THE Bahá'í Faith defines a purposeful life as one consisting of intellectual and spiritual development as key ingredients, as well as actions or work contributing positively to society.
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We often reflect on the purpose of life, and wonder what kind of change can bring fulfilment and lasting joy in our lives.
A happy, fulfilling, and purposeful life would have two aspects: our individual intellectual and spiritual development, and contributing towards the betterment of society. A powerful tool that would contribute towards a purposeful life is education.
Regarding the importance of having both intellectual and spiritual education, the Bahá’í Writings state: “Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive to its exaltation. Knowledge is as wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent”, and that “education … in order to be adequate and fruitful should be comprehensive in nature and should take into consideration not only the physical and the intellectual side of man but also his spiritual and ethical aspects”. And it should cultivate behaviours characterised by decency, integrity of conduct, trustworthiness, and freedom from prejudice.
A noble, fulfilling and purposeful life is a result of progressing materially and spiritually, together and simultaneously.
The second aspect of a purposeful and fulfilling life is to contribute to the betterment of our communities, and to work towards building a better and peaceful world.
In this regard, Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, states that: “the purpose for which mortal men have, from utter nothingness, stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony”.
Motivation and willingness to get involved in activities intended to benefit everyone in our communities is one of the most pressing needs today. It is through service that the essential principles of social integration – including compassion, understanding, sacrifice, humility, and commitment to justice – can be manifested in our communities. In addition to the positive results for those helped, serving humanity – with pure intentions – also immensely enriches our own lives.
The Bahá’í Writings state: “… is there any deed in the world that would be nobler than service to the common good? Is there any greater blessing conceivable for a man, than that he should become the cause of the education, the development, the prosperity and honour of his fellow-creatures? No, by the Lord God! The highest righteousness of all is for blessed souls to take hold of the hands of the helpless … and with pure motives, and only for the sake of God, to arise and energetically devote themselves to the service of the masses, forgetting their own worldly advantage and working only to serve the general good”.
Serving others should not be motivated by the hope of reward or recognition. This impulse should be motivated by the love of God. A life of service to humanity requires humility and detachment.
Emphasising the importance of serving humanity, the Bahá’í Writings say: “the honour and distinction of the individual” consist in being “a source of social good”.
For feedback please contact: tshwane@bahai.org.za; or call 076 582 3879
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