methods of teaching the Cause
Editorial introduction
Asked for the best way to spread the teachings, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá answered with a single word, deeds, and added that no one should speak of God to a hungry man before feeding him. Teaching so understood begins as attention to another person: a friend made without fear, a patient whose spiritual need is diagnosed before any remedy is proposed, a thirsty soul offered water. Bahá’u’lláh asks that the seed of wisdom be kept for good earth, that a hearer who declines be left in peace, and that no quarrel ever be picked, since we are all fruits of one tree. Some of this counsel answers particular dangers of its time; some, like the call to befriend one soul a year and teach that person only gradually, reads as a discipline for any age. The Qur’an’s charge to invite with wisdom while leaving judgment of hearts to God [1] holds the same balance of conviction and humility. The path leads on into the receptivity of the hearer, the spiritual prerequisites of teaching, and the influence a single soul can have.
When asked by an American friend: "Which is the best way to spread the teaching?" he said:
"By deeds. This way is open to all, and deeds are understood by all. Join yourselves to those who work for the poor, the weak and the unfortunate; this is greatly to be commended.
"To teach by words requires the skill of a wise physician.
Never talk about God to a man with an empty stomach. Feed him first.
One should mention: "This is correct; consider this aspect as well - is it right or wrong?" Certainly with courtesy, love and kindness the other party will listen and will not become preoccupied with formulating responses and creating arguments, but will acknowledge the point. When they observe that the intent is not contention and victory, but rather to uphold the word of truth and sincerity and to manifest humanity and divine mercy, they will surely be fair and the eyes and heart of their innate nature will open. By God's grace they will become a new creation with keen vision and fresh hearing.
Thou must reconcile together the adherents of various religions and the notaries of different creeds with the solvent alchemy of love and infuse amongst them Baha'i freedom of conscience and solidarity.
Teaching the Cause is not only through the tongue. It is through deeds, conduct, pleasing disposition, happiness of nature, kindness, sympathy, good fellowship, trustworthiness, holiness, sanctity, virtue, purity of ideals and lastly, speech.
However, holding meetings is not obligatory - the purpose is to serve the Cause of God, and this is better achieved through goodly conduct, kindly association, sweet speech and true kindliness.
As to presenting the teachings by word, the teacher must be as a skillful physician to the patient. Adapt the treatment to the spiritual needs of the patient and do not prescribe for those who refuse treatment."
The Blessed Beauty says, 'If you have a word or a truth, which others are deprives of, present with it utmost compassion. If it is accepted, the aim is attained. If otherwise, you should not interfere. Leave him to himself, while advancing to God, the Mighty, the Self-subsisting.'
We must affiliate with all the religions and sects; speak to them from their own standpoint and show to them in practice that we love their books, we read their scriptures, and we honor and respect the founders of their religions. A Baha'i teacher must keep these facts always before his mind, lest in the course of his lecture he may make a dogmatic assertion which may arouse the combative, prejudicial spirit of the listeners.
If thou wishest to guide the souls, it is incumbent on thee to be firm, to be good and to be imbued with praiseworthy attributes and divine qualities under all circumstances. Be a sign of love, a manifestation of mercy, a fountain of tenderness, kind-hearted, good to all and gentle to the servants of God, and especially to those who bear no relation to thee, both men and women.
You must impress upon all that the triumph of God's Cause hath not been and is not through contention, warfare and corruption. All must strive and endeavor to conquer hearts and souls with the sword of wisdom and utterance.
Beware lest thou dispute with any soul or contend with anyone in teaching the Cause of thy Lord, the Ruler, the All-Wise. Those who wage war and shed blood are in grievous heedlessness. By God! Victory lieth in expression, not in sword and spear, and thus have We revealed in all the Tablets, yet the people perceived it not and were among the corrupt.
'Abdu'l-Baha said: First of all, you should not argue with them or oppose them, or they will deny even the things which they see with their eyes. For example, they will see the Light here, and they will say there is no light.
One must talk to them very kindly, in order to let them know the desired object.
We have pre-ordained the delivery of the Truth through eloquence and demonstration; therefore beware not to dispute or argue with anyone, and he who wishes implicitly and sincerely to receive the Truth for the sake of the Face of his Lord, will be confirmed by the Holy Spirit and inspired with what will enlighten the heart of the world, how much more the hearts of the seekers!
