world peace
War or Peace
Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith in the mid-19th century declared that humanity has moved through stages in its collective development which are analogous to the periods of infancy, childhood, and adolescence in the lives of its individual members. It is now entering the period of its collective maturity. Fundamental to the challenge of maturity is for all the peoples of the world to embrace the consciousness of their oneness as a single human family whose homeland is the earth itself and to establish the Most Great Peace.
“All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth.”(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 214)
“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...It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 248)
“Today there is no greater glory for man than that of service in the cause of the Most Great Peace. Peace is light, whereas war is darkness. Peace is life; war is death. Peace is guidance; war is error. Peace is the foundation of God; war is a satanic institution. Peace is the illumination of the world of humanity; war is the destroyer of human foundations. When we consider outcomes in the world of existence, we find that peace and fellowship are factors of up building and betterment, whereas war and strife are the causes of destruction and disintegration. All created things are expressions of the affinity and cohesion of elementary substances, and nonexistence is the absence of their attraction and agreement. Various elements unite harmoniously in composition, but when these elements become discordant, repelling each other, decomposition and nonexistence result. Everything partakes of this nature and is subject to this principle, for the creative foundation in all its degrees and kingdoms is an expression or outcome of love.” (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 123
Peace is Inevitable
Baha’u’llah prophesised that establishment of the world Peace is the next stage of human development and its inevitable destiny.
“..These fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come.... These strifes and this bloodshed and discord must cease, and all men be as one kindred and one family.... Let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that he loves his kind....” (Baha'u'llah, The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah, p. viii)
“All nations will become one; all religions will be unified; all individual men will become of one family and of one kindred.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 39)
“In this present cycle there will be an evolution in civilization unparalleled in the history of the world. The world of humanity has, heretofore, been in the stage of infancy; now it is approaching maturity. Just as the individual human organism, having attained the period of maturity, reaches its fullest degree of physical strength and ripened intellectual faculties so that in one year of this ripened period there is witnessed an unprecedented measure of development, likewise the world of humanity in this cycle of its completeness and consummation will realize an immeasurable upward progress…”. (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 37)
Reasons for Persisting wars and hatreds
So why are we still experiencing these ruinous wars and hatreds?
“Present world chaos, exhibiting the impetuosity, follies, rebelliousness characteristic of humanity's adolescent stage of development, and harbinger of the long-promised Golden Age of the maturity of the human race….” (Shoghi Effendi, Messages to America, p. 43)
“As we view the world around us, we are compelled to observe the manifold evidences of that universal fermentation which, in every continent of the globe and in every department of human life, be it religious, social, economic or political, is purging and reshaping humanity in anticipation of the Day when the wholeness of the human race will have been recognized and its unity established. A twofold process, however, can be distinguished, each tending, in its own way and with an accelerated momentum, to bring to a climax the forces that are transforming the face of our planet. The first is essentially an integrating process, while the second is fundamentally disruptive.” (Shoghi Effendi- Compilations, The Compilation of Compilations vol II, p. 288)
Principles upon which Peace could be established
Establishing peace is not simply a matter of signing treaties and protocols; it is a complex task requiring a new level of commitment to resolving issues not customarily associated with the pursuit of peace. Amongst them:
Universal acceptance of the spiritual principle of the oneness of humankind and Unity of human race is essential to any successful attempt to establish world peace.
“The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.” (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 286)
“Consider: Unity is necessary to existence. Love is the very cause of life; on the other hand, separation brings death. In the world of material creation, for instance, all things owe their actual life to unity. The elements which compose wood, mineral, or stone, are held together by the law of attraction. If this law should cease for one moment to operate these elements would not hold together, they would fall apart, and the object would in that particular form cease to exist. The law of attraction has brought together certain elements in the form of this beautiful flower, but when that attraction is withdrawn from this centre the flower will decompose, and, as a flower, cease to exist.
So it is with the great body of humanity. The wonderful Law of Attraction, Harmony and Unity, holds together this marvellous Creation.
