Like most Americans, I spent July 4th with family, enjoying barbecue, watching fireworks with a large crowd of young and old. As multi-colored fire flashed across the sky greeted by applause and a chorus of "oooooo's" and "aaaaahhssss", the wheels in my ever active Baha'i mind cranked and turned. What does patriotism mean for a Baha'i? Does it mean anything? After all, Baha'is are all about world unity and world citizenship. How comfortably do world citizenship and patriotism sit in one heart, one mind? Consulting the Baha'i Writings, one finds patriotism addressed in at least two ways. One way is critical of patriotism as a source of prejudice and division among people, a force that while powerful, is too weak a basis for meeting the challenges of the current stage of spiritual and social evolution which involve uniting humanity into a global civilization:
"In the contingent world there are many collective centers which are conducive to association and unity between the children of men. For example, patriotism is a collective center; nationalism is a collective center; identity of interests is a collective center; political alliance is a collective center; the union of ideals is a collective center, and the prosperity of the world of humanity is dependent upon the organization and promotion of the collective centers. Nevertheless, all the above institutions are, in reality, the matter and not the substance, accidental and not eternal -- temporary and not everlasting. "
(Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 101)
On the other hand, we find that the Baha'i Faith does not seek to suppress patriotism, but rather encourages a "sane and intelligent" or "sane and legitimate" patriotism:
"A word of warning should, however, be uttered in this connection. The love of one's country, instilled and stressed by the teaching of Islam, as "an element of the Faith of God," has not, through this declaration, this clarion-call of Bahá'u'lláh, been either condemned or disparaged. It should not, indeed it cannot, be construed as a repudiation, or regarded in the light of a censure, pronounced against a sane and intelligent patriotism, nor does it seek to undermine the allegiance and loyalty of any individual to his country, nor does it conflict with the legitimate aspirations, rights, and duties of any individual state or nation. All it does imply and proclaim is the insufficiency of patriotism, in view of the fundamental changes effected in the economic life of society and the interdependence of the nations, and as the consequence of the contraction of the world, through the revolution in the means of transportation and communication...It calls for a wider loyalty, which should not, and indeed does not, conflict with lesser loyalties. It instills a love which, in view of its scope, must include and not exclude the love of one's own country. It lays, through this loyalty which it inspires, and this love which it infuses, the only foundation on which the concept of world citizenship can thrive, and the structure of world unification can rest. It does insist, however, on the subordination of national considerations and particularistic interests to the imperative and paramount claims of humanity as a whole, inasmuch as in a world of interdependent nations and peoples the advantage of the part is best to be reached by the advantage of the whole."
(Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is Come, p. 122)
If there is a sane and intelligent patriotism, what exactly does it involve? How is it different from an insane and unintelligent patriotism? My understanding is that a sane and intelligent patriotism is founded on a consciousness of the oneness of humankind which is both a spiritual and physical reality and the ultimate aim of social evolution on this planet. Love of country involves love of the gifts one's nation has to offer towards a united world, a world where "the advantage of the part is best to be reached by the advantage of the whole." Such a love is expressed in selfless service towards the perfection of these gifts which will find their fulfillment within the context of a global society.
What do you think about patriotism?
I agree with your first quote. In my spiritual tradition, I'm not sure it's addressed specifically but on an intuitive level, patriotism just doesn't feel right. But then I'm not big on pride of any type.
ReplyDeleteI certainly can't see it as a spiritual imperative, especially among those who want to see the end of the Age of Separation.
In my early days as a Baha'i, several of my friends and I began a group called (we couldn't think of anything better) - Charlottesville Association for the Promotion of Racial Understanding (CAPRU). I think we named it that based on a national group. We had gatherings at libraries and tables set up downtown and even some booths at local summer events. One gentleman heard about us and joined our effort. He had, for many years, developed a program with flyers, pamphlets, etc. promoting racial harmony through patriotism. He was an interesting fellow - a former German native who grew up during the Nazi era. I never did ask him about those days, though I think he was making up for lost time. He was quite excited about hearing of our group, but really wanted us to focus on political solutions and stress nationalism as a binding force across races. I have felt that nationalism is an artificial, outside force that unites people temporarily; whereas, the concept of oneness of humanity is a true, internal force that unites us in absolute terms.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I personally love to watch the olympics, but then get disappointed with our television coverage in the US - it is soooooo myopic! Thank God for the internet. Do you think everyone will be wearing a flag pin then? :-)
Thailandchani thanks for sharing your thoughts, I believe this is may be your first time. The idea of patriotism being a spiritual imperative is interesting as is your remark about the Age of Separation. What is your spiritual tradition?
ReplyDeleteMark S., interesting story. The Olympics, at least the opening ceremonies are always inspiring to me as at least for a short time people from all over the world express national pride in a peaceful way. I imagine there will be flag pins galore!
Thanks for replying to my comment :) My spiritual tradition is Theravada Buddhism.
ReplyDeleteIn the Secret of Divine Civilization, 'Abdu'l-Baha writes to the people of Persia: "Happy the soul that shall forget his own good, and like the chosen ones of God, vie with his fellows in service to the good of all"
ReplyDeleteI think we will see a paradigm shift and change of definition in patriotism. Much like the concept of Leadership has moved away from a form dictatorship to moral leadership. I imagine a patriotism where we serve our country to use its potentialities and contribute to the establishment of the Most Great Peace.
Thailandchani, nice to have a Buddhist in the conversation, keep sharing comments.
ReplyDeleteNeysan, I heartily agree that the meaning of patriotism will evolve and mature over time as a consciousness of the oneness of humanity takes hold.