Moral and spiritual principles can help transform society. The writer explains the essential elements required in building a framework of morality that promotes unity and individual growth.
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Making the world a better place starts with each one of us. “The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct”, state the Bahá’í Writings.
In our world today, a main reason for widespread unhappiness, social conflicts, and crises is that humanity has turned away from moral and spiritual principles.
Moral maturity comes from spiritual awareness, and the moral code that has the transformative power for action originates from the guidance given to us by the Almighty Creator.
The Bahá’í Writings say, “… the foundation of success and salvation is the knowledge of God, and that the results of the knowledge of God are the good actions which are the fruits of faith” and that “It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action”.
What are some elements for a framework for morality and moral education relevant to our world today?
A moral person must have a strong sense of purpose. Goodness defined in passive terms – to mind one’s own business and not to harm anyone – is not adequate. One should be consciously and actively engaged in performing actions that promote both individual and social transformation.
Humanity has passed through various stages in its development and is currently approaching its stage of maturity. Attitudes, thoughts and habits of childhood are not adequate for the age of maturity. The turbulence and the upheavals that prevail in society today are characteristics of adolescence – which is a period of transition. Our challenge today is to leave behind such attitudes and habits.
In the Bahá’í view, a new set of moral standards must lead to the unification of humanity, and focus on the emergence of a world civilisation. It has to take into account that our well-being, peace, and security will depend on our unity as humanity. As Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, says: “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established”.
Prejudice and sectarianism lead to various anti-social attitudes, which undermine the social and spiritual well-being, not just of others, but also our own.
Bahá’u’lláh further states: “Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self”, and “That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. … Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth”.
The development of our moral and spiritual qualities is central to our spiritual life. The cultivation of such qualities is achievable through an ongoing effort to refine our conduct.
Various factors contribute to the development of our moral and spiritual qualities. Among them are prayer, reflection, willingness to learn, and constant daily effort. Serving humanity is another factor that contributes to our spiritual growth and development.
Our challenge, then, is not a lack of belief, but to live by it, with an unwavering commitment to individual and collective transformation.
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