I have experienced injustices in my lifetime, we all have. I know that I am not immune to future episodes. These have been painful and hard to accept, though as I get more experience with the virtues and advance spiritually, clarity and understanding of their significance has emerged. They are lessons that enable me to learn how to strengthen my own character and face such injustices with strength, resilience and courage. As I have come to be aware of injustice toward others, those who are less able to advocate for themselves, afraid to go up against the establishment, it breaks my heart. I feel compelled to assist, to wed my voice to theirs and use the full effect of what it is I have learned. I reflected on this before choosing the virtue. I want to be certain that the energy that I am using to pursue justice for others is not tainted by any self-interest of my own. It is amazing how the suffering and mistreatment of others brings out a strong sense of conviction and emotion that I know must stem from my own feelings about having been in a similar situation. How do I put my own experiences aside? Is my energetic enthusiasm free from the taint of self? As always the synchronicity of the virtue that appears always surprise me. I have a strong desire to ensure that my intentions are pure, how is this done? What practices may I adopt? How do I know that the stain of my own self interest is not at play? I do not know the answers to these questions but what I do know for sure, is prayer is a sure-fire way to help me embrace this process. In order to attain the goal of absolving myself of any personal interest I must first assess what changes could be made and what characteristics could be improved. I know the persons involved, perpetrators and victims. I realise that I need to remember that they are all human beings and I have the capacity to exhibit this self-same behaviour, as a human being myself. This is a very humbling pill to swallow. It dissolves feelings of hate, frustration and impatience that will inevitably surface as this situation progresses. It will aid me to temper the strong emotions for others who are assisting me. Then, I need the volition to obtain the spiritual qualities that the pursuit of justice requires. Qualities such as fairness, understanding and openness. Above all it requires love. I am certain there will be others that will come to mind. Lastly, I need to fulfill this desire. I have to rid myself of personal interest through action. I need to embody these virtues in all of my encounters, correspondence and conversations. This is how purity speaks to me today. I must behave like the person I wish to be and the practices of purity will give me a clear conscience and a peaceful soul. Further, I am inspired by the story of the prophet founder of the Baha'i Faith as we celebrate this Most Great Festival, Ridvan, which begins today. With purity as a foundation of one's deeds and actions its effect is multiplied in ways we cannot fathom.
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