FUNDamentals

Wealth and Detachment
Are the two mutually exclusive?

We are dedicating this issue of FUNDamentals to focus on material wealth and what it means to be detached. Many of us begin to form strong opinions either way when these two words are brought up together, but we would like to take a closer look at the Baha'i Writings and see if the two are indeed mutually exclusive or, if there is a way that the two can exist harmoniously in our lives.

We will begin our conversation with an article about wealth and why it is “praiseworthy in the highest degree.” Next, we would like to continue with our ‘From the Writings’ section with a reminder about detachment. This is followed by an article, centered on a quote from Abdu'l-Baha, which may help us internalize what it means to be detached in a world so focused on material things. As always, we are delighted to share with you the latest from our friends Hank & Terri, the comic strip from The American Baha'i. Enjoy!

Praising Wealth
Using Wealth as a Tool

Often times in American society we feel apprehensive when it comes to talking about our money and wealth. Some may feel as though wealth is something to be ashamed of, especially when we see suffering and calamities all over the world. But as we have learned from the Writings, wealth is not something that should make us uncomfortable, embarrassed or even less spiritual.

“Wealth is praiseworthy in the highest degree, if it is acquired by an individual's own efforts and the grace of God, in commerce, agriculture, art and industry, and if it be expended for philanthropic purposes.

If, on the other hand, it is expended for the promotion of knowledge, the founding of elementary and other schools, the encouragement of art and industry, the training of orphans and the poor -- in brief, if it is dedicated to the welfare of society -- its possessor will stand out before God and man as the most excellent of all who live on earth and will be accounted as one of the people of paradise.” 

(Abdu'l-Baha, The Secret of Divine Civilization, p. 24)

From the Writings...

“We can appreciate without attaching ourselves to the things of this world. It sometimes happens that if a man loses his fortune he is so disheartened that he dies or becomes insane. While enjoying the things of this world we must remember that one day we shall have to do without them.

Attach not thyself to anything unless in it thou seest the reality of God - this is the first step into the court of eternity. The earth life lasts but a short time, even its benefits are transitory; that which is temporary does not deserve our heart's attachment.”

   (Abdu'l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 134)

Detachment
Freedom from our Possessions

As spiritual beings that live within this material realm, many of us often struggle with detachment from the material things of this world. We think that we must deprive ourselves of material comforts in order to be fully detached. But, as we see in the quote below, detachment does not mean that we must give up everything that makes our lives more comfortable.

 “Detachment does not consist in setting fire to one's house, or becoming bankrupt or throwing one's fortune out of the window, or even giving away all of one's possessions. Detachment consists in refraining from letting our possessions possess us. A prosperous merchant who is not absorbed in his business knows severance. A banker whose occupation does not prevent him from serving humanity is severed. A poor man can be attached to a small thing.” 

(Abdu'l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 135)

Calling on Contributors
Sharing your Experiences

FUNDamentals is still in search of story ideas and contributors for upcoming issues. If you would be willing to share with us your thoughts, experiences and stories about learning to balance the material and spiritual in an increasingly materialistic world please email us at Fundamentals@usbnc.org. We look forward to hearing your stories!

Hank & Terri
FUNDamentals comic

It is our pleasure to bring you the latest Hank & Terri from The American Bahá’í. Enjoy!

(Click for larger size)