Dr. A. K. Merchant.*
The physical world is a constant source of wonder. Nature’s beauty—the rhythm of waves along the shore, the hush of forests, the thunder of waterfalls, the glitter of stars, and the drifting clouds above mountain peaks—moves us with its variety and grandeur. Yet alongside these gifts, human life has become increasingly absorbed by the products of our own making: machines, technologies, and the comforts they bring. That absorption often dulls our gratitude and distracts us from deeper realities.
The workings of the natural world and human creativity are two complementary kinds of amazement: the organic splendour of the natural world and the crafted elegance of human achievement. The sea, the sky, and the wild places awaken awe; art, music, architecture, and design reflect human imagination and skill. Even everyday objects—a well-made tool, a thoughtfully designed appliance, the graceful curve of a bridge—testify to human ingenuity and an eye for proportion and purpose. Both realms invite appreciation and thanksgiving.
Yet beauty and wonder that surrounds us can become a snare. Hence one must be aware of the danger of becoming too possessive. Exquisitely made things—a car, an aeroplane, a building, a piece of jewellery, a new garment—can command our admiration and draw one’s heart away from what is lasting. We may celebrate craftsmanship and marvel at engineering, but material objects cannot reciprocate our affection. They remain inert and temporary, bound to the limits of time and decay. Ultimately, both human creations and the most spectacular scenes of nature endure only as long as our mortal lives allow.
Religious teachings across traditions remind us of life’s transience and urge a broader perspective. The Bahá’í Writings describe human beings as “endowed with the power of understanding and of utterance” and call us to turn to the Sun of Truth, the source of spiritual guidance that quickens all things. That light, reflected differently in each heart, brings wisdom to the wise, new arts to craftsmen, and true knowledge to those who seek reality. Such guidance invites gratitude and a life oriented beyond mere accumulation. This spiritual perspective is very vital for harmonious living.
Wealth does not guarantee happiness. Many who possess great riches face dangers, anxieties, and regrets, especially when confronted with ill-health and mortality. People enter the world with nothing and leave it the same way; possessions cannot accompany the soul beyond the grave. At the hour of death, attachment to worldly goods often becomes a source of remorse. This reality should school us to live a life of moderation, and a reordering of one’s priorities. The world is both seductive and elusive: it offers delights that inspire and comforts that can entrap. Recognizing the temporary nature of material things need not extinguish joy; rather, it can deepen gratitude and sharpen purpose. By appreciating nature and human creativity while keeping the heart anchored to spiritual truth, an individual may live fully in this world without being consumed by it.
Pursuing worldly things only, eventually brings manifest loss. The springtime of one’s life will pass into the autumn of death; the joys of palaces give way to the darkness of the tomb. The real honour and glory of human beings consist of compassion and justice, truthfulness and benevolence, integrity, inner courage, safeguarding the rights of others and preserving the sanctity of one’s promise. Upholding rectitude of conduct under all circumstances, self-sacrifice for the good of others, freedom from prejudice and kindness towards all people—regardless of religion, race, caste, creed, class and other limiting identities.
How then may one live with purpose and contentment? The lives of the great Manifestations, to list just some—Christ, the Buddha, Muhammad, Abraham, Krishna, Rama, Zoroaster, Bahá’u’lláh—are role models of detachment from transient pleasures. For, they exemplified eternal truths. They called people to accept mortality, to prepare for the life beyond, and to cultivate virtues that endure. In terms of India’s Education Policy Document 2020 it translates into inculcating values in the children: “The school curriculum will include, early on, material on human values such as respect for all persons, empathy, tolerance, human rights, gender equality, non-violence, global citizenship, inclusion, and equity. It would also include more detailed knowledge of various cultures, religions, languages, gender identities, etc. to sensitize and develop respect for diversity. Any biases and stereotypes in school curriculum will be removed, and more material will be included that is relevant and relatable to all communities.” At the global level UNESCO, way back in 1996, revised in 2020, gave the world, the curriculum framework for the 21st century titled: Learning—The Treasure Within anchored upon the 4 Pillars (i) Learning to Know (gyan yoga); Learning to Do (karam yoga), Learning to Live Together (sahaj yoga), Learning to Be (atma yoga).
Bahá’u’lláh, Founder of the Bahá’i Faith, reassures His followers that enjoying the good things God has allowed is permissible: “Eat ye, O people, of the good things which God hath allowed you, and deprive not yourselves from His wondrous bounties.” The key is balance: partake of life’s gifts without allowing them to come between the soul and its Creator. An individual should not attach himself or herself to the luxuries of this ephemeral world; free oneself from every attachment; strive to gain heavenly treasures and uphold the virtues of oneness and spiritual illumination.
Practically, this means enjoying beauty and comfort with gratitude, using material means for noble ends, and investing time and energy in spiritual growth, service, and the cultivation of character. The wise person does not depend on mortal life for identity or security but seeks to manifest spiritual qualities in daily conduct.
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*The writer is a social worker, an independent researcher & a member of the Bahá’i Community of India
