Once more the world is marking the International Day of Peace on 21 September. Thus, it is timely to reflect on the progress being made, and what still needs to be done so that we may achieve peace.
There is a growing desire for peace everywhere, despite the current challenges facing humanity.
We now have, more than ever before, conditions for the establishment of peace on earth. Despite this there are still persistent barriers to peace, the most common of which are prejudices, suspicions and narrow self-interest.
In the Bahá’í view, world peace is more than just an end to war. Banning nuclear weapons, prohibiting the use of poisonous gases and germ warfare will not remove the root causes of war.
There is need for change in individual attitudes and for the creation of a universal framework to uphold peace.
To achieve global peace, we need to accept that we are one human species.
Although we differ from one another physically and emotionally, and have different talents and capacities, we all belong to the same human family.
We should not allow our differences to become a cause of division and dispute.
The Bahá’í Writings state: “Love ye all religions and all races with a love that is true and sincere and show that love through deeds and not through the tongue . . .” and “Do not allow difference of opinion, or diversity of thought to separate you from your fellowmen, or to be the cause of dispute, hatred and strife in your hearts. Rather, search diligently for the truth and make all men your friends.”
Belief in the oneness of humanity is the most important requirement for peace.
Acceptance of the oneness of the human family is not to undermine national autonomy or suppress cultural and intellectual diversity.
Rather, it is a call for a wider loyalty and subordination of national impulses and interests to the imperative needs of a unified world. Achievement of world peace requires fundamental changes in our behaviour and overcoming any prejudices that we may have.
It is important to bring our thoughts and action in line with our belief in the oneness of humanity.
“When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love,” say the Bahá’í Writings.
In addition to recognising the fundamental oneness of the human race, while valuing our diversity, we need to return to spiritual awareness and responsibility.
Peace, according to the Bahá’í Writings, “stems from an inner state supported by a spiritual or moral attitude, and it is chiefly in evoking this attitude that the possibility of enduring solutions can be found”.
Humanity is made up of individuals, and to bring any changes in human society we must begin with its members. It will also be necessary to create a universal framework to uphold peace.
) Flora Teckie is a professional architect, a Bahá’í Faith follower, and spiritual columnist.
