Edition:Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era (1923)/True Civilization

CHAPTER IX

TRUE CIVILIZATION

“O people of God! Be not occupied with yourselves. Be intent on the betterment of the world and the training of nations.” —BAHA’U’LLAH.

Religion the Basis of Civilization.

=—3 According to the Baha’i view, the problems of human life, individual and social, are so inconceivably complex that the ordinary human intellect is incapable by itself of solving them aright. Only the Omniscient fully knows the purpose of creation and how that purpose may be achieved. ‘Through the prophets He shows to mankind the true goal of human life and the right path of progress ; and the building up of a true civilization depends upon faithful adherence to the guidance of prophetic Revelation. Baha'u'llah says :—

“ Religion is the greatest instrument for the order of the world and the tranquillity of all existent beings. ‘The weakening of the pillars of religion has encouraged the ignorant and rendered them audacious and arrogant. ‘Truly I say, whatever lowers the lofty station of religion will increase heedlessness in the wicked, and finally result in anarchy. .

“Consider the civilization of the people of the Occident—how it has occasioned commotion and agitation to the people of the world. Infernal instruments have been devised, and such atrocity is displayed in the destruction of life as has not been seen by the eye of the world, nor heard by the ear of nations. It is impossible to reform thesé violent, overwhelming evils, except the peoples of the world become united upon a certain issue or under the shadow of One Religion. . . .

“O people of Baha! Each one of the revealed Commands is a mighty stronghold for the protection of the world.”—/Words of Paradise.

The present state of Europe and of the world in general

eloquently confirms the truth of these words written so many rat [Page 122]122 BAHA’U’LLAH AND THE NEW ERA

yearsago. Neglect of the prophetic commands and the prevalence of irreligion have been accompanied by disorder and destruction on the most terrible scale, and, without the change of heart and aim which is the essential characteristic of true religion, the reform of society seems an utter impossibility.

Justice.

In the little book of Hidden Words, in which Baha’u’llah gives in brief the essence of the prophetic teachings, his first counsel refers to the individual life : “‘ Possess a good, a pure, an enlightened heart.” ‘The next indicates the fundamental principle of true social life :-—

“ Justice is loved above all. Neglect it not if thou desirest Me. By it thou wilt be strengthened to perceive things with thine own eyes and not by the eyes of men, to know them by thine own knowledge and not by the knowledge of any in the world.”

The first essential of social life is that individuals should become capable of discerning the true from the false and right from wrong, and of seeing things in their true proportions. ‘The greatest cause of spiritual and social blindness, and the greatest foe of social progress, is selfishness. Baha'u'llah says :—

“O ye sons of intelligence! The thin eyelid prevents the eye from seeing the world and what is contained therein. ‘Then think of the result when the curtain of greed covers the sight of the heart !

“© people! The darkness of greed and envy obscures the light of the soul as the cloud prevents the penetration of the sun’s rays” (Tablet to some Persian Zoroastrian Baha’is).

Long experience is at last convincing men of the truth of the prophetic teaching that selfish views and selfish actions inevitably bring social disaster, and that if humanity is not to perish ingloriously, each must look on the things of his neighbour as of equal importance with his own, and subordinate his own interests to those of humanity as a whole, In this way the interests of each and all will ultimately be best served. Baha'u'llah says :-—

“Osonofman! If thou lookest towards mercy, regard not that. which benefits thee, and hold to that which will benefit thy fellow-men. If thou lookest towards justice, choose thou for others what thou choosest for thyself.” —Words of Paradise, [Page 123]TRUE CIVILIZATION 123

Government.

While stating with the utmost clearness those fundamental principles of social organization which will be the basis of true civilization during the next thousand or thousands of years— until another prophet comes with a new Message—Baha’u’llah does not lay down hard and fast rules for the details of social life. In a developing society laws must constantly be modified in accordance with the changing requirements of the times, and the

=) system proposed by the founders of the Baha’i Movement is sufficiently elastic to make full provision for this necessity. Bah@u'llah counsels, although he does not definitely enjoin, the form of national government known as “ Constitutional Monarchy.” In the Glad Tidings he says :—

“ Although a democratic form of government profits all the people of the world, yet the majesty of kingship is one of the signs of God. We donot wish that the countries of the world should be deprived thereof. Tf statesmen combine the two into one form, their reward will be great before God.”