Do not rise up against anyone in conflict and strife, and do not lay the foundation of contention. Rather, with the utmost kindness and humility and submissiveness, convey the word of truth and show proof and evidence. If they accept, excellent indeed. If not, do not be disheartened, do not become sorrowful, do not be dejected, do not seek weariness, do not complain. Trust in God. Read again, speak again, show affection again.
It takes not life but gives spirit; it prevents not living but grants immortality; it blinds not eyes but makes the blind to see; it severs not heads but bestows crowns; it rends not breasts but grants pure souls; it plunges not daggers into hearts but makes them aware.
At every moment have they drunk and do they drink still from the living waters of the utterance of the Merciful; they read the divine Words with intimate familiarity and eagerness. Those apart from these souls stand in need of goodly exhortations and compassionate counsels. Therefore, the loved ones of God must carry out this weighty task with wisdom and clarity. Let some teach with their words, some with their deeds and actions, and some with their characters, drawing others toward God. Virtuous deeds and spiritual conduct are themselves teachers of the Cause.
First, one may teach by deeds, then speak the word. First, one must become thirsty, then the salubrious water may be offered. No matter how delicious the water is, one who is not thirsty will not enjoy it. Therefore, make ye an effort, so that the people may become thirsty; then enable them to quaff from this divine Chalice.
I beseech the True One to assist all to achieve that which pleaseth Him and to enable them to fulfill what hath been recorded in the Book by the Most Exalted Pen. By His very Self, the triumph achieved through one goodly deed is superior and more perfect than a hundred thousand swords. Today all must free themselves from their own will, desire, conjectures, imaginings and fancies, and fix their gaze upon the Will of God.
Teaching in an unlimited sense consists of the following and is very good, very great: the teacher himself (or herself) becomes the standing proof of Baha'u'llah -- that he (or she) may become a miracle of Baha'u'llah with such power and such knowledge and desire, such actions and such words and character, and such heavenly powers, that you may live amongst the people, that you may be a proof, undeniable proof, of Baha'u'llah.
It does not mean an eloquent review of the various events of the cause or the masterful presentation of the principles of the Movement, or the utterance of a conglomeration of high-sounding words. It means the power of spiritual transmutation, the latent energy of divine metallurgy, the force of celestial regeneration. The words of the speaker must be impregnated with the Fire of the Love of God - so that the lives may be changed, the characters renovated, the customs renewed, the morals readjusted and the whole gamut of life raised to the highest and loftiest scales and musical tones.
For example, if each one of the friends establishes friendship and fellowship with one of the heedless ones, associates and mingles with him in utmost kindness, and conducts himself with divine character, behavior, goodly conduct, and heavenly counsels and advice, undoubtedly that heedless person will gradually become awakened and that ignorant one will become knowing.
People are fearful; therefore, one must proceed in such a way that first removes the fear, then allows the word to penetrate.
For example, each one of the believers may select at the very least one soul in a year. In the beginning he must show him the beauty of friendship and hospitality in a practical way - so that he may not shun his association, then little by little he may teach him the truth.
Only through the constant widening of the circle of one's acquaintances and friends the Truth will be made known and the principles proclaimed. Save this there will be found no other way.
First, one must consider what are the veils and doubts of each person, then speak according to their condition. Likewise, the believing and knowledgeable women should visit some homes, first establishing friendship, then gradually encouraging and urging investigation and search into this Cause. And when an honored lady accepts, they should keep it confidential and not broadcast it, for there are many souls who in their innermost hearts have the utmost longing but fear of publicity causes them to hold back.
Most souls are inwardly inclined to learn about it but fear becoming known, because as soon as someone shows interest, the friends announce it with drums and trumpets. Since prominent persons are in the public eye, they face fear and danger, and truly they have some justification, as they would quickly be subjected to attacks and inevitably face difficulties and problems with various people who would use the matter of these important persons' faith as a pretext to overcome them. In any case, guide such souls privately as much as you can, strongly advise them to keep it confidential, and likewise do not mention them to anyone else.
However, in these days the friends in India must conduct themselves in such a way that complete separation from other communities does not occur, for complete separation causes souls not to draw near, and without association teaching becomes impossible.
However, upon first arrival, mingle with others and establish fellowship and association until familiarity is achieved and hearts are attracted. Then hasten to the gathering of the friends until they say that this leader of mystics was also enchanted and impassioned by that shining moon, and was among the libertines--we knew him not.
