Baháʼí teachings

The Bahá'í teachings represent a considerable number of theological, social, and spiritual ideas that were established in the Bahá'í Faith by its central figures. They are regarded by Bahá'ís as the teachings revealed by God for all mankind.

Overview

The most prominent and distinctive principles in the Bahá'í teachings are Love and Unity, which are exemplified by the Golden rule, and the Three Onenesses.

Summary

Shoghi Effendi wrote the following summary of what he considered to be the distinguishing principles of Bahá'u'lláh's teachings, which, he said, together with the laws and ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas constitute the bed-rock of the Bahá'í Faith:

"The independent search after truth, unfettered by superstition or tradition; the oneness of the entire human race, the pivotal principle and fundamental doctrine of the Faith; the basic unity of all religions; the condemnation of all forms of prejudice, whether religious, racial, class or national; the harmony which must exist between religion and science; the equality of men and women, the two wings on which the bird of human kind is able to soar; the introduction of compulsory education; the adoption of a universal auxiliary language; the abolition of the extremes of wealth and poverty; the institution of a world tribunal for the adjudication of disputes between nations; the exaltation of work, performed in the spirit of service, to the rank of worship; the glorification of justice as the ruling principle in human society, and of religion as a bulwark for the protection of all peoples and nations; and the establishment of a permanent and universal peace as the supreme goal of all mankind—these stand out as the essential elements [which Bahá'u'lláh proclaimed]."

God Passes By, p. 281

Social Principles

The following 12 "principles" are frequently listed as a quick summary of the Bahá'í teachings. They are derived from transcripts of speeches given by `Abdu'l-Bahá during his tour of Europe and North America in 1912. The list is not authoritative and a variety of such lists circulate.

• The Oneness of God
• The Oneness of religion
• The Oneness of mankind
• Equality of women and men
• Elimination of all forms of prejudice
• World peace
• Harmony of religion and science
• Independent investigation of truth
• The need for universal compulsory education
• The need for a universal auxiliary language
• Obedience to government and non-involvement in politics
• Elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty

The first three of this list are commonly referred to as the Three Onenesses, and form a fundamental part of Bahá'í beliefs.

Mystical Teachings

The purpose of human life, say Bahá'ís, is spiritual growth. This is conceived almost as an organic process, like the development of a fetus, and continues after death. Rather than a heaven and hell strictly speaking (or reincarnation, for that matter), Bahá'ís teach an afterlife in which the soul may progress infinitely through ever-more-exalted spiritual realms, towards what Buddhists call Nirvana.

Bahá'ís believe that while God's essence can never be fully fathomed, he can be understood through his "names and attributes." These are likened to gems and include such divine qualities as compassion or wisdom. Education (especially of a spiritual nature) reveals the divine gems which God has placed within our souls.

Bahá'u'lláh's Hidden Words, The Seven Valleys, and The Four Valleys are favorite mystical texts. Bahá'í spirituality tends to consist of textual study, prayer, and recitation. Monasticism is forbidden, and Bahá'ís attempt to ground their spirituality in ordinary daily life. Performing useful work, for example, is not only required but considered a form of worship.

Excerpts from the Bahá'í Writings

Oneness of Mankind

“It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”

(Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 167)

Unity of Religion

“The foundation of the divine religions is one. But we can see that certain forms and ceremonies have crept in. They are heretical, they are accidental, because they differ, hence they cause differences among religions. If we set aside all superstitions and see the reality of the foundation we shall all agree, because religion is one and not multiple.”.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Divine Philosophy, p. 26)

Drugs

“Alcohol consumeth the mind and causeth man to commit acts of absurdity, but this opium, this foul fruit of the infernal tree, and this wicked hashish extinguish the mind, freeze the spirit, petrify the soul, waste the body and leave man frustrated and lost.”

(Bahá'u'lláh, The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 239)

Government

“In every country where any of this people reside, they must behave towards the government of that country with loyalty, honesty and truthfulness.”

(Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 22)