In discussing the subject on one occasion, when the writer was present, ‘Abdu’l-Baha spoke, in substance, as follows :—

““Despotic government is bad. A republican form of government, as in the United States, is good, but a constitutional form of monarchy is better, because it combines the virtues of both republic and kingdom. A king has a distinction that a president, elected for a period of years, has not. The kingship should pass from father to son. This gives a continuity and stability to the government that is Jacking ina republic. When the head of the government is elected every few years, the whole country at the time of the presidential election becomes immersed in political contests and agitation. When the country is in such a state justice will not prevail.

“Q.—IJf the king proves unworthy will the parliament have power to dethrone him?

“ A—The parliament can dethrone him certainly, and can appoint a new one. In a constitutional monarchy the king has no legislative power. All affairs are settled by the cabinet and the parliament.

““Q.—If there is a hereditary monarchy should there be a hereditary nobility, too?

“ 4.—One who serves his country well should be rewarded by fitting honours, but no one should be able to claim that he must be honoured because his father was, for example, a great general, A person who [Page 124]124 BAHA’U’LLAH AND THE NEW ERA

does not serve the nation will have no distinction conferred upon him. He may be respected because of his father’s services but, so far as offices are concerned, he will have no preference.”

The function of the government is to administer the law with justice and impartiality. ‘Abdu’l-Baha says :—

“* All men are equal before the law, which must reign absolutely. . . .

“When perfect justice reigns in every country of the Eastern and Western world, then will the earth become a place of beauty. The dignity and equality of every servant of God will be acknowledged ; the ideal of the solidarity of the human race, the true brotherhood of man, will be realized, and the glorious light of the Sun of Truth will illumine the souls of all men.”—Paris Ta/ks, second edition, p. 14.3.

Political Freedom.

Although advocating as the ideal condition a fully democratic or rather representative form of government, local, national and international, Baha’u’llah teaches that this is possible only when men have attained a sufficiently high degree of individual and social development. Suddenly to grant full self-government to people without education, who are dominated by selfish desires and are inexperienced in the conduct of public affairs, would be disastrous. There is nothing more dangerous than freedom for those who are not fit to use it wisely. Baha’u’llah writes in the Book of Agdas :-—

“We observe that some people seek for freedom and boast over it, but are in obvious ignorance. Freedom, for such, results in confusion, the fire of which cannot be extinguished. Thus warns you the All-Knowing, the Reckoner. Know ye that the manifestations of absolute freedom are the animals. As for man, it is incumbent upon him to be under laws which will protect him from his own ignorance and the injury of the treacherous ones. Freedom causes man to forsake the requirements of courtesy and dignity, and suffers him to be of the vicious. Consider human beings as sheep. ‘There must be a shepherd for them. Verily this is an indubitable certamty. We approve of freedom under certain circumstances and not under others. Say: Freedom consists in following My Commandments, were ye of those who know. _ If people would follow that which We have revealed from the heaven of Inspiration, they would surely find their souls in complete freedom. ... Say: The freedom which benefits you consists in servitude to the True God, and he who tastes its sweetness will never exchange it for the kingdom of heaven and earth.” [Page 125]TRUE CIVILIZATION 125

For improving the condition of backward races and nations, the Divine teachings are the sovereign remedy. When both people and politicians learn and adopt these teachings the nations will be freed from all their bonds.

Rulers and Subjects.

Baha'u'llah forbids tyranny and oppression in the most emphatic terms, In Hidden Words he writes :—

“ O ye oppressors of the earth! Withdraw your hands from oppression, for I have vowed not to suffer injustice to pass unheeded.”

Those entrusted with the framing and administration of laws and regulations must

“hold fast to the rope of Consultation, and decide upon and execute that which is conducive to the people’s security, affluence, welfare and tranquillity ; for if matters be arranged otherwise, it will lead to discord and tumult.”—Tadlet of the World.

On the other hand, the people must be law-abiding and loyal to the just government. ‘They must rely on educational methods and on the force of good example, not on violence, for bringing about a better state of affairs in the nation. Baha’u’llah says :—

“In every country where any of this community reside, they must behave toward the government of that country with faithfulness, truthfulness and obedience.” —G/ad Tidings.