They should quench every thirsty one, make every unfortunate one fortunate and joyful, become the companion of every sorrowful one, give hope to every despairing one, grant a portion to those without portion, guide those who are lost, make the dark ones illumined and transform the satanic into the merciful.
Where real religion is felt it is often the heart which speaks rather than the head, and if we want to extend our sympathy to such as these, we must look into their hearts to find their needs, and treat their beliefs with charity. With others, whose intellects have awakened, but whose hearts have not, we must address the mind. Where neither the heart nor the head is yet aroused, we must appeal to the emotions; for we must extend help to all.
Now just as there are various degrees of capacities, likewise there must needs be different modes of expression, various ways of teaching. Often it has happened that one talk will be the cause of awakening to one soul and of complete indifference to another. We must ever strive to find out the point which is of interest to the other party and speak with him from that standpoint.
It is because I perceive the pulse of the people and the needs of the present circumstances that the confirmations of the Blessed Beauty successively rain down and assist me.
For example, he should first diagnose the illness of each soul and discover its temperament, capacity and receptivity, arrange treatment on that basis, and show the utmost consideration and kindness. He should truly be benevolent and caring toward the sick and ailing, not rejecting and banishing them when he sees their illness is severe, nor dealing with them harshly. Rather, he should strive to the extent possible for their health, and when he becomes helpless and observes resistance to treatment, he should leave them be.
Waste not the seed of wisdom in barren soil, and be not of the prodigal. But when thou findest good earth, deposit therein the seed of wisdom and knowledge, that there may grow therefrom a goodly and wondrous plant.
Every soul must first teach himself; he must be severed, attracted, enkindled; he must be living the life - then his words will have effect. Whenever you see a thirsty soul, giving him a cup of this salubrious water.
Should you find one who is receptive, turn to him and remind him of thy Lord's sovereignty; and should you find one who turneth away, leave him and turn to the Lord of the worlds. Beware lest anyone's rejection sadden thee.
If thou findest one who is receptive, impart unto him what thou art commanded; otherwise, turn away from him and turn unto God, thy Lord. He, verily, shall suffice thee in truth against all that hath been created in the heavens and on earth. Nothing escapeth His knowledge, and all things are recorded with Him in a clear tablet.
To any soul whom you observe is seeking truth with pure intent, convey the Word of God, regardless of what group they may belong to. However, if you observe that someone is from among the unjust materialists who are obstinately opposed and does not seek after truth, conversation with such persons is futile and a waste of time.
The friends of God should similarly stimulate the susceptibilities and whet the appetite of the spirit and then utter the words of God. Otherwise these souls who suffer from a dulling of the sense remain deprived of all these fragrances.
O thou who art firm in the verses of God! Just as a tailor examines the form and stature when considering cloth and garments of silk and wool, and cuts and tailors the clothing according to the figure, likewise those who bestow the garment of knowledge and understanding and sew the robe of guidance must consider capacity, capability and worthiness, and accordingly arrange the garment of education and the shirt of guidance, clothing therewith the form of search and the reality of receptive and attentive souls.
Most people are as infants; they must first be nourished with the milk of wisdom and gentle foods, and afterward with stronger nourishment. Thus doth wisdom dictate. Verily, thy Lord is the Educator, the All-Knowing.
Be thou observant in all circumstances of the dictates of wisdom, and speak unto men according to their capacities, for should an infant be given meat in its early days, it would perish. Thus doth thy Lord, the Merciful, counsel thee.
One must speak according to the station and rank of the hearer, that he may become capable of hearing the divine melody. The wine of mystic knowledge must be given to each soul according to his capacity and measure.
Yet if someone were to arise openly and speak what would cause people to withdraw and servants to turn away and object, they would have departed from wisdom. For when someone who has clung to certain beliefs for years suddenly hears their opposite without understanding the reason, it will surely cause them to withdraw and object. People must be educated with kindness and forbearance and drawn to the eternal realm.
Therefore, those who have drunk from the wine of wisdom must observe wisdom and refrain from that which causeth shock and perturbation of hearts and minds, until such time as God shall bring about His purpose and reveal its hour. Likewise, words that cause flight and denial are not permitted. The servants must be educated like children - first with gentle nourishment until they progress to meat and its like.
