The best way of arriving at this global vision and achieving commonly-held values across the world is through education.  What is needed is a world programme of education that fosters in all the peoples of the world an understanding of the underlying unity and inter-dependence of the world and an appreciation of the rich diversity of its cultures.

~ Dr. Moojan Momen, Baha’i Focus on Development

Education is the answer to many of the world’s problems.  By learning not just academic skills, but also about the diversity that is us—humans, we can improve our whole society and learn from each other as we learn how much we rely on each other.  So many things we do affect each other, i.e. buying products made in a certain country, supporting a war in another country, the environmental effects of not recycling a product or of burning rain forest to clear it for farm land to raise the beef that will be made into hamburgers for consumption in another part of the world.  If we were able to realize how we are related, and that we are all one culture, with the same values, then maybe we could address these issues through a global vision, but the first step is to ensure education for all.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s personal wants were few. He worked late and early. Two simple meals a day sufficed Him. His wardrobe consisted of a very few garments of inexpensive material. He could not bear to live in luxury while others were in want. He had a great love for children, for flowers, and for the beauties of nature.

~ Dr. J.E. Esslemont, Baha’u'llah and the New Era, p. 57

Abdu’l-Baha seems to have been a very simple man but entrusted with a sever responsibility to carry forth the message of his father’s message from God.  I very much appreciate this passage that illustrates how he was able to live with such basic means.  No extravagant meals or clothes were necessary for someone who knew the poverty that others must live in.  He had many followers and was greatly respected.  Anything he could have wished for in his personal life would have been provided, yet the things he most wished for–the end of prejudices, universal education for all, religious tolerance–were not to be seen.

You can see the full text of the poem here.  Unfortunately, the sound quality is not great in this video, but it is wonderful on the CD, which you can purchase here.

By detachment is not meant, however, that we should force ourselves to endure excessive deprivations.  On the contrary, Baha’u’llah assures us that it is perfectly acceptable to enjoy the things of this world, as long as we remember God and follow His teachings.

Nor does detachment imply that we should not be concerned with the affairs of the world.  Rather, we should devote ourselves to the betterment of humanity and service to others.

~ Kenneth E. Bowers, God Speaks Again: An Introduction to the Baha’i Faith, p. 116

Detachment is one of my favorite topics.  When I was growing I had a hard time with the concept that it was acceptable to have possessions as long as you did not allow them to rule your life.  Not until I was adult did I finally put it together that there is a difference between me owning something and allowing it to own me.  Detachment from the things of this world does not mean that we must live a monastic lifestyle without modern conveniences and even luxuries such as cell phones, fancy clothes, or a dishwasher (haven’t had one in years myself).  But, it does mean that we must not allow our temptation for such items to rule our lives and influence our decisions.

Detachment is not necessarily piety, but it is a different way of thinking that requires us to put the needs of humanity above our selfishness.  By serving others instead of ourselves, we can become detached from our desires and become closer to God.

When the light of Bahá’u'lláh dawned from the East, He proclaimed the promise of the oneness of humanity. He addressed all mankind saying: “Ye are all fruits of one tree. There are not two trees, one a tree of divine mercy, the other a tree of Satan.” … Therefore we must exercise the utmost love toward one another. We must not consider any people the people of Satan, but know and recognize all as servants of one God. At most it is this: some do not know, they must be guided and trained. … Some are ignorant, they must be informed. Some are as children, they must be helped to reach maturity. Some are ailing, their moral condition is bad, they must be treated until their morals are purified. But the sick man is not to be hated because he is sick; the child must not be shunned because he is a child, the ignorant one is not to be despised because he lacks knowledge. They must be treated, educated, trained and assisted in love. Everything must be done in order that all humanity may live under the shadow of God in the utmost security, in happiness of the highest type.

~ Dr. J.E. Esslemont, Baha’u'llah and the New Era, p. 159

Esslemont was (posthumously) appointed as the first Hand of the Cause by Shoghi Effendi and wrote an excellent book to introduce the Faith.  This passage from that book should remind us all that we come from the same God.  Some may not have heard of Baha’u’llah or may not be ready to accept his station as the Manifestation of God for this era.  Just like a child matures in his thinking as he grows older and gains an education, he will progress in his spiritual maturity by becoming more educated about the oneness of humanity.