“O people of God! Adorn your temples with the mantle of trustworthiness and integrity; then assist your Lord with the hosts of good deeds and good morals. Verily We have forbidden you sedition and strife, in My Books and Epistles, in My Writings and ‘Tablets; and by this We have desired only your loftiness and exaltation.”—Tadlet of Lshraqat.

Appointment and Promotion.

In making appointments, the only criterion must be fitness for the position. Before this paramount consideration, all others, such as seniority, social or financial status, family connection or

personal friendship, must give way. Baha’u’llah says in the Tablet of Ishraqat :— [Page 126]126 BAHA’U’LLAH AND THE NEW ERA

“ The fifth Ishraq (Effulgence) is the knowledge by governments of the condition of the governed, and the conferring of ranks according to desert and merit. Regard to this matter is strictly enjomed upon every chief and ruler, that haply traitors may not usurp the positions of trustworthy men nor spoilers occupy the seats of guardians.”

It needs but little consideration to show that when this principle becomes generally accepted and acted upon, the transformation in our social life will be astounding. When each individual is given the position for which his talents and capabilities specially fit him he will be able to put his heart into his work and become an artist in his profession, with incalculable benefit to himself and the rest of the world.

Economic Problems.

The Baha@’i teachings insist in the strongest terms on the need

for reform in the economic relations of rich and poor.

‘Abdu’l-Baha says :-—

“The arrangements of the circumstances of the people must be such that poverty shall disappear, that everyone, as far as possible, according to his rank and position, shall share in comfort and well-being. We see among us men who are overburdened with riches on the one hand, and on the other those unfortunate ones who starve with nothing ; those who possess several stately palaces, and those who have not where to lay their head. . . . This condition of affairs is wrong, and must be remedied. Now the remedy must be carefully undertaken. It cannot be done by bringing to pass absolute equality between men. Equality is a chimera ! It is entirely impracticable. Even if equality could be achieved it could not continue; and if its existence were possible, the whole order of the world would be destroyed. The Law of Order must always obtain in the world of humanity. Heaven has so decreed in the creation of man... . Humanity, like a great army, requires a general, captains, under-officers in their degree, and soldiers, each with their appointed duties. Degrees are absolutely necessary to ensure an orderly organization. An army could not be composed of generals alone, or of captains only, or of nothing but soldiers without anyone in authority.

“ Certainly, some being enormously rich and others Jamentably poor, an organization is necessary to control and improve this state of affairs. It is important to limit riches, as it is also of importance to limit poverty. Either extreme is not good. ... When we see poverty allowed to reach a condition of starvation, it is a sure sign that somewhere we shall find tyranny. Men must bestir themselves in this matter, and no longer [Page 127]TRUE CIVILIZATION 127

delay in altering conditions which bring the misery of grinding poverty to a very large number of people.

“The rich must give of their abundance; they must soften their hearts and cultivate a compassionate intelligence, taking thought for those sad ones who are suffering from lack of the very necessaries of life.

“There must be special laws made, dealing with these extremes of riches and want. . . . The government of the countries should conform to the Divine Law which gives equal justice to all. . . . Not until this is done will the Law of God be obeyed.”—Paris Ta/ks, second edition,

Pp: 140.

Public Finance.

“Abdu’l-Baha suggests that each town and village or district should be entrusted as far as possible with the administration of fiscal matters within its own area and should contribute its due proportion for the expenses of the general government. One of the principal sources of revenue should be a graduated income tax. Ifa man’s income does not exceed his necessary expenditure he should not be required to pay any tax, but in all cases where income exceeds the necessary expenditure a tax should be levied, the percentage of tax increasing as the surplus of income over necessary expenditure increases.

On the other hand, if a person, through illness, poor crops, or other cause for which he is not responsible, is unable to earn an income sufficient to meet his necessary expenses for the year, then what he lacks for the maintenance of himself and his family should be supplied out of public funds.

