Strive for unity in diversity
RECONCILIATION between races, religions and nations demands a new mindset and orientation. We need to go beyond the adversarial relationships that characterise many societies.
The unity that must be at the basis of creating a peaceful and just social order, in the Baháí view, is a unity that embraces and honours diversity. We need to recognise that it is the differences in the human family that make the world a beautiful place.
Differences are apparent throughout nature. A beautiful garden is normally made of flowers of variety colours, charm and beauty. Likewise, the variety of colour and culture enriches the world of humanity.
According to the Baháí Writings: “The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord… If you meet those of different race and colour from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw… into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness. Think of them as different coloured roses growing in the beautiful garden of humanity, and rejoice to be among them.”
Religion has the power to motivate to awaken in populations capacities to love, forgive, overcome prejudice, sacrifice for the common good and discipline the impulses of animal instinct. If religion is to help in meeting the diverse challenges facing humanity, it must be a cause of unity, free from fanaticism, prejudice and animosity.
The Baháí 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.”
Only by valuing our differences and the cultural characteristics of various groups in our societies can we achieve unity in diversity. Acceptance of the concept of unity in diversity implies the development of a global consciousness and a love for humanity.
Each individual needs to understand that each member of the human race is born into the world as a trust of the whole. And what is advantageous for part of a global society is best served by promoting the advantage of the whole.
Achievement of unity in diversity calls for changes in all aspects of behaviour – individual, interpersonal, corporate, and international; and by overcoming racism, and prejudice.
Advances in human knowledge have brought about a greater interdependence between nations. The central task is to lay the foundations of a global society that can reflect the oneness of humanity. Creating a universal culture of collaboration and conciliation will require belief in the oneness of mankind, and return to spiritual awareness and responsibility.
Oneness and diversity are complementary and inseparable. It is not by suppression of differences that one will arrive at unity, but rather, by an increased awareness of, and respect for the values of each race, culture, religion and individual.
The natural diversity of temperament and talents among individuals as well as humanity’s varied and rich experiences, cultures and viewpoints contribute to the human family’s progress and well-being. The immense wealth of cultural diversity achieved over thousands of years is vital to the development of the human race. It represents a heritage that enriches us all and that must be permitted to bear its fruit in a global civilisation. Teckie is an architect who writes about socially pertinent issues.