As with the whole, so with the parts; whether a flower or a human body, when the attracting principle is withdrawn from it, the flower or the man dies. It is therefore clear that attraction, harmony, unity and Love, are the cause of life, whereas repulsion, discord, hatred and separation bring death.
We have seen that whatever brings division into the world of existence causes death. Likewise in the world of the spirit does the same law operate.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 138)
“The most important principle of divine philosophy is the oneness of the world of humanity, the unity of mankind, the bond conjoining East and West, the tie of love which blends human hearts.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 49)
Abolishment of all form of Prejudices
Racism and Fanaticism is crucial as they are major barriers to peace and tranquillity of human race.
“Religious fanaticism and hatred are a world-devouring fire..” (Baha'u'llah, E to the S the W, p. 13)
“All prejudices, whether of religion, race, politics or nation, must be renounced, for these prejudices have caused the world's sickness. It is a grave malady which, unless arrested, is capable of causing the destruction of the whole human race. Every ruinous war, with its terrible bloodshed and misery, has been caused by one or other of these prejudices.
The deplorable wars going on in these days are caused by the fanatical religious hatred of one people for another, or the prejudices of race or colour.
Until all these barriers erected by prejudice are swept away, it is not possible for humanity to be at peace. For this reason Baha’u’llah has said, 'These Prejudices are destructive to mankind'.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 146)
“Let us look rather at the beauty in diversity, the beauty of harmony, and learn a lesson from the vegetable creation. If you beheld a garden in which all the plants were the same as to form, colour and perfume, it would not seem beautiful to you at all, but, rather, monotonous and dull. The garden which is pleasing to the eye and which makes the heart glad, is the garden in which are growing side by side flowers of every hue, form and perfume, and the joyous contrast of colour is what makes for charm and beauty. So is it with trees. An orchard full of fruit trees is a delight; so is a plantation planted with many species of shrubs. It is just the diversity and variety that constitutes its charm; each flower, each tree, each fruit, besides being beautiful in itself, brings out by contrast the qualities of the others, and shows to advantage the special loveliness of each and all.
Thus should it be among the children of men! The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord. If you meet those of different race and colour from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness. Think of them as different coloured roses growing in the beautiful garden of humanity, and rejoice to be among them.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 51)
Religion should be the cause of Unity
“O ye children of men! The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men. Suffer it not to become a source of dissension and discord, of hate and enmity.” (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 215)
“Religion should unite all hearts and cause wars and disputes to vanish from the face of the earth, give birth to spirituality, and bring life and light to each heart. If religion becomes a cause of dislike, hatred and division, it were better to be without it, and to withdraw from such a religion would be a truly religious act. For it is clear that the purpose of a remedy is to cure; but if the remedy should only aggravate the complaint it had better be left alone. Any religion which is not a cause of love and unity is no religion.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 130)
The emancipation of women, the achievement of full equality of the sexes, is one of the most important, though less acknowledged, prerequisites of peace.
“Another fact of equal importance in bringing about international peace is woman's suffrage. That is to say, when perfect equality shall be established between men and women, peace may be realized…” (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 167)
“As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities, so long will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirs.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 133)
“The world of humanity has two wings -- one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 288)
The excessive inequality between rich and poor keeps the world in a state of instability, preventing the achievement of peace.