There will also be other sources of public revenue, e.g. from intestate estates, mines, treasure-trove and voluntary contributions 5 while among the expenditures will be grants for the support of the infirm, of orphans, of schools, of the deaf and blind, and for the maintenence of public health. Thus the welfare and comfort of all will be provided for.*

Voluntary Sharing. In a letter to the Central Organization for a Durable Peace, written in 1919, ‘Abdu’l-Baha says :—

For further particulars see ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s published addresses, especially

those given in the United States of America. [Page 128]128 BAHA’U’LLAH AND THE NEW ERA

“ Among the teachings of Baha’u’llah is voluntary sharing of one’s property with others among mankind. This voluntary sharing is greater than (legally imposed) equality, and consists in this, that one should not prefer oneself to others, but rather should sacrifice one’s life and pro erty for others. But this should not be introduced by coercion so that it becomes a law which man is compelled to follow. Nay, rather, man should voluntarily and of his own choice sacrifice his property and life for others, and spend willingly for the poor, just as is done in Persia among the Baha’is.”

Work for All.

One of the most important instructions of Baha’u’llah in regard to the economic question is that all must engage in useful work. There must be no drones in the social hive, no able-bodied parasites on society. He says :—

“It is enjoined on every one of you to engage in some occupation— some art, trade or the like. We have made this—your occupation— identical with the worship of God, the True One. Reflect, O people, upon the Mercy of God and upon His Favours, then thank Him in mormings and evenings.

«« Waste not your time in idleness and indolence, and occupy yourselves with that which will profit yourselves and others besides yourselves. Thus hath the matter been decreed in this Tablet, from the Horizon of which the Sun of Wisdom and Divine Utterance is gleaming! The most despised of men before God is he who sits and begs. Cling unto the rope of means, relying upon God, the Causer of Causes.” —G/ad Tidings.

How much of the energy employed in the business world of to-day is expended simply in cancelling and neutralizing the efforts of other people—in useless strife and competition! And how much in ways that are still more injurious! Were all to work, and were all work, whether of brain or hand, of a nature profitable to mankind, as Baha’u’llah commands, then the supplies of everything necessary for a healthy, comfortable and noble life would amply suffice for all. ‘There need be no slums, no starvation, no destitution, no industrial slavery, no health-destroying

drudgery. The Ethics of Wealth.

According to the Baha'i teachings, riches rightly acquired and rightly used are honourable and praiseworthy. Services [Page 129]TRUE CIVILIZATION 129

rendered should be adequately rewarded. Baha'u'llah says in the Tablet of Tarazat :—

“The people of Baha must not refuse to discharge the due reward of anyone, and must respect possessors of talent. . . . One must speak with justice and recognize the worth of benefits,”

With regard to interest on money, Baha’u’llah writes in the Tablet of Ishragat as follows :—

- Most of the people are found to be in need of this matter ; for if no

interest be allowed, affairs (business) will be trammelled and obstructed. . A person is rarely found who would lend money to anyone upon the principle of ‘ Oard-i-hasan ’ (literally ‘ good loan,’ i.e. money advanced without interest and repaid at the pleasure of the borrower). Consequently, out of favour to the servants, We have appointed ‘ profit on money’ to be current, among other business transactions which are in force among people. That is... it is allowable, lawful and pure to charge interest on money . . . but this matter must be conducted with moderation and justice. ‘The Pen of Glory has withheld itself from laying down its limits, as a Wisdom from His Presence and as a convenience for His servants. We exhort the friends of God to act with fairness and justice, and in such a way that the mercy of His beloved ones, and their compassion, may be manifested toward each other... . “« The execution of these matters has been placed in charge of the men of the House of Justice, in order that they may act in accordance with the exigencies of the time and with wisdom.”

No Industrial Slavery.

In the Book of Aqdas Baha'u'llah forbids slavery, and ‘Abdu’lBaha has explained that not only chattel slavery, but also industrial slavery, is contrary to the law of God. When in the United States in 1912, he said to the American people :—

“* Between 1860 and 1865 you did a wonderful thing; you abolished chattel slavery ; but to-day you must do a much more wonderful thing : you must abolish industrial slavery... .

“The solution of economic questions will not be brought about by array of capital against labour, and labour against capital, in strife and conflict, but by the voluntary attitude of good-will on both sides. Then a real and lasting justness of conditions will be secured. . . .

“Among the Baha’is there are no extortionate, mercenary and unjust practices, no rebellious demands, no revolutionary uprisings against existing governments. . .