God willing, they and you and the other friends must endeavor with complete determination to educate the immature through wisdom and utterance.
O thou who gazest upon the countenance of God, exalted and glorified be He! In most of His Tablets He hath enjoined wisdom upon His loved ones. Nevertheless, certain souls who claim attachment to the Truth speak of that which God hath not permitted. Although the triumph of God's Cause in this Revelation hath been through praiseworthy conduct, goodly attributes, wisdom and utterance, yet some have perverted the meaning of triumph according to their own desires. The triumph of the Cause hath never been, nor shall it ever be, through disputation, contention, conflict and corruption. God is quit of those who speak of their own accord and bid men to do what they themselves have been forbidden in the Book of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
The triumph of Truth and the propagation of His Cause have been and shall ever be through wisdom and utterance, and utterance must needs be proportioned to the capacity of each soul. Say: O friends! It hath been revealed and sent down aforetime from the Supreme Pen that ye should scatter the seeds of divine wisdom and understanding in pure and goodly soil. Ye are spiritual physicians and true sages. Men are afflicted with the maladies of ignorance and unwisdom. The ailment of each one must needs be determined, and then treatment administered with the healing remedy of the Most Great Name according to his capacity and measure.
For instance, should one speak at the outset concerning Divinity to one of the followers of the Qur'an who is afflicted with the malady of vain imaginings and whose highest understanding is confined to the station of leadership and guardianship, he would surely perish, for he hath failed to comprehend the meaning of the Qur'anic verses concerning the Day of Resurrection and the appearance of Truth from the heaven of the Will of the Lord of Unity, nay, he hath not even caught their fragrance. Therefore, at first one must speak with him according to his capacity until he advanceth from the stage of childhood to the station of maturity and becometh able to bear the Most Exalted Word that hath shone forth from the Dayspring of the Will of the Lord of Names.
Say: O friends! In all the Arabic and Persian utterances revealed from the Most Exalted Pen, the command to observe wisdom hath been sent down.
Waste not the seeds of divine wisdom on barren ground. Speak according to the capacity of each soul - all things have their measure with Him.
The seeking child must be nourished with the milk of praiseworthy character and goodly deeds, and afterward with the sweet fruits of divine authority and the like, until reaching the stage of maturity.
These souls are like nursing infants - they must gradually be made familiar with delicious food. Sometimes if heaviness occurs in their organs of perception, you must treat them with moistening, purgative medicines of kindliness, silence, patience and forbearance.
God willing, drink ye at all times from the fountain of divine knowledge and bestow with wisdom and utterance upon the people of the world the sealed wine whose seal hath been opened through the blessed Most Great Name. Most people you will observe to be as infants - were they given strong food at first, they would perish and never reach maturity. They must be given the milk of divine knowledge from the breast of wisdom until they attain true maturity, which is the station of the rending of veils.
Different teachings were needed for different people. If you give the same teachings to all some might be retarded by them instead of helped. Christ taught some things to his disciples which he commanded them not to tell the Pharisees.
During this journey through Europe and America, whatever was spoken was in consideration of the capacity, inclination, and attitude of the inhabitants and nations, even to the point that teaching was according to their taste and temperament. It was observed that if proofs and arguments were presented according to the principles of teaching in the East, and if truths and meanings were discussed, it would have absolutely no effect on the listeners. Therefore, the manner and method of teaching was changed. The presentation became focused on issues, teachings, and the foundation of the Cause of God, for the listeners would grasp the meaning and understand, whereas if it were not done in this way, they would not listen at all.
Abdul-Baha traveled continuously for four years in the countries of Africa, America and Europe, but in cities and villages where the Call of God had not reached the ears of the inhabitants and the worldwide fame of God had not been heard, he opened his tongue to teach in assemblies, gatherings and churches in a new way that accorded with their capacity and capability.
He would guide the Illuminati by their own philosophical principles, and with the mystics he would prove the Divine Advent in terms of "inspiration" and the "celestial vision." He would convince the Shaykhi leaders by quoting the very words of their late Founders, Shaykh Ahmad and Siyyid Kazim, and would convert Islamic theologians with texts from the Qur'an and traditions from the Imams, who guide mankind aright. Thus he was an instant medicine to the ailing, and a rich bestowal to the poor.
