Real Superheroines and Superheroes exist. If you want insight into what will make the "real men" and the "real women" of a divine civilization of the future, go to Jaipur. In the spirit of social justice, camaraderie, and non-violent direct action, seven boys and six girls at an informal school there pursued an absent 16-year old classmate who had been a victim of child marriage at 11 years. They knew what kind of society they wanted, believed in gender equality, and took positive collective action to 'practice what they preached' to protect the safety of a friend. By seeking help and being conscientious, they had their friend returned to school soon after! Can you hear the late Robin Williams in the background singing "You ain't never had a friend like [us]"
Conscientious Spirituality (CS) requires an awareness of the "divine embryonic order from within"and the "cataclysmic forces from without". It suggests a deeper awareness of what is moral and ethical and how to safeguard the human rights of all by acting in unity. There is always a sacrifice to be made, always fears to be overcome. Yet these kids were like a storm on a mission of mercy and justice, engaging their spiritual qualities. Conscientiousness is a continuous dimension of human personality, rather than a "type" of person. Many of the behaviors of conscientiousness fall into the category of 'emotional intelligence'. In times of indecision or a crisis like this one, an emotionally intelligent person will ask themselves several questions: Why do I feel outrage? How can I empathize with my neighbor or friend? How can I independently investigate truth? And how can I act in unity, with others, to defend the victim(s) of oppression? The battle between the rational soul that is constantly evolving and the physical body that is finite is always testing our ability to have a longer view, a broader perspective, a deeper love of who we are as humans. These KIDZ went to that 'crossroads' spoken of by the Sioux shaman Black Elk, that "good road and road of difficulties" that is a sacred space for all who travel there. And....BOOM!!
What has Baha'u'llah said about conscience, a sense of shame, and the force and power of spiritual qualities?
Sooner or later, most of us figure out that life is an obstacle course. We realize that there are 'cataclysmic forces' operating in our neighborhoods and in the real world. Child marriage is a 'cataclysmic force' from the world of adults that these 13 children confronted. The vision and desire for equal education and gender equality superseded the injustices and brutalities of child marriage that is a reality in their societies. Their superhero clock was ticking, and they avoided the stereotype of 'dis-empowered kids'.
Childhood and choice are twin concepts I use regularly in speaking to groups about why we must protect the stages of growing up and prepare children and youth for a better world. Girls and boys must have choices while, at the same time, ensuring the haven that the family unit represents. We need to ensure that their childhood is protected, that the education they'll need as global citizens is delivered, and they they comprehend the role of developing spiritual qualities to make that better world that is the vision of the future civilization we all dream of. Baha'u'llah has spoken of the four things He loved to see manifest in people:1-"enthusiasm and courage", 2-"a face wreathed in smiles and a radiant countenance" 3-"they they see all things with their own eyes and not through the eyes of others" and 4-"the ability to carry a task, once begun, to its end"['Ali Akbar Furutan, Stories of Baha'u'llah]
These 13 spiritual warriors had these qualities in spades.
So, superheroes! Take a right at Hollywood, bypass Bollywood, and neglect Nollywood, forget CGI and special effects, opt for the spiritual technologies (service, prayer, meditation, fasting et al) we all have access to in the real world of human culture and the Baha'i Teachings. The 'heavenly training' 'Abdu'l-Baha has written about is exemplified in these young people as "purified, severed, and illumined souls."
'To infinity'!!
-DrC
Read the full article below
http://www.hindustantimes.com/jaipur/rescued-by-classmates-rajasthan-child-bride-returns-to-school/story-l1I3VMfLH69pIaBdKLuCmO.html
Conscientious Spirituality (CS) requires an awareness of the "divine embryonic order from within"and the "cataclysmic forces from without". It suggests a deeper awareness of what is moral and ethical and how to safeguard the human rights of all by acting in unity. There is always a sacrifice to be made, always fears to be overcome. Yet these kids were like a storm on a mission of mercy and justice, engaging their spiritual qualities. Conscientiousness is a continuous dimension of human personality, rather than a "type" of person. Many of the behaviors of conscientiousness fall into the category of 'emotional intelligence'. In times of indecision or a crisis like this one, an emotionally intelligent person will ask themselves several questions: Why do I feel outrage? How can I empathize with my neighbor or friend? How can I independently investigate truth? And how can I act in unity, with others, to defend the victim(s) of oppression? The battle between the rational soul that is constantly evolving and the physical body that is finite is always testing our ability to have a longer view, a broader perspective, a deeper love of who we are as humans. These KIDZ went to that 'crossroads' spoken of by the Sioux shaman Black Elk, that "good road and road of difficulties" that is a sacred space for all who travel there. And....BOOM!!
What has Baha'u'llah said about conscience, a sense of shame, and the force and power of spiritual qualities?
Sooner or later, most of us figure out that life is an obstacle course. We realize that there are 'cataclysmic forces' operating in our neighborhoods and in the real world. Child marriage is a 'cataclysmic force' from the world of adults that these 13 children confronted. The vision and desire for equal education and gender equality superseded the injustices and brutalities of child marriage that is a reality in their societies. Their superhero clock was ticking, and they avoided the stereotype of 'dis-empowered kids'.
Childhood and choice are twin concepts I use regularly in speaking to groups about why we must protect the stages of growing up and prepare children and youth for a better world. Girls and boys must have choices while, at the same time, ensuring the haven that the family unit represents. We need to ensure that their childhood is protected, that the education they'll need as global citizens is delivered, and they they comprehend the role of developing spiritual qualities to make that better world that is the vision of the future civilization we all dream of. Baha'u'llah has spoken of the four things He loved to see manifest in people:1-"enthusiasm and courage", 2-"a face wreathed in smiles and a radiant countenance" 3-"they they see all things with their own eyes and not through the eyes of others" and 4-"the ability to carry a task, once begun, to its end"['Ali Akbar Furutan, Stories of Baha'u'llah]
These 13 spiritual warriors had these qualities in spades.
So, superheroes! Take a right at Hollywood, bypass Bollywood, and neglect Nollywood, forget CGI and special effects, opt for the spiritual technologies (service, prayer, meditation, fasting et al) we all have access to in the real world of human culture and the Baha'i Teachings. The 'heavenly training' 'Abdu'l-Baha has written about is exemplified in these young people as "purified, severed, and illumined souls."
'To infinity'!!
-DrC
Read the full article below
http://www.hindustantimes.com/jaipur/rescued-by-classmates-rajasthan-child-bride-returns-to-school/story-l1I3VMfLH69pIaBdKLuCmO.html