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“Tt will not be possible in the future for men to amass great fortunes ‘by the labours of others. The rich will willingly divide. They will come to this gradually, naturally, by their own volition. It will never be accomplished by war and bloodshed.”—Svar of the West, vol. vii. No. 15, p. 147.

It is by friendly consultation and co-operation, by just co-partnership and profit-sharing, that the interests of both capital and labour will be best served. ‘The harsh weapons of the strike and lock-out are injurious, not only to the trades immediately affected, but to the community as a whole, It is, therefore, the business of the governments to devise means for preventing recourse to such barbarous methods of settling disputes. ‘Abdu’l-Baha said at Dublin, New Hampshire, in 1912 :—

“Now I want to tell you about the law of God. According to the divine law, employees should not be paid merely by wages. Nay, rather they should be partners in every work. ‘The question of socialization is very difficult. It will not be solved by strikes for wages. All the governments of the world must be united, and organize an assembly, the members of which shall be elected from the parliaments and the noble ones of the nations. These must plan with wisdom and power, so that neither the capitalists suffer enormous losses, nor the labourers become needy. In the utmost moderation they should make the law, then announce to the public that the rights of the working people are to be effectively preserved ; also the rights of the capitalists are to be protected. When such a general law is adopted, by the will of both sides, should a strike occur, all the governments of the world should collectively resist it. Otherwise the work will lead to much destruction, especially in Europe. Terrible things will take place.

One of the several causes of a universal European war will be this question. ‘The owners of properties, mines and factories, should share their incomes with their employees, and give a fairly certain percentage of their profits to their working-men, in order that the employees should receive, besides their wages, some of the general income of the factory, so that the employee may strive with his soul in the work.”—Star of the West, vol. viii. No. 1, p. 7.

Bequest and Inheritance.

Baha’u’llah states that a person should be free to dispose of his possessions during his lifetime in any way he chooses, and it is incumbent on everyone to write a will stating how his property is to be disposed of after his death. When a person dies without [Page 131]TRUE CIVILIZATION 131

leaving a will, the value of the property should be estimated and divided in certain stated proportions among seven classes of inheritors, namely, children, wife or husband, father, mother, brothers, sisters and teachers, the share of each diminishing from the first to the last. In the absence of one or more of these classes, the share which would belong to them goes to the public treasury, to be expended on the poor, the fatherless and the widows, or on useful public works. If the deceased has no heirs, then all his property goes to the public treasury.

There is nothing in the law of Bah@’u’llah to prevent.a man from leaving all his property to one individual if he pleases, but Bah@'is will naturally be influenced, in making their wills, by the model Baha’u’llah has laid down for the case of intestate estates, which ensures distribution of the property among a considerable number of heirs.

Equality of Men and Women.

One of the social principles to which Baha’u’llah attaches great importance is that women should be regarded as the equals of men and should enjoy equal rights and privileges, equal education, and equal opportunities.

The great means on which he relies for bringing about the emancipation of women is universal education. Girls are to receive as good an education as boys. In fact, the education of girls is even more important than that of boys, for in time these girls will become mothers, and, as mothers, they will be the first teachers of the next generation. Children are like green and tender branches ; if the early training is right they grow straight, and if it is wrong they grow crooked; and to the end of their lives they are affected by the training of their earliest years. How important, then, that girls should be well and wisely educated |

During his Western tours, ‘ Abdu’l-Baha had frequent occasion to explain the Baha'i teaching on this subject. At a meeting of the Women’s Freedom League in London in January 1913, he said :—

“ Humanity is like a bird with its two wings—the one is male, the

other female. . Unless both wings are strong and impelled by some common force, the bird cannot fly heavenwards, According to the spirit of this [Page 132]132 BAHA’U’LLAH AND THE NEW ERA

age, women must advance and fulfil their mission in all departments — of life, becoming equal to men. They must be on the same level as men and enjoy equal rights. ‘This is my earnest prayer and it is one of the fundamental principles of Baha’u’llah.

‘Some scientists have declared that the brains of men weigh more than those of women, and claim this as a proof of man’s superiority. Yet when we look around us we see people with small heads, whose brains must weigh little, who show the greatest intelligence and great powers of understanding; and others with big heads, whose brains must be heavy, and yet they are witless. Therefore the avoirdupois of the brain is no true measure of intelligence or superiority.