In order that they may comprehend more easily my answers, I wrote in their own 'terminologies' without prearrangement. They were dumbfounded and thought no one could write in that style unless perfectly familiar with their writings.
But you must act with utmost gentleness. When the beloved Habib the Carpenter wished to prevent the misbelievers from idol worship, he attributed misbelief to himself, saying "Why should I not worship Him Who has created me and to Whom ye shall be brought back?" But his intention was "Why do ye not worship Him Who created you?" He attributed misbelief to himself so it would not be harsh to their ears. This was his method of instruction.
Do not speak at first so as to amaze and bewilder the people. Speak upon topics that are suitable to the mind of your hearers, topics that do not amaze. Emphasize the Teachings as I have done when I was in America.
There must needs be many Persian teachers in America who have mastered well the intricacies of the English language. If a number of Persian teachers who are endowed with eloquent tongues knew the English language and travelled to those parts they could attract many souls to the Cause.
One must always use the simplest and most direct words that the meaning may be easily conveyed to the minds of hearers. In writing we must use the same style as in public-speaking. One must be the mirror of the other, reflecting the ideals, feelings and thoughts of the average man.
The Blessed Perfection often remarked that a lecture must be like unto a cool, pure, refreshing stream of water. It is not necessary to use dark, obsolete and difficult words; the simpler the more effective.
The explanations must be adapted to the capacity of the hearers and suited to the exigency of the time. Beauty of style, moderation in delivery and suitability of words and meanings are necessary. It is not only a matter of uttering words.
Counsel thou the people with wisdom and utterance, so that thy words may create in their hearts what will draw them nigh unto God, your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Compelling.
However, I truthfully say unto you: know with absolute certitude that victory and triumph in this Most Great Revelation have been through balanced and enkindled utterances.
Be as the morning breeze unto the cities and villages that their inhabitants may be awakened thereby, or as the spring winds unto both noble and lowly. Convey the Cause with wisdom that those seized by the stupor of heedlessness may be awakened thereby and turn unto God, the Lord of the worlds.
The loved ones of God must, like the morning breeze, waft over every land, that all regions of the earth may be blessed with the Most Great Bounty. Be thou a throbbing artery in the body of the world and a wind blowing over the nations.
We have enjoined wisdom upon all and forbidden that which causeth souls to be perturbed.
… The manner and method of teaching have been revealed in the Tablets - all must act accordingly and be watchful.
Aid thou the Cause of God through wisdom and utterance, lest the clamor of those who have turned away be raised when the Countenance of the Ancient One came with a manifest light.
Synthesize and compose ye in a simple and effective manner the heavenly principles and present them to the listeners in meetings and gatherings.
In any case, move with the utmost wisdom in Egypt and keep this hidden pearl safe and protected from poisoned hearing. And if you find attentive ears, speak of the teachings of the Blessed Beauty and discuss the truths and meanings that have issued from the Supreme Pen. Make philosophical matters the basis of discussion, not beliefs.
And in that great city, to whoever asks and seeks, speak of the teachings of the Blessed Beauty, not of beliefs, for this promotes progress.
The basis of the Call [i.e., teaching and delivering addresses] must be the Oneness of the world of humanity, so that religious fanaticism, sectarian bias, racial prejudice and political prejudice may be removed and all mankind may enter under the uni-colored tent of the Oneness of the World of Humanity, the hearts may affiliate with each other, the souls be attracted, and the East and West may embrace each other.
This must be the basis of your addresses in public meetings.
Deliver talks on universal love, the greatness of the cause of Baha'u'llah, the penetration of the Word of God, and the general principles of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah.
I explained the benefits of peace and described the harms of war and conflict.
The most advisable thing, therefore, is to ... discuss "Pure and sanctified Living", "Universal Brotherhood", and the "Philosophy of Universal Religion". As to the promulgation of Truth, verily, it is divine and heavenly character, action in accordance with the Divine and Merciful instructions, and the propagation among men of lordly behests and exhortations.
In Magazine and Newspaper articles, dogmatic assertions must be avoided, and only the broad, universal principles be discussed and amplified.
"The teacher of the Cause must know by knowledge, by intuition, by experience and by inspiration what to say in every meeting. It does no universal good to repeat the same facts in every gathering. A teacher must assume the mental garb of his audience, and speak to them from their standpoint…."
