Values in Harmony - University of St Andrews

THE GOLDEN RULE:“He must not wish for anyone that which he doth not wish for himself, nor speakthat which he would not bear to hear spoken by another, nor yet desire for anysoul that which he would not have desired for himself.”(Baha’u’llah, Gems of Divine Mysteries, p. 62)INTRODUCTIONThe Bahá’í faith is the youngest and second most widespread of the world’s religions. Foundedin 1844 in Iran by the prophet/founder known as Bahá’u’lláh (Glory of God) 1817 -1892; themain teaching of the Bahá’í Faith is Unity. This can be seen in its core precepts; One God,One Mankind and the essential Oneness of Religion.Oneness of God“He is a true believer in Divine unity who, …………refuseth to allow any notion of multiplicityto becloud his conception of the singleness of God.”(Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. 166)Oneness of Mankind“The most urgent requisite of mankind is the declaration of the oneness of the world ofhumanity ….”(Abdu’l-Bahá, Divine Philosophy, p. 45)Oneness of religion“May fanaticism and religious bigotry be unknown, all humanity enter the bond of brotherhood,souls consort in perfect agreement, the nations of earth at last hoist the banner of truth and thereligions of the world enter the divine temple of oneness, for the foundations of the heavenlyreligions are one reality”(Compilations, Baha’i World Faith, p. 256)Bahá’í beliefs are expressed in their commitment to initiatives that promote unity and encouragesocial cohesion, work for which they have been praised by the UN and the United Kingdomgovernment.Examples of this work are found in Bahá’í communities around the world and throughoutits history. Today Bahá’ís host devotional meetings, community and personal spiritualdevelopment study circles for all ages, and diverse activities for children and young people.These activities are open for anyone to attend.Baha’i’s invite all who are serious about the unity of the world to look at the example of theinternational Bahá’í community that has been described as one of the most culturally andethnically diverse organised bodies on the planet: a community that belies the widespreadnotion that unity is impossible and mankind is predisposed to division.The Bahá’í view of religions is a positive one based on their true nature and purpose.“..the purpose of religion is the acquisition of praiseworthy virtues, betterment of morals,spiritual development of mankind, the real life and divine bestowals. All the prophets havebeen the promoters of these principles; none of them has been the promoter of corruption,vice or evil. They have summoned mankind to all good. They have united people in the loveAdjacent photo: Shrine of the Bab, Haifa, Israel - Copyright Baha’i International Community15