‘‘ When men bring forward as a second proof of their superiority the assertion that women have not achieved as much as men, they use poor arguments which leave history out of consideration. If they kept themselves more fully informed historically, they would know that great women have lived and achieved great things in the past, and that there are many living and achieving great things to-day.”

Here ‘Abdu’l-Baha described the achievements of Zenobia and other great women of the past, concluding with an eloquent tribute to the fearless Mary Magdalene, whose faith remained firm while that of the apostles was shaken. He continued :—

“* Amongst the women of our own time is Qurratu’l-‘Ayn, the daughter of a Muhammadan priest. At the time of the appearance of the Bab she showed such tremendous courage and power that all who heard her were astonished. She threw aside her veil, despite the immemorial custom of the Persians, and although it was considered impolite to speak with men, this heroic woman carried on controversies with the most learned men, and in every meeting she vanquished them. The Persian Government took her prisoner; she was stoned in the streets, anathematized, exiled from town to town, threatened with death, but she never failed in her determination to work for the freedom of her sisters. She bore persecution and suffering with the greatest heroism; even in prison she gained converts. ‘I’o a Persian Minister, in whose house she was imprisoned, she said: ‘ You can kill me as soon as you like but you cannot stop the emancipation of women.’ At last the end of her tragic life came ; she was carried into a garden and strangled. She put on, however, her choicest robes as if she were going to join a bridal party. With such magnanimity and courage she gave her life, startling and thrilling all who saw her. She was truly a great heroine. ‘To-day in Persia, among the Bahi'is, there are women who also show unflinching courage, and who are endowed with great poetic insight. ‘They are most eloquent, and speak before large gatherings of people.

“Women must go on advancing; they must extend their knowledge of science, literature, history, for the perfection of humanity. Ere [Page 133]TRUE CIVILIZATION 133

long they will receive their rights. Men will see women in earnest, bearing themselves with dignity, improving the civil and political life, opposed to warfare, demanding suffrage and equal opportunities. I expect to see you advance in all phases of life; then will your brows be crowned with the diadem of eternal glory.”

Women and the New Age.

When woman’s point of view receives due consideration and woman’s will is allowed adequate expression in the arrangement of social affairs, we may expect great advancement in matters which have often been grievously neglected under the old régime of male dominance—such matters as health, temperance, peace, and regard for the value of the individual life. Improvements in these respects will have very far-reaching and beneficent effects. ‘Abdu’l-Baha says :—

“The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man has dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and aggressive qualities both of body and mind. But the balance is already shifting; force is losing its dominance, and mental alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and service, in which woman is strong, are gaining ascendancy. Hence the new age will be an age less masculine and more permeated with the feminine ideals, or, to speak more exactly, will be an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilization will be more evenly balanced.”—Star of the West, vol. viii. No. 3, p. 4+

Methods of Violence Discarded.

In bringing about the emancipation of women as in other matters, Baha’u’llah counsels his followers to avoid methods of violence. An. excellent illustration of the Baha’i method of social reform has been given by the Baha’i women in Persia, Egypt and Syria. In these countries it is customary for Muhammadan women outside their homes to wear a veil covering the face. The Bab indicated that in the New Dispensation women would be relieved from this irksome restraint, but Baha’u’llah counsels his followers, where no important question of morality is involved, to defer to established customs until people become enlightened, rather than scandalize those amongst whom they live, and arouse needless antagonism. ‘The Bahai women, therefore, although well aware that the antiquated custom of wearing the veil is, for [Page 134]134 BAHA’U’LLAH AND THE NEW ERA

enlightened people, unnecessary and inconvenient, yet quietly put up with the inconvenience, rather than rouse a storm of fanatical hatred and rancorous opposition by uncovering their faces in public, ‘This conformity to custom is in no way due to fear, but to an assured confidence in the power of education and in the transforming and life-giving effects of true religion, Baha'is in these regions are devoting their energies to the education of their children, especially their girls, and to the diffusion and promotion of the Baha’i ideals, well knowing that as the new spiritual life grows and spreads among the people, antiquated customs and prejudices will by and by be shed, as naturally and inevitably as bud-scales are shed in spring when the leaves and flowers expand in the sunshine.