Convey to Professor Armstrong on my behalf that all speeches given in the world today, if they yield results, are temporary except for speeches given about the Cause of Baha'u'llah - those speeches resound through all future ages and centuries and their results are eternal.
It explained the delivery of an eloquent talk by thee; that thou hast summoned the people to the Kingdom of God and hast spread the Divine Teachings.
[Just as the Master started to leave the room, I asked Him what I should teach. He smilingly replied:]
Memorize the talk I gave at Stanford University.
Divine matters are in complete accord with reason and science, but the issue lies in the expression of things, which requires an interpreter. The same matter can be presented in many different ways. For example, in Europe and America, we never said, "O people, the Promised One of all has appeared, come and worship!" Had we done so, they would have shunned us from the first word and would not have listened.
I hope that night and day you will strive with heart and soul, closing your eyes to all else, so that with a free heart and gladdened spirit you may pursue divine knowledge and heavenly mysteries, may become informed of divine proofs and aware of clear evidences, may open your tongue to guide souls, may lead multitudes to the shore of the sea of grace, and may illumine eyes with the light of guidance.
In any case, teach the Cause of God as much as you can, open your tongue with proof and argument, guide souls to the Abha Paradise and lead them to the extended shade, so that you may raise the banner of faithfulness upon the highest summits of the greatest gift and become the manifestation of supreme bounty.
This is possible in this way: that one should occupy oneself with reciting the Qur'an, and in connection with its verses, relate the events that occurred in the time of the Prophets - the oppositions that arose, the calamities that descended, the trials that came, the insolence of the peoples, the blindness of the masses, and the imprisonment of the loved ones of the All-Merciful, which are the literal translation of the Qur'an.
O thou steadfast in the Covenant!
The method of instruction which ye have established, beginning with proofs of the existence of God and the oneness of God, the mission of the Prophets and Messengers and Their teachings, and the wonders of the universe, is highly suitable. Keep on with this.
Today the greatest of all affairs is the teaching of God's Cause, therefore the handmaidens of the All-Merciful must focus their thoughts upon it, become familiar night and day with studying divine proofs and evidences, and when gathering together discuss divine proofs and evidences and give glad tidings of the Day of Manifestation.
Converse with one another at length about the proofs and evidences of the Manifestation of the Perspicuous Beauty so that each one of the handmaids of God will refine her powers of utterance and develop eloquence of speech, so that each may become an instrument of guidance to many others.
There are, however many Tablets, many books by Mirza Abul Fazl, and other Baha'i writers which you read and keep the contents in your memory, so that you may bring those proofs in your conversation.
You must exert the utmost effort in the lessons you are teaching so that souls will arise who can prove the manifestation of the One revealed on Sinai with decisive proofs, clear evidence and conclusive arguments.
Therefore, O student of the True Teacher, listen and strive, and make an effort to exalt the Word of God and spread the divine fragrances, so that you may become a teacher of the horizons through the power of illumination.
The teacher will stand up beside the black board facing the pupils. With chalk he will write the first letter of the Alphabeth 'A'. All the children will follow the motion of his hand and write [on] their slates 'A'. Then he will tell them aloud this 'A' and they should repeat it after him. In this manner they will study the writing and reading of the alphabet at the same time. The next step will be the simple combination of two or three letters until the children are well-grounded in them.
This delightful nightly gathering of the family before sleep was an essential feature of the spiritual system of education fostered and upheld by the Blessed Perfection.
Generally the meeting lasted one hour during which time he exhorted his hearers and tried to teach them in manifold ways, relating stories, uttering pithy remarks, cracking jokes and expressing truths laconically. In this manner he intended to instruct us but there were some who could not appreciate the efficacy and beauty of this method and took the strange notion in their heads that this was purely a nice way of passing the time in social intercourse.
I hope that the confirmations of the Abha Kingdom will assist this wanderer of mountain and desert and this weak and helpless mosquito with mighty strength. In this great land, since people are beginners, I deal with them gently in conversation according to their capacity and their being beginners, for this is the beginning of establishment. As the poet says: "For his little child that father plays 'gee-gee', though his mind encompasses the geometry of the universe." Most talks in great gatherings are according to the capacity of those present. The purpose is that no one should object until the Cause of God is firmly established.
In every meeting there is first some discussion of the Cause of God, then whoever has questions receives answers.
