AS IN A ROSE GARDEN, WE MUST CULTIVATE THE GOOD AND WEED OUT THE BAD

All holy scriptures offer thought-provoking ideals. Wading through the ocean of revelation that flowed from the pen of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i faith, one comes across a sentence that offers the panacea for the ills of the world: “In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love”. This simple injunction, that no rational mind or unbiased heart can oppose, provides the easiest remedy to all social, economic, and political problems that keep nations at logger-heads.

Rose gardens do not grow in the wild. They are cultivated. The plants are watered and manured. Unwanted growth and wild weeds are removed, rose bushes are trimmed and nurtured until flowers blossom. And when in full bloom, a grand vista of hues and fragrances present the wonder of nature.

This is precisely what Baha’u’llah enjoins on all the people – to remove from their hearts the weeds of prejudices, the animosity of race, the hostility of religion, culture, and ethnicity. If the people of the world became true rose lovers, their diversity would be as pleasing as a rose garden.

The deepest chasms that divide mankind are bridged when we adopt the analogy of the rose garden. Planet earth can become a rose garden of harmony – the destined Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam promised in holy scriptures. Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers. The views expressed are personal

Innervoice@hindustantimes.com

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