Education.

Education—the instruction and guidance of men and the development and training of their innate faculties—has been the supreme aim of all the Holy Prophets since the world began, and in the Baha'i teachings the fundamental importance and limitless possibilities of education are proclaimed in the clearest terms. The teacher is the most potent factor in civilization and his work is the highest to which men can aspire. Education begins in the mother’s womb and is as unending as the life of the individual. It is a perennial necessity of right living and the foundation of both individual and social welfare. When education on sight lines becomes general, humanity will be transformed and the world will become a paradise,

At present a really well educated man is the rarest of phenomena, for nearly everyone has false prejudices, wrong ideals, erroneous conceptions and bad habits drilled into him from babyhood, How few are taught from their earliest childhood to love God with all their hearts and dedicate their lives to Him ; to regard service to humanity as the highest aim of life ; to develop their powers to the best advantage for the general good of all! Yet surely these are the essential elements of a good education. Mere cramming of the memory. with facts about arithmetic, grammar, geography, languages, etc., has comparatively little effect in producing noble and useful lives. [Page 135] ze TRUE CIVILIZATION 135

Baha’u’llah says that education must be universal :-—

“Tt is decreed that every father must educate his sons and daughters in learning and in writing and also in that which hath been ordained in the tablet. He who neglects that which hath been commanded (in this matter), if he be rich, it is incumbent on the trustees of the House of Justice to recover from him the amount required for the education of his children; otherwise (i.e. if the parent be not capable) the matter shall devolve upon the House of Justice. Verily We have made it (the House of Justice) an asylum for the poor and needy.

“ He who educates his son, or any other children, it is as though he hath educated one of My children.” —Tadlet of Ishraqat.

.“ Men and women must place a part of what they eam by trade, agriculture or other business, in charge of a trustworthy person, to be spent in the education and instruction of the children. ‘That deposit must be invested in the education of the children, under the advice of the trustees (or members) of the House of Justice.’"-——T abet of the World.

Innate Differences of Nature.

In the Baha’t view the child’s nature is not like so much wax that can be moulded indifferently to any shape according to the will of the teacher. Nay, each from the first has his own Godgiven character and individuality which can develop to the best advantage only in a particular way ; and that way in each case is unique. No two people have exactly the same capabilities and talents, and the true educator will never attempt to force two natures into the same mould, In fact, he will never attempt to force any nature into any mould, Rather he will reverently tend the developing powers of the young nature, encourage and protect them, and supply the nourishment and assistance which they need. His work is like that of a gardener tending different plants. One plant likes the bright sunshine, another the cool shade ; one loves the water’s edge and another the dry knoll ; one thrives best on sandy soil and another on rich loam. Each must have its needs appropriately supplied, else its perfections can never be fully revealed. ‘Abdu’l-Baha says :—

“The Prophets acknowledge that education hath a great effect upon the human race, but they declare that minds and comprehensions are originally different. We see that certain children of the same age, nativity and race, nay, from the same household, under the tutorship of the same teacher, differ in minds and comprehensions. No matter how the shell [Page 136]136 BAHA’U’LLAH AND THE NEW ERA

is educated (or polished) it can never become the radiant pearl. ‘The black stone will not become the world-illuminating gem. ‘The thorny cactus can never by training and development become the blessed tree. ‘That is to say, training doth not change the essential nature of the human gem, but it produceth a marvellous effect. By this effective power all that

is latent, of virtues and capacities in the human reality, will be revealed.” — Tablets of ‘Abdu'l-Baha, vol. iii. p. $77.

Character Training.

The thing of paramount importance in education is character training. With regard to this, example is more effective than precept, and the lives and characters of the child’s parents, teachers and habitual associates are factors of the utmost importance.

The prophets of God are the great educators of mankind, and their counsels and the story of their lives should be instilled into the child’s mind as soon as it is able to grasp them. Especially important are the words of the Supreme teacher, Baha’u’llah, who reveals the root-principles on which the civilization of the future must be built up. He says :—

“Teach your children what hath been revealed through the Pen of Glory. Instruct them in what hath descended from the heaven of greatness and power. Let them memorize the Tablets of the Merciful and chant them with the most melodious voices in the halls of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar.”—Svar of the West, vol. ix. No. 7, p. 81.