O two teachers of God's Cause! His Holiness Haji Nabil has praised and commended your teaching classes most highly, saying that you arrange gatherings for exposition and present divine proofs and arguments with the most wonderful explanation, and a group of newcomers to God's garden are growing and developing from the stream of divine knowledge.
They must establish teaching gatherings and instruct souls in proofs and evidences, so that fresh youth may be educated and confirmed and arise to spread God's religion and draw souls to the divine law.
Ye must now continue your efforts, diligently and with the utmost constancy, occupying yourselves with the remembrance of God, reading the verses, reciting the prayers, engaging in consultation, and seeking to propagate the Word of God.
For the present those amongst you who are interested in the Cause, gather together once a week, read the Tablets of Baha'u'llah, speak on the Cause and whenever you find a thirsty soul, offer him the cup of this salubrious water.
Blessed art thou for having opened the door of thy home unto the people to come and hear of the Kingdom.
"Have them come to your home, invite them to dinner; then later, after they are confirmed, bring them to the regular Assembly meetings. "Group meetings" He said "were good."
This is not the time for such sorrows and complaints, nor the moment for lethargy and sullenness. It is the season of sweetness and the time of freshness and grace. That is, one must speak with utmost sweetness in the gatherings for teaching and become like a sugar-breaking parrot.
They also secure promises for attendance at meetings of other groups, where detailed talks are given according to the present capacity and receptivity of Europe.
The more teaching meetings there are the better, but they must be conducted with the utmost wisdom and with perfect calmness and dignity, so that they may not cause alarm among the ignorant or anxiety among the foolish. And if wisdom is not observed, the meetings will yield the opposite result.
It is not permissible to distribute teaching literature in the streets and bazaars.
As this place is a summer resort and many prominent people are present, therefore, unless they should themselves ask, the friends should not teach openly. They must deal with them with perfect dignity and honor.
O my God, my God! I stretch forth my imploring hands toward the Kingdom of might and glory, and I beseech Thee to open before the face of Thy learned servant Thy spacious door, and inspire him with the signs of Thy oneness, the mysteries of Thy singleness, and the manifestations of Thy sanctity. Aid him with the hosts of Thy celestial Kingdom and the armies of Thy mighty dominion. O Lord, O Lord! Assist him with a heavenly power and a divine might, that he may resist the onslaught of the enemies and the attacks of the hateful ones, and triumph over the oppressors, and that Thy conquering victory may be made manifest over all things. Verily Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty, the Omnipotent.
O learned one of the divine school! The journey to Isfahan will, God willing, be a source of joy and delight and cause happiness to the hearts of the friends. If possible, proceed from Isfahan to Shiraz, the secluded retreat of the Most Exalted Beauty, may my spirit be sacrificed for Him. In Isfahan, carry out whatever the friends deem appropriate and advisable, for they show no shortcoming in diffusing the divine fragrances; rather, they strive night and day with heart and soul. Therefore, let them implement whatever they consider suitable.
However, in Shiraz,
Meet also in secret with the divine friends, and encourage and urge them forward, that the native land of the Most Exalted One may become a heavenly paradise and shed its radiance upon all regions. And upon thee be greetings and praise.
This servant submits that now that you have arrived in that land, if matters gain prominence beyond the bounds of moderation, most people will withdraw themselves, thereby causing the work of teaching to fall into delay. However, if one proceeds with perfect wisdom, perhaps through association with people, some receptive souls may be awakened from the sleep of heedlessness and turn to the Truth.
Likewise, it is acceptable to practice medicine in a suitable place where it may become a means for spreading the divine fragrances and where the children may also be educated, for physicians, through their practice, enter many places, and the hearts of patients are naturally tender and receptive, and most are supplicating and beseeching. This means is indeed an excellent medium for conveying the Word.
Since you are a physician, all doors will be open to you, but your focus must be solely the prominent figures. If you are well-known [as a Baha'i], then you will be unable to render service. When you are remedying certain prominent citizens and discern in them a hearing ear, share the Word of God. However, all your teaching must be through deeds.
Afterward in a spirit of an antagonist, he asked them the universal and particular questions, and at every step contended with them. Often the very nature of the questions gave them a clue to how to answer. In short, one by one he put the doubts and scruples of the people in the form of questions, and they gave convincing answers. Now and then he would accept a number of their explanations, and anon he would wave aside a set of ethers, bringing forth certain counterpropositions, so that the audience might not find out that he was also one of them.
