Daily Frameworks for 23 January 2024

Fidál, 05 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

If love and agreement are manifest in a single family, that family will advance, become illumined and spiritual; but if enmity and hatred exist within it, destruction and dispersion are inevitable. This is, likewise, true of a city. If those who dwell within it manifest a spirit of accord and fellowship, it will progress steadily and human conditions become brighter, whereas through enmity and strife it will be degraded and its inhabitants scattered. In the same way, the people of a nation develop and advance toward civilization and enlightenment through love and accord and are disintegrated by war and strife. Finally, this is true of humanity itself in the aggregate. When love is realized and the ideal spiritual bonds unite the hearts of men, the whole human race will be uplifted, the world will continually grow more spiritual and radiant and the happiness and tranquillity of mankind be immeasurably increased. Warfare and strife will be uprooted, disagreement and dissension pass away and universal peace unite the nations and peoples of the world. All mankind will dwell together as one family, blend as the waves of one sea, shine as stars of one firmament and appear as fruits of the same tree. This is the happiness and felicity of humankind. This is the illumination of man, the eternal glory and everlasting life; this is the divine bestowal. I desire this station for you, and I pray God that the people of America may achieve this great end in order that the virtue of this democracy may be ensured and their names be glorified eternally. May the confirmations of God uphold them in all things and their memories become revered throughout the East and the West. May they become the servants of the Most High God, near and dear to Him in the oneness of the heavenly Kingdom. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

What conditions must be met for universal peace to ensue? ²

Google Bard Response:

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s beautiful quote paints a powerful vision of universal peace and outlines several critical conditions for achieving it:

Individual and social transformation:

• Love and agreement: Replacing enmity and hatred with love, understanding, and cooperation at individual and community levels is crucial. This requires active choices to overcome prejudice, embrace diversity, and foster empathy towards others.
• Spiritual and moral development: Cultivating a spiritual dimension emphasizing universal values like compassion, justice, and forgiveness can provide a strong foundation for peaceful coexistence.
• Breaking down barriers: Overcoming divisions based on race, religion, nationality, or other artificial distinctions is essential for building a unified and harmonious global community.
  

Global interconnectedness and cooperation:

• Universal access to education and resources: Addressing inequalities in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities can remove potential sources of conflict and resentment.
• Effective governance and conflict resolution: Implementing fair and just governance systems and effective mechanisms for resolving disputes peacefully are essential for maintaining stability and preventing violence.
• Active pursuit of dialogue and understanding: Fostering open communication, intercultural exchange, and respectful dialogue at all levels can help bridge divides and build trust between different groups.
  

Beyond these specific conditions, the quote also highlights the importance of:

• Divine guidance and inspiration: Recognizing the role of spiritual teachings and divine grace in promoting love, unity, and peace.
• Individual responsibility and collective action: Both personal commitment to these values and collaborative efforts at local, national, and international levels are necessary for achieving universal peace.
• Hope and faith: Belief in the possibility of a more peaceful world and a willingness to work towards it are essential elements in this long-term journey.
  

Acknowledging that achieving universal peace is a complex and ongoing process is essential. There will be challenges and setbacks along the way. However, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s vision is a potent reminder that such a world is possible and ultimately desirable. By focusing on individual and societal transformation, fostering global cooperation, and embracing the values of love, understanding, and justice, we can continue to move toward a future where peace reigns and humanity thrives.

Remember, even small acts of kindness, empathy, and inclusion can contribute to a more peaceful world. Let each of us take responsibility for promoting these values in our own lives and communities, and together, we can work towards the beautiful vision of universal peace outlined in the quote.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 144-145. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/10#735878241. ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, 31. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