We all desire betterment in our lives. This is a common yearning, regardless of where we live in the world. We often reflect on what kind of change can bring lasting joy and fulfilment, and whether there is a higher, deeper, and a nobler purpose in life than devoting it fully to the pursuit of material aspirations.
Pursuing a higher and a nobler purpose, of course, does not mean neglecting the material aspects of life. Rather, it calls for progress in both material and spiritual aspects simultaneously, since the two are complementary and should advance together.
From a Bahá’í perspective, one of the fundamental purposes of human life is to contribute to the progress of civilization. All human beings, wrote Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Baha’i Faith, “have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization”. Each of us, therefore, has a part to play in building a united, peaceful and prosperous global society.
Living a purposeful life, with nobility, would have two aspects: the development of our individual intellectual and spiritual capacities, as well as contributing towards the betterment of society.
Education is a powerful means through which both can be achieved. However, this requires us to examine of educational approaches in the light of their contribution to individual growth, as well as to bringing about transformation in society – both essential for the creation of just, peaceful, and harmonious communities.
Bahá’u’lláh 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”.
The purpose of education should, therefore, be to discover and develop the capacities we all inherently possess, while instilling in us the commitment and discipline to serve the best interests of our communities and of humanity.
Motivation and willingness to participate in activities that benefit the whole human family is one of the most pressing needs of our time.
Through an adequate education, individuals can develop the capacity to participate in their own development and to become collaborators in the development of their communities. They can learn to uphold universal values, including an ethic of service to the common good, and to become attentive to the needs and aspirations of their communities.
Serving others must, therefore, be an integral part of education – education should not be book learning alone. When service becomes an arena in which knowledge is applied, and through which the intellect is developed, then we will consider service to humanity not only as part of education, but central to any preparation one would make for a noble and purposeful life.
An important dimension of serving humanity is contributing to peace and unity at a global level. Civilization, Bahá'u'lláh says, has reached a stage in its development where the unity of mankind has become of paramount necessity.
It should, therefore, be an important goal in our own lives to contribute to unity of humanity, upon which depends our collective well-being, peace and security. As Bahá’u’lláh states: “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established”.
* 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 those of IOL or National Media Group.