“The arrangements of the circumstances of the people must be such that poverty shall disappear, that everyone, as far as possible, according to his rank and position, shall share in comfort and well-being.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 151)
“When we see poverty allowed to reach a condition of starvation it is a sure sign that somewhere we shall find tyranny. Men must bestir themselves in this matter, and no longer delay in altering conditions which bring the misery of grinding poverty to a very large number of the people.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 153)
“It is important to limit riches, as it is also of importance to limit poverty. Either extreme is not good. If it be right for a capitalist to possess a large fortune, it is equally just that his workman should have a sufficient means of existence.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 153)
Harmony of Science and Religion
“Religion and Science are inter-twined with each other and cannot be separated. Every religion which does not concern itself with Science is mere tradition, and that is not the essential. Therefore science, education and civilization are most important necessities for the full religious life.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 28)
“Religion and science are the two wings upon which man's intelligence can soar into the heights, with which the human soul can progress. It is not possible to fly with one wing alone! Should a man try to fly with the wing of religion alone he would quickly fall into the quagmire of superstition, whilst on the other hand, with the wing of science alone he would also make no progress, but fall into the despairing slough of materialism.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 142)
In the following Shoghi Effendi highlighted the essential principals proclaimed by Baha’u’llah for the establishment of peaceful society:
"The Bahá'í Faith recognizes the unity of God of His Prophets, upholds the principle of an unfettered search after truth, condemns all forms of superstition and prejudice, teaches that the fundamental purpose of religion is to promote concord and harmony, that it must go hand-in-hand with science.. It inculcates the principle of equal opportunity, rights and privileges for both sexes, advocates compulsory education, abolishes extremes of poverty and wealth, exalts work performed in the spirit of service to the rank of worship, and recommends the adoption of an auxiliary international language...." - Shoghi Effendi.
Individual responsibilities
If the human race is to meet the challenge of establishing world peace and Unity, the spiritual energy latent in each and every one of us must be released and directed to this noble task.
“O people of God! Do not busy yourselves in your own concerns; let your thoughts be fixed upon that which will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify the hearts and souls of men. This can best be achieved through pure and holy deeds, through a virtuous life and a goodly behaviour. Valiant acts will ensure the triumph of this Cause, and a saintly character will reinforce its power.” (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 93)
“Each human creature has individual endowment, power and responsibility in the creative plan of God.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 76)
But what can one simple individual do to accelerate the process of World Unity and world Peace?
“Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the earth, that haply the dissensions that divide it may, through the power of the Most Great Name, be blotted out from its face, and all mankind become the upholders of one Order, and the inhabitants of one City....” (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 333)
“…peace must first be established among individuals, until it leadeth in the end to peace among nations. Wherefore, O ye Baha’is, strive ye with all your might to create, through the power of the Word of God, genuine love, spiritual communion and durable bonds among individuals. This is your task.” (Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 246.)
“What profit is there in agreeing that universal friendship is good, and talking of the solidarity of the human race as a grand ideal? Unless these thoughts are translated into the world of action, they are useless.
The wrong in the world continues to exist just because people talk only of their ideals, and do not strive to put them into practice. If actions took the place of words, the world's misery would very soon be changed into comfort.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 16)
“Do not think the peace of the world an ideal impossible to attain! Nothing is impossible to the Divine Benevolence of God. If you desire with all your heart, friendship with every race on earth, your thought, spiritual and positive, will spread; it will become the desire of others, growing stronger and stronger, until it reaches the minds of all men.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 29)
“Serve ye for the promotion of peace and concord and establish in this transitory world the foundation of friendship, fidelity, reconciliation and truthfulness.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v1, p. 43)
“We perceive in what numerous ways man has been able to bend the powers of nature to his will.
God gave this power to man that it might be used for the advancement of civilization, for the good of humanity, to increase love and concord and peace.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 42)
"The honour and distinction of the individual consist in this, that he among all the world's multitudes should become a source of social good. Is any larger bounty conceivable than this, that an individual, looking within himself, should find that by the confirming grace of God he has become the cause of peace and well-being, of happiness and advantage to his fellow men? No, by the one true God, there is no greater bliss, no more complete delight." (Abdu’l-Baha, Secret of Divine Civilization , pp. 2-3.)
“Do ye not look upon the beginning of the affairs; attach your hearts to the ends and results. The present period is like unto the sowing time. Undoubtedly it is impregnated with perils and difficulties, but in the future many a harvest shall be gathered and benefits and results will become apparent. When one considers the issue and the end, exhaustless joy and happiness will dawn.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v2, p. 264)
“Every meeting which is organized for the purpose of unity and concord will be conducive to changing strangers into friends, enemies into associates, and Abdul-Baha will be present in his heart and soul with that meeting.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v3, p. 553)