find the balance between safety and courage and to ask for the wisdom to know what to do. That is the role the Master plays in my life.” 

This year, the Universal House of Justice, governing body of the Bahá’í world,  has designated a special year to honour ʻAbdu’l-Bahá. The entire world was given an injunction to find ways to walk in His footsteps through our exemplification of Baháʼu’lláh’s teachings and through acts of service both small and large. To help inspire you in your spiritual journey, here are some sites to check out as you consider walking in the Footsteps of the Master.