It is the beginning of a new year that brings with it new thoughts, new ideas and new aspirations for us all. A new year is often associated with resolutions on how to change our material lives for the better. Should it not also be a time for new and noble resolutions on how to transform our spiritual lives and the society we live in?
Spiritual transformation, in the Bahá’í faith’s view, is the basis for lasting improvements in our lives and central in our approach to social change. However, our contemporary world is often ruled by materialistic values and standards. People equate success in the course of their lives with materialistic outcomes.
This is not to say material means are not important. However, it is not in the nature of the human being to be a material being alone, just as it is not in the nature of the human being to want to live in poverty thinking of the spiritual worlds only. Lasting joy, peace and prosperity will result from material achievements reinforced by spiritual perfections.
Through the acquisition of spiritual virtues, the individual and society can be transformed. “The profound and far-reaching changes, the unity and unprecedented co-operation” according to the Bahá’í International Community, “will only be possible by touching the human spirit, by appealing to those universal values which alone can empower individuals and peoples to act in accordance with the long- term interests of the planet and humanity as a whole. Once tapped, this powerful and dynamic source of individual and collective motivation will release such a profound and salutary spirit among the peoples of the earth that no power will be able to resist its unifying force.”
In order to build moral capacity, there is a crucial need for spiritual education. It is through spiritual education that we are directed to use the knowledge, tools and means acquired through intellectual education, for the advantage of humanity.
Such education should encourage unity in diversity. It should be free of all forms of prejudice whether religious, national, cultural, gender-based, racial or class or creed or ethnic background. It should cultivate mutual tolerance, love, brotherhood, compassion, understanding, the peaceful resolution of conflicts and respect for ethical values of others.
As we set noble resolutions for the New Year we need to have the determination and perseverance to carry them into action.
Of course, no one walking in the spiritual path may make a claim to perfection. But, through a daily effort, we can progressively reflect in our conduct the teachings of God, no matter how difficult to attain they may seem to be. As Bahá’u’lláh counsels: “Let each morn be better than its eve and each morrow richer than its yesterday.”
For feedback please contact: tshwane@bahai.org.za, or call 083 794 0819
Websites: www.bahai.org, www.bahai.org.za
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