Of Webster’s many definitions of graduation we have chosen for this occasion, “To pass from one stage of existence, proficiency or prestige to a higher one.” In fact life itself is the process of continuous graduations. Throughout the nation this week in particular, we will be experiencing academic graduations on every scholastic level of our society, from pre-school through post grad status.
When the infant in the womb of its mother fully develops all of its physical faculties (none of which is needed in that world of existence), it’s time to graduate into a new world of existence, as vastly different as this world is from our next higher realm of existence upon graduation from this one–we are apprised in the Baha’i Holy Writings.
As pre-schoolers gradually learn to acclimate to multi-children settings in which they are not the center of attraction find, upon finally achieving a comfort level, it’s time to graduate. The same scenario continues throughout life’s pilgrimage with high school being the final stage of compulsory education. At this stage seniors reign supreme–but then it’s time to graduate and start from the bottom of a different ladder, whether academic, corporate, wise or otherwise, as higher education is neither mandatory nor compulsory. It’s a privilege not accessible to all, despite all efforts to make it so. But whatever course one chooses to pursue upon graduation, may it be for the betterment of mankind rather than for personal gain.
As we continue to graduate to higher levels of scientific and technological knowledge, as men and nations, may we place more emphasis upon instruments of PEACE than of war and accept more responsibility for our own actions rather than relying upon alibis and contrived motivations.
With graduation also often come new freedoms that few of us voluntarily handle well. At no time is the old adage, “Abuse it and lose it,” more applicable as “Freedom is never free! The highest priority in our graduation process must inevitably be from a warring mentality to one of love and understanding-–the basic formula for peace–from individual home, to homeland, to world peace!
With the increasing inestimable expenses and ravages of war on ever widening numbers of innocent men, women and children, isn’t it high time we graduate to a higher level of existence? War is death and destruction on an ever-advancing scale! Peace is life on the same advancing scale! War is death; Peace is life. War is darkness; Peace is Light! “When a thought of war comes, oppose it with a stronger thought of peace! A thought of hate must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love,” we read in the Baha’i Holy Writings.
Look about you, America! It’s graduation time! (Investigate! – 1-800-22-UNITE)
