Daily Frameworks for 27 January 2024

Jalál, 09 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 180 B.E.

Arising to Serve

Quote for Reflection:

True civilization will unfurl its banner in the midmost heart of the world whenever a certain number of its distinguished and high-minded sovereigns—the shining exemplars of devotion and determination—shall, for the good and happiness of all mankind, arise, with firm resolve and clear vision, to establish the Cause of Universal Peace. They must make the Cause of Peace the object of general consultation, and seek by every means in their power to establish a Union of the nations of the world. They must conclude a binding treaty and establish a covenant, the provisions of which shall be sound, inviolable and definite. They must proclaim it to all the world and obtain for it the sanction of all the human race. This supreme and noble undertaking—the real source of the peace and well-being of all the world—should be regarded as sacred by all that dwell on earth. All the forces of humanity must be mobilized to ensure the stability and permanence of this Most Great Covenant. In this all-embracing Pact the limits and frontiers of each and every nation should be clearly fixed, the principles underlying the relations of governments towards one another definitely laid down, and all international agreements and obligations ascertained. In like manner, the size of the armaments of every government should be strictly limited, for if the preparations for war and the military forces of any nation should be allowed to increase, they will arouse the suspicion of others. The fundamental principle underlying this solemn Pact should be so fixed that if any government later violate any one of its provisions, all the governments on earth should arise to reduce it to utter submission, nay the human race as a whole should resolve, with every power at its disposal, to destroy that government. Should this greatest of all remedies be applied to the sick body of the world, it will assuredly recover from its ills and will remain eternally safe and secure. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

What has God promised in His eternal Covenant with humanity? ²

Google Bard Response:

In the quoted passage by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the concept of God’s “eternal Covenant” with humanity takes on a specific, practical form centered around establishing a Universal Peace through a Most Great Covenant between the world’s leaders. The promises contained within this covenant revolve around the following key elements:

• Global Collaboration and Consensus: God’s promise lies in the possibility of human beings coming together in the “midmost heart of the world” to actively pursue peace. This requires a critical mass of “distinguished and high-minded sovereigns” with a shared vision and commitment to transcend individual interests and work for the “good and happiness of all mankind.”
  
• A Binding Treaty and Covenant: The promise lies in establishing a concrete “binding treaty” and “covenant” with “sound, inviolable and definite” provisions. This ensures a clear framework for peaceful coexistence, laying out all nations’ responsibilities, boundaries, and limitations.
  
• Universal Recognition and Enforcement: The promise lies in the global embrace of this covenant, gaining “the sanction of all the human race.” This implies widespread recognition and commitment to upholding its principles by all nations and individuals.
  
• Stability and Sustainability: The promise lies in establishing a system that guarantees the “stability and permanence” of this Most Great Covenant. This necessitates mobilizing “all the forces of humanity” to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.
  
• Defined Parameters and Limitations: The promise lies in setting “clearly fixed” borders, “definitely laid down” principles for diplomatic relations, and transparent “international agreements and obligations.” This fosters transparency, minimizes the potential for conflict, and promotes respect for individual sovereignty within a unified global framework.
  
• Balanced Military Power and Trust: The promise lies in establishing “strict limits” on national armaments. This creates a balance of power and reduces suspicion between nations, lessening the potential for military escalation.
  
• Collective Accountability and Enforcement: The promise lies in a robust system of accountability, where violating the covenant triggers unified opposition from “all the governments on earth” and potentially “the human race as a whole.” This is a strong deterrent against unilateral aggression and ensures collective responsibility for maintaining peace.
  
• Global Healing and Well-being: The ultimate promise of God’s covenant, through the Most Great Covenant, lies in the potential for “eternal safety and security” for the world. It envisions a world free from the “ills” of war and conflict, where humanity can thrive in peace and harmony.
  

It’s important to note that this interpretation of God’s covenant, as presented by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, focuses on a specific, human-driven initiative toward achieving universal peace. Other theological or religious perspectives might offer different understandings of God’s covenant with humanity.

Whether interpreted literally or metaphorically, this vision of a unified world working towards peace is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility for achieving a better future. The promises outlined in the Most Great Covenant, although challenging to implement, serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action for all individuals and institutions who strive for a world free from conflict and suffering.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Secret of Divine Civilization. Translated by Marzieh Gail. 2nd Edition. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1970, 64-65. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/secret-divine-civilization/3#605810522. ↩
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, 39. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