Arts, Sciences, Crafts.

Training in arts, sciences, crafts and useful professions is regarded as important and necessary. Baha’u’llah says :—

“ Knowledge is like unto wings for the being (of man) and is like a ladder for ascending. 'To acquire knowledge is incumbent upon all, but of those sciences which may profit the people of the earth, and not such sciences as begin in mere words and end in mere words. ‘The possessors of sciences and arts have a great right among the people of the world. Indeed, the real treasury of man is his knowledge. Knowledge is the means of honour, prosperity, joy, gladness, happiness and exultation.”— Tablet of Tajalliyat.

Treatment of Criminals.

In a talk on the right method of treating criminals, ‘Abdu’l Baha spoke as follows :— [Page 137]TRUE CIVILIZATION 137

“The most essential thing is that the people must be educated in such a way that they will avoid and shrink from perpetrating crimes, so that the crime itself will appear to them as the greatest chastisement, the utmost condemnation and torment. ‘Therefore no crimes which require punishment will be committed.

“« Tf someone oppresses, injures and wrongs another, and the wronged man retaliates, this is vengeance, and is censurable. If ‘Amr dishonours Zayd, the latter has not the right to dishonour ‘Amr; if he does, this is vengeance, and it is very reprehensible. No, rather he must return good for evil, and not only forgive, but also, if possible, be of service to his oppressor. ‘T'his conduct is worthy of man, for what advantage does he gain by vengeance? ‘The two actions are equivalent; if one action is reprehensible both are reprehensible. ‘The only difference is, that one was committed first, the other later.

“But the community has the right of defence and self-protection ; moreover, the community has no hatred or animosity for the murderer ; it imprisons or punishes him merely for the protection and security of others.

‘Thus when Christ said: ‘ Whosoever shall smite thee on the one cheek, tum to him the other also,’ it was for the purpose of teaching men not to take personal revenge. He did not mean that if a wolf should fall upon a flock of sheep and wish to destroy it, the wolf should be encouraged to do so. No, if Christ had known that a wolf had entered the fold and was about to destroy the sheep, most certainly he would have preWenteduts.. ; «

“The constitution of the communities depends upon justice. ... Then what Christ meant by forgiveness and pardon is not that when nations attack you, burn your homes, plunder your goods, assault your wives, children and relatives and violate your honour, you should be submissive in the presence of these tyrannical foes, and allow them to perform all their cruelties and oppressions. No, the words of Christ refer to the conduct of two individuals towards each other. If one person assaults another, the injured one should forgive him. But the communities must protect the rights of man. One thing remains to be said: it is that the communities are day and night occupied in making penal laws, and in preparing and organizing instruments and means of punishment. They build prisons, make chains and fetters, arrange places of exile and banishment, and different kinds of hardships and tortures, and think by these means to discipline criminals; whereas, in reality, they are causing destruction of morals and perversion of characters. The community, on the contrary, ought to strive and endeavour with the utmost zeal and effort to accomplish the education of men, to cause them day by day to progress and to increase in science and knowledge, to acquire virtues, to gain good morals and to avoid vices, so that crimes may not occur.” —Some Answered Questions, pp. 307-312. [Page 138]138 BAHA’U’LLAH AND THE NEW ERA

Influence of the Press.

The importance of the Press as a means of diffusing knowledge and educating the people, and its power as a civilizing force, when rightly directed, are fully recognized by Baha'u'llah. He

writes :—

‘In this day the mysteries of this earth are unfolded and visible before the eyes, and the pages of swiftly appearing newspapers are indeed the mirror of the world; they display the doings and actions of the different nations; they both illustrate them and cause them to be heard. Newspapers are as a mirror endowed with hearing, sight and speech; they are a wonderful phenomenon and a great matter.

- But it behoves the writers and editors thereof to be sanctified from

the prejudice of egotism and desire, and to be adorned with the ornament of equity and justice. They must enquire into matters as fully as possible in order that they may be informed of the real facts, and commit the same to writing. Concerning this wronged one, what the newspapers have published has for the most part been devoid of truth. Good speech and truthfulness are, in loftiness of position and rank, like the sun which has risen from the horizon of the heaven of knowledge,”—Tadlet of Tarazat