Life's objective: Amassing riches?
In the realm of personal and societal growth, a shift in perspective is underway, according to the teachings of Abdu'l-Baha, the author of "The Secret of Divine Civilization". This change involves redefining success from a materialistic standpoint to one that prioritizes spiritual fulfillment and service to others.
This redefined success emphasizes a purpose-driven life, where individuals strive to fulfil God’s purposes or a higher spiritual calling, maximizing their God-given potential, and glorifying a transcendent ideal rather than personal gain. It is rooted in a spirit of excellence, where values are strictly aligned with spiritual integrity, and faith and obedience take precedence over worldly gain, much like the biblical figure Daniel.
Spiritual entrepreneurs and leaders also prioritize empathy, community well-being, and self-care for sustainable service to others. They possess a broader mission to positively transform society, motivating innovation and risk-taking for collective benefit, not just financial success. This mindset transformation cultivates an abundance mindset that views financial tools as means to create value, combined with spiritual work and trust in provision, supporting holistic success without attachment to material gain.
Prioritizing spirituality and service over material wealth can bring numerous benefits. For individuals, this shift can lead to greater fulfillment, inner peace, lasting purpose, balanced personal growth, and resilience against the emptiness or deception of mere material success. Families can also benefit, with shared values strengthening and deeper interpersonal connections rooted in faith and care. Communities, too, can flourish, with increased compassion, cooperation, social support networks, innovative solutions to communal problems, and sustainable development through collective service.
Abdu'l-Baha's teachings also remind us that it is good and commendable to progress materially, but not at the expense of spiritual progress. We should use wealth and fame for altruistic purposes, rather than neglecting our true selves and souls in the pursuit of material success. Serving humanity is one of the main purposes of our existence, alongside knowing and worshipping God, and a person will be considered successful if they spend their days fulfilling their purpose by serving humanity in any way they can, regardless of recognition or wealth.
The Baha'i teachings define the reason for our creation as to advance civilization and the arts of life. They advise us not to worry in poverty nor trust in wealth, as both are temporary. The struggle with attachment to material things, including money and fame, is shared by many, including Abdu'l-Baha himself. Happiness, according to these teachings, is achieved spiritually by participating in spiritual activities such as prayer, serving family, friends, or community, striving to improve spiritual qualities, and loving the process while letting go of the results. Ultimately, man's supreme happiness belongs to him if he fulfils his responsibilities towards society.
In conclusion, the teachings of "The Secret of Divine Civilization" offer a refreshing perspective on success, encouraging us to prioritize spiritual fulfillment and service to others. By doing so, we can foster a more sustainable, meaningful, and enriched understanding of success that nurtures not only personal well-being but also the flourishing of families and communities.
- Realigning our definition of success as taught in 'The Secret of Divine Civilization' entails prioritizing a lifestyle focused on spiritual fulfillment, emphasing personal growth to fulfill a higher spiritual calling, while fostering relationships based on service to others.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty or any other industry, spiritual entrepreneurs and leaders advocate for the importance of self-care as a means to sustain service to others, rather than prioritizing financial success or personal gain.
- Pursuing education-and-self-development according to these teachings cultivates an abundance mindset, promoting the use of financial tools for collective benefit, while integrating spiritual work and a belief in provision for holistic and sustainable personal-growth.
