The Bahá’í view of education can lead to a fulfilling life, fostering individual growth and community betterment, says the writer.
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We often reflect on the purpose of our lives, and wonder what kind of change can bring fulfilment and lasting joy in life.
In the Bahá’í view, a fulfilling and purposeful life would have two aspects: our individual intellectual and spiritual development as well as contributing towards the betterment of our communities.
A powerful tool that can contribute towards the fulfilment of our life’s purpose is education. However, there is a need to examine the currently-practiced educational approach in the light of its contribution to individual growth, as well as bringing about transformation in society – which are requirements for creating just, peaceful, and harmonious communities.
Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, compares human beings to a mine containing many hidden jewels, waiting to be discovered. He says: “Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom”.
Thus, the purpose of education must be the discovery and development of the potential capacities we all inherently have, and to instil a commitment and discipline to serve the best interests of our communities and humanity. Motivation and willingness to get involved in activities intended to benefit the whole human family is one of the most pressing needs of today.
Education, of course, should not be defined in terms of book learning alone. Once we start seeing service to others as an arena in which knowledge is applied, and through which the intellect is developed, then we will consider service to others not only as part of education, but central to any preparation children would make for their future.
Through service, the essential principles of social integration – including compassion, understanding, sacrifice, humility, and commitment to justice – are manifested in society. The Bahá’í Writings emphasize the importance of serving humanity, noting that “the honour and distinction of the individual” consist in being “a source of social good”.
With adequate education children can develop the capacity to participate in their own development and be collaborators in the development of our communities. They can learn from young ages to follow universal values, including an ethic of service to the common good, and to focus on needs and aspirations of their local community.
An important element of serving humanity is promoting peace and unity at a global level. Civilization has evolved to the point where unity of humanity has become of paramount necessity. Therefore, it is an important goal or purpose of life to work towards the unity for humanity, upon which depends our well-being, peace and security. As Bahá’u’lláh says: “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established”.
Bahá’u’lláh further 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”.
* For feedback please contact: secretary.nsa@bahai.org.za or (011) 801 3100
* Websites: www.bahai.org, www.bahai.org.za
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.