Human Relations for World Unity/Text

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HUMAN RELATIONS

FOR WORLD UNITY

[Page 0]IHE Baha’i Faith upholds the unity of God, recognizes the

unity of His Prophets, and inculcates the principle of the oneness and wholeness of the entire human race. It proclaims the necessity and the inevitability of the unification of mankind, asserts that it is gradually approaching, and claims that nothing short of the transmuting spirit of God, working through His chosen Mouthpiece in this day, can ultimately succeed in bringing it about.

It, moreover, enjoins upon its followers the primary duty of an unfettered search after truth, condemns all manner of prejudice and superstition, declares the purpose of religion to be the promotion of amity and concord, proclaims its essential harmony with science, and recognizes it as the foremost agency for the pacification and the orderly progress of human society.

It unequivocally maintains the principle of equal rights, opportunities and privileges for men and women, insists on compulsory education, eliminates extremes of poverty and wealth, abolishes the institution of priesthood, prohibits slavety, asceticism, prescribes monogamy, discourages divorce, emphasizes the necessity of strict obedience to one’s government, exalts any work performed in the spirit of service to the level of worship, urges either the creation or the selection of an auxiliary international language, and delineates the outlines of those institutions that must establish and perpetuate the general peace of mankind.

-SHOGHI EFFENDI, Guardian of the Baha’i Faith

Excerpt from statement prepared for United Nations Palestine Committee, July, 1947.

BAHA'I PUBLISHING COMMITTEE WILMETTE, ILLINOIS U.S. A. [Page 1]HUMAN RELATIONS FOR WORLD UNITY

HE unprecedented ills and problems that face men and nations

today, the most stupendous and alarming in world history, arise primarily, if we are to believe the analysis of many thoughtful observers of the present world scene, from faulty human relations. Chameleon-like, these problems may appear to come from economic dislocation and discord, if we are viewing them from the position of material production and need; or from political ineptitude, corruption and aggressive will, if we are considering the ineffective, though sometimes heroic efforts of governments to establish security and peace. On the one hand our difficulties may seem to be generated in racial and class prejudices and animosities, or on the other caused by the great variance in ethical standards, or widespread decadence of religious faith. But whatever the viewpoint, most of the problems do in reality arise out of man’s relationship with man, whether individuals or men in groups are the participating factors.

Human relationship problems are not new. In the primitive family life of centuries ago men had to begin to learn the rules for living together for the benefit and safety of all. “The good of the general welfare,” first conceived of as the purpose and goal of the family unit, is, in truth, an ideal for human relationships that has, through the centuries, acquired expanded significance and produced the results that we call advanced civilization. Around family life there was established the larger circle of tribal solidarity and cooperative living. The rudiments of interdependence and harmony within the still larger areas of the state were in time introduced and mastered, finally evolving the close-knit unity and integrity of modern nations, which in their complex make-up contain the lesser relationships, also evolved from the past, that modern society knows as family, school, community, organized religion—racial, inter-class, inter-faith, interracial and so on.

May it not be that the fundamental principles for living together in fruitful human relationship for the development of individuals and the tranquillity and advancement of the social order, however small or large the unit, are the same today as they have always been? If we can discover what they are by knowledge of their past operation and achievement or by some other means, may we not have found the

1 [Page 2]remedy for the basic ills common to men and nations the world around? Whatever we discover, if it is to be the remedy, must surely be powerful enough to influence the inner springs of human motivation, to set the “birds of men’s hearts” in the right direction, as well as to provide factual knowledge of the rules.

‘Abdu’l-Baha, notable world exponent and teacher of the Baha'i Faith, when proclaiming the universal Message of His Father, Baha‘u'llah, to Europe and America on the eve of the first world war, spoke again and again of the travail ahead for humanity. Afflictions, He foretold, would not be removed, but grow steadily worse, until men attain a new consciousness of the oneness of mankind and see their difficulties as problems in human relationships to be solved in this age only on the high plane of promoting the welfare of the whole human race.

Since ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to the western world, the analysis which He made of world affairs and the divine inspiration of His Father’s teachings which He imparted to his listeners, have taken root and grown in minds and hearts. Joined by their fellow believers the world over, American Baha’is are now working concertedly for the achievement of the organic unity of mankind and the fulfillment of the millenial dream of world order and universal peace.

What Baha’u'llah taught as the essentials of successful and harmonious association, and the secret of true civilization, was brilliantly explained to the West by ‘Abdu’l-Bahé. The following words on this theme are largely excerpts from addresses delivered in America by Him for the purpose of awakening in men the life-giving spirit of world brotherhood, without which in this new age religion is not true religion, moralities are not adequate morality,—nor freedom, justice, peace, progress and security longer possible for any class, race or nation on earth.

