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BOOK 2
INTRODUCING BAHA'I BELIEFS SECTION
9:
Oneness of
humanity
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The oneness of humanity is a theme so central to the Baha'i Teachings
that you will
often want to bring it up in your conversations:
A garden in which all the plants are of the same shape and color lacks
in beauty; it is
dull and monotonous. The garden that is pleasing to the eye is one in
which flowers
of every color and fragrance grow side by side. It is the joyous
contrast of color that
gives the garden its beauty and charm. And though different, each
flower is refreshed
by the same rain and receives the warmth of the one sun. This is also
true of
humanity. It is made up of many races and colors. But all come from
the same God,
and all have the same origin. The diversity in the human family should
be the cause
of love and harmony, as it is in music; different notes blend together
to make a
perfect chord.
Unity is necessary to existence. Love is the very cause of life. In
the material world,
all things owe their existence to unity. Their elements are held
together by the law of
attraction. The law of attraction brings together certain elements in
the form of a
beautiful flower. But when that attraction is taken away, the flower
will decompose
and cease to exist. So it is with humanity. Attraction, harmony, and
unity are the
forces that hold humanity together.
Baha'u'llah has made a design for the uniting of all the peoples of
the world. We
should make every effort to draw them into this circle of unity. When
we meet
people of different races, nationalities, religions, and opinions, we
should not allow these differences to become barriers between us. We
should think of them as different colored roses growing in the beautiful garden of humanity, and be
glad to be
among them.
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Study the
above passage in your group and then mark the topics of conversation below into which it would be suitable for you to introduce the ideas
you have learned.
Discuss in your group how you would weave the ideas into the
conversation.
____ Gardening
____ Diversity
____ The beauty of nature
____ Class prejudice
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How would you respond if
someone asked you the following question: "What can
we do to help unify the peoples of the world?"
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You may
wish to memorize the following quotations so that you can refer to
them
when you speak on this subject with your friends:
"The tabernacle of unity hath been
raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch." "
"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole
earth."
"Set your faces towards unity, and let the radiance of its light shine
upon you.
Gather ye together, and for the sake of God resolve to root out
whatever is the source of contention amongst you."
'It behooveth man to adhere tenaciously unto that which will promote
fellowship, kindliness and unity." |
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