O SON OF SPIRIT!
Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou wast created.~ Baha’u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words #22
We spend so much time and energy doing things that degrade our position in this world. Instead, we should funnel those efforts into the service of God—the purpose for which we were created.
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.
~ Baha’u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u'llah, p. 259
This is one of my favorite quotes because it tells us that not only are their hidden treasures within all of us, but the only way that we can see them is to first educate. By doing so, these treasures will be made available not just to the one who holds them, but to all of mankind.
Attachment to the lantern is not loving the light.
~ Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 151
Some of the most poignant Baha’i quotations are the shortest as well. This one always reminds me that we should not pay so much attention to the rituals or even the founding prophet of any religion, but instead listen to the message that particular manifestation of God was telling to the world. Too often I have seen people miss that entirely and insist on strict adherence to religious practices that were invented long after the prophet and moved on to another world. There sometimes is an insistence that being faithful is only about how we wash our hands, what we eat for dinner on Friday night, when we can drive, or what color clothing we should wear. Alas, this is but mimicry of loving others and following in the path of God.
Inasmuch as ignorance and lack of education are barriers of separation among mankind, all must receive training and instruction. Through this provision the lack of mutual understanding will be remedied and the unity of mankind furthered and advanced. Universal education is a universal law. It is, therefore, incumbent upon every father to teach and instruct his children according to his possibilities. If he is unable to educate them, the body politic, the representative of the people, must provide the means for their education.
~ Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 300
Naturally, as a teacher, I was drawn to this aspect of the Baha’i Faith. With each passing generation, the amount of knowledge that must be acquired simply in order to be a functioning member of society is growing (a concept I have written about here). Through my travels I have met people that are lacking the most basic education—adults who cannot read the most basic of childrens’ books, or cannot locate their own country on a globe, or have trouble ciphering without their fingers. Sadly, I have also seen their children continue this legacy because they are denied an education.
The Baha’i Faith supports universal education for all. In fact, it should be more than just a moral and ethical law, but a legal requirement of all government to provide this opportunity. While many do have some sort of public education in place, there are so many gaps and differences in quality of instruction and resources, in addition to those who are denied the opportunity because of their ethnicity, gender, or poverty.
Education and knowledge, or rather withholding them, have long been tools of oppressors to dominate a people. This occurred in the Antebellum United States with African slaves, but when the barriers were finally removed, African-Americans were finally able to obtain an education and the nation was able to move a step closer to unity. A similar situation is occurring in China now, as they build schools for rural and migrant students. (read more here)
It is clear that the reality of mankind is diverse, that opinions are various and sentiments different; and this difference of opinions, of thoughts, of intelligence, of sentiments among the human species arises from essential necessity; for the differences in the degrees of existence of creatures is one of the necessities of existence, which unfolds itself in infinite forms.
~ Abdu’l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 301
The Baha’is appreciate all manner of well-formed opinions. In fact, the Baha’i decision-making process, known as consultation, allows for everyone who wishes to speak to voice her or his opinion. It is necessary for these differences to exist, to be considered and to be examined. Just as there is diversity in our physical appearances, and in our abilities, God also provided with this diversity of thought. All innovations throughout history, whether they be in the form of technology, social progress, or spirituality occurred because someone had a different opinion. This is necessary for our development and progress as a species.