THE PARAMOUNT ISSUE

In this great century the most important accomplishment is the unity of mankind. Although in former centuries and times this subject received some measure of mention and consideration, it has now become the paramount issue and question in the religious and political conditions of the world... . In this century of illumination, hearts are inclined toward agreement and fellowship and minds are thoughtful upon the question of the unification of mankind. There is an emanation of the universal consciousness today which clearly indicates the dawn of a great unity. (1)

2 [Page 3]It is our duty in this radiant century to investigate the essentials of divine religion, seek the realities underlying the oneness of the world of humanity and discover the source of fellowship and agreement which will unite mankind in the heavenly bond of love. .. . If we remain fettered and restricted by human inventions and dogmas, day by day the world of mankind will be degraded, day by day warfare and strife will increase and satanic forces converge toward the destruction of the human race. (2)

The earth is one nativity, one home, and all mankind are the children of one Father. . . . Therefore if any one offends another, he offends God. It is the wish of our heavenly Father that every heart should rejoice and be filled with happiness; that we should live together in felicity and joy. The obstacle to human happiness is racial or religious prejudice, the competitive struggle for existence and inhumanity toward each other. (3)

In cycles gone by, though harmony was established, yet, owing to the absence of means, the unity of all mankind could not have been achieved. Continents remained widely divided, nay even among the peoples of one and the same continent association and interchange of thought were well-nigh impossible. Consequently intercourse, understanding and unity amongst all the peoples and kindreds of the earth were unattainable. In this day, however, means of communication have multiplied, and the five continents of the earth have virtually merged into one. . .. All the members of the human family .. . have become increasingly interdepedent. For none is self-sufficiency any longer possible, inasmuch as political ties unite all peoples and nations, and the bonds of trade and industry, of agriculture and education, are being strengthened every day. Hence the unity of all mankind can in this day be achieved. (4)

COOPERATION THE LAW OF LIFE

Ponder in thine heart the world of being. Association, harmony and union are the source of life, whilst differences and division are the cause of ultimate destruction. Shouldst thou reflect on all created things, thou wilt observe that the existence of every being dependeth upon the association and combination of divers elements the disintegration of which will terminate the existence of that being... .

Liken the world of existence to the temple of man. All the limbs and organs of the human body assist one another; therefore life continues. When, in this wonderful organism, there is a disconnection, life is changed to death and the parts of the body disintegrate. Like 3 [Page 4]wise, among the parts of existence there is a wonderful connection and interchange of forces, which is the cause of the life of the world and the continuation of these countless phenomena. When one considers the living beings and the growing plants, he realizes that the animals and man sustain life by inhaling the emanations from the vegetable world, and this... element is called oxygen. The vegetable kingdom also draws life from the living creatures in the substance called carbon. In brief, the beings of sensation draw life from the growing beings and in turn the growing things receive life from the sensitive creatures. Therefore this interchange of forces and inter communication is continued and uninterrupted.

From this illustration one can see the base of life is this mutual aid and helpfulness, and the cause of destruction and nonexistence would be the interruption of this mutual assistance. The more the world aspires to civilization the more this most important matter of cooperation becomes manifest. Therefore in the world of humanity one sees this matter of helpfulness attain to a high degree of efficiency; so much so that the continuance of humanity entirely depends upon this interrelation. (5)

THE LESSON OF HISTORY

A power is needed to carry out and execute what is known and admitted to be the remedy for human conditions; namely, the unification of mankind. Furthermore, it is evident that this cannot be realized through material process and means . . . that no means but an ideal means, a spiritual power, divine bestowals and the breaths of the Holy Spirit will heal this world sickness of war, dissension and discord. Nothing else is possible. . . . (6)

Consider history. What has brought unity to nations, morality to peoples and benefits to mankind? If we reflect upon it we will find that establishing the divine religions has been the greatest means toward accomplishing the oneness of humanity. The foundation of divine reality in religion has done this; not imitations of ancestral religious forms. Imitations are opposed to each other and have ever been the cause of strife, enmity, jealousy and war. The divine religions are collective centers in which diverse standpoints may meet, agree and unify. They accomplish oneness of nativities, races and policies. ...

As this great result is contingent upon divine power and bestowals, where shall the world obtain that power? ... (7)

4 [Page 5]Consider the time of His Holiness Christ. Peoples, races and governments were many, religions, sects and denominations were various but when His Holiness appeared, the Messianic reality proved to be the collective center which unified them beneath the same tabernacle of agreement. Reflect upon this. Could His Holiness Jesus Christ have united these divergent factors or brought about such results through political power? Was this unity and agreement possible through material forces? It is evident that it was not; nay, rather, these various peoples were brought together through a divine power, through the breaths of the Holy Spirit. They were blended and quickened by the infusion of a new life. The spirituality of Christ overcame their difficulties so that their disagreements passed away completely. In this way these divergent peoples were unified and became welded in a bond of love which alone can unite hearts. .. The holy Mouthpieces of God are the collective centers of God. These heavenly Messengers are the real shepherds of humanity, for whenever they appear in the world they unite the scattered sheep. The collective center has always appeared in the Orient. His Holiness Abraham, His Holiness Moses, His Holiness Jesus Christ, His Holiness Muhammad were collective centers of their day and time, and all arose in the east.

Today His Holiness Baha’u’llah is the collective center of unity for all mankind and the splendor of His light has likewise dawned from the east. He founded the oneness of humanity in Persia. He established harmony and agreement among the various peoples of religious beliefs, denominations, sects and cults by freeing them from the fetters of past imitations and superstitions; leading them to the very foundation of the divine religions. From this foundation shines forth the radiance of spirituality which is unity, the love of God, the knowledge of God, praiseworthy morals and the virtues of the human world. Bahé’u’llah renewed these principles, just as the coming of spring refreshes the earth and confers new life upon all phe nomenal beings. (8)

THE PERFECT LOVE

When we observe the phenomena of the universe, we realize that the axis around which life revolves is love, while the axis around which death and destruction revolve is animosity and hatred. Let us view the mineral kingdom. Here we see that if attraction did not exist between the atoms, the composite substance of matter would

5 [Page 6]not be possible. . . This power of attraction in the mineral world is love, the only expression of love the stone can manifest... .

Finally we reach the kingdom of man. Here we find that all the degrees of mineral, vegetable and animal expressions of love are present plus unmistakable attractions of consciousness. That is to say, man is the possessor of a degree of attraction which is conscious and spiritual. Here is an immeasurable advance. In the human kingdom spiritual susceptibilities come into view, love exercises its superlative degree and this is the cause of human life. . . .

Therefore we must strive with life and soul in order that day by day unity and agreement may be increased among mankind and that love and affinity may become more resplendently glorious and manifest. (9)

There are many ways of expressing the love principle; there is love for the family, for the country, for the race, there is political enthusiasm, there is also the love of community of interest in SPVICE. = x «

The perfect love needs an unselfish instrument, absolutely freed from fetters of every kind. The love of family is limited; the tie of blood relationship is not the strongest bond. Frequently members of the same family disagree, and even hate each other. . . .

The great unselfish love for humanity is bounded by none of these _ imperfect, semi-selfish bonds; this is the one perfect love, possible to all mankind, and can only be achieved by the power of the Divine Spirit. No worldly power can accomplish the universal love. (10)

OUR REDEEMED WORLD

The body politic or the social unity of the human world may be likened to an ocean and each member, each individual a wave upon that ocean... . We must not make distinctions between individual members of the human family. We must not consider any soul as barren or deprived. Our duty lies in educating souls so that the Sun of the bestowals of God shall become resplendent in them, and this is possible through the power of the oneness of humanity. The more love is expressed among mankind and the stronger the power of unity, the greater will be this reflection. . . . Love is the source of all the bestowals of God. Until love takes possession of the heart no other divine bounty can be revealed in it. (11)

If love and agreement are manifest in a single family, that family will advance, become illumined and spiritual; but if enmity and hatred exist within it destruction and dispersion are inevitable. This

6 [Page 7]is likewise true of a city. If those who dwell within it manifest a spirit of accord and fellowship it will progress steadily and human conditions become brighter whereas through enmity and strife it will be degraded and its inhabitants scattered. In the same way the people of a nation develop and advance toward civilization and enlightenment through love and accord, and are disintegrated by war and strife. Finally, this is true of humanity itself in the aggregate. When love is realized and the ideal spiritual bonds unite the hearts of men, the whole human race will be uplifted, the world will continually grow mote spiritual and radiant and the happiness and tranquillity of mankind be immeasurably increased. Warfare and strife will be uprooted, disagreement and dissension pass away and universal peace uaite the nations and peoples of the world. (12)

The eternal honor of man depends upon the liberalism of this modern age... . Praise be to God! the medieval ages of darkness have passed away and this century of radiance has dawned,—this century wherein the reality of things is becoming evident,—wherein science is penetrating the mysteries of the universe, the oneness of the world of humanity is being established and service to mankind is the paramount motive of all existence. Shall we remain steeped in our fanaticisms and cling to our prejudices? . . . Is it not preferable to enjoy fellowship and unity; join in anthems of praise to the most high God and extol all His prophets in the spirit of acceptance and true vision? (13) Then shall the religions summon people to the oneness of the world of humanity and to universal justice; then will they proclaim equality of rights and exhort men to virtue and to faith in the loving mercy of God. (14) The human world will adapt itself to a new social form, the justice of God will become manifest through out human affairs... . The poor of the world will be rewarded and assisted fully and there will be a readjustment in the economic conditions of mankind. .. . The rich will enjoy the privilege of this new

condition as well as the poor. (15) This world will become a paradise and the promised Day of God will dawn. (16)

(List of References on following page) [Page 8]Aan num ff WwW ND

REFERENCES

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223

. Promulgation, 136

. Promulgation, 465

. Promised Day Is Come, 125 . Divine Art of Living, 107

. Promulgation, 152

. Promulgation, 153

. Promulgation, 159

9. . Wisdom of ’Abdu’l-Baha, 30

. Promulgation, 12

Promulgation, 262

. Promulgation, 136 . Promulgation, 363 . Promulgation, 95

. Promulgation, 128 . Promulgation, 364 