The exigencies of wisdom have formerly been sent down in various Tablets from the Most Exalted Pen. Among these exigencies is that in whatever city ye enter, deposit ye the writings of God in a secure and safe place - that is, outside your dwelling place - and with the tongue, with perfect wisdom and utterance, remind the seekers. And when receptivity is observed, at that time show forth the waves of the ocean of the Merciful's utterance - that is, call for and recite some of the verses.
The purpose of mentioning the Christians is that the divines of that community are far removed from the Muhammadan Law--may the spirit of all else be sacrificed for His sake--and in their deficient understanding they have written refutations attempting to invalidate the truth. Therefore, the hearts and ears of that people are filled with unworthy and rejected utterances. Today it is advisable that if someone from that community should question you about Him, one should not become entangled in yes and no in reply. It is more in keeping with piety to say in response that today is not the time for such discussions.
If one were to fully reveal what is concealed, an uproar would arise, for it outwardly conflicts with what is in the hands of the people of outward forms. Yet if one were to conceal everything, no one would attain eternal salvation. The conduct of the Ancient Beauty Himself in Iraq and other lands serves as a complete guide for all.
Before the martyrdom of Badi' - upon him be the Glory of God - a number were commanded to speak openly and without concealment among the people. … However, after the martyrdom of Badi' - upon him be the Glory of God - the decree of wisdom was sent down from the heaven of God's Will. Now all are commanded to observe it.
In any case, what occurred to me in the middle of the night was this: that your honor should, secretly not openly, without ceremony or fame, with perfect wisdom, constantly travel throughout that region and territory from place to place. In each city stay two or three days, meeting the friends privately, encouraging and urging them forward, bringing them to a state of warmth and enthusiasm, conveying news of this love, giving glad tidings of divine favors, making souls detached, turning hearts toward the Abha Kingdom, guiding them to spread the divine fragrances, and directing them to conduct and behavior in accordance with the divine teachings.
The loved ones too must proceed with the greatest prudence, lest serious difficulties be created. If any one should travel to the Holy Land, he must on no account declare to anyone by the way that his purpose is to visit us. The loved ones must, in the presence of strangers, speak forth simply the TEACHINGS of the Blessed Beauty and mention no word of their BELIEF concerning Him. Should anyone enquire, "What is your belief regarding the Blessed Beauty?" Let them answer: "We regard Him as the foremost teacher and educator of these later ages and Abdul Baha as the Centre of His Covenant."
Regarding what you wrote about translating and publishing the divine Tablets, this is not advisable at present, for it would slacken the people's thirst. First souls must be made thirsty, then the sweet and flowing water be offered. If the sacred writings were now translated, published and distributed, everyone who obtained a Tablet would be content with reading it and say, "I am now familiar with the foundations of this community and need investigate no further." Yet the Tablets must be expounded by an expounder - that is, the expounder must first establish the foundation, and after presenting the proofs, then recite a Tablet; only then will it have effect.
However, they must act with perfect wisdom. They must never explicitly speak of the Revealer and Sender. Most people are immature and as infants. When a child is born from its mother, it must be given milk, not meat and heavy foods, so that step by step it may be nurtured and reach a stage where it can partake of various fruits and manifold bounties.
You must greatly emphasize concealment of the Cause, wisdom, and tolerance with people.
Speak of the teachings of the Blessed Beauty, may my spirit be a sacrifice for His loved ones, and mention His counsels and advice. This is best, for internal and external enemies lie in wait to create corruption and sedition.
Teach them as the truths contained in their own religion; and after you have instructed them and gladdened their hearts, you may tell them of the Messenger, and remind them of the promise of Buddha that another teacher should come, teaching the same truths.
Like unto the stars arise ye every day from a horizon. Like unto the nightingales, sing every day from a different rose-bush. Like unto the breeze, waft every morning from a garden. Do not stay a long time anywhere.
And if possible, it would be very beneficial to make a second winter journey to Mazandaran, especially to Nur, with perfect wisdom, for in Nur there are some souls who have not yet crossed the bridge - perhaps through your guidance and direction they may become firm and detach themselves from all else but Truth.
These souls should move about the regions purely to encourage and urge on the friends of God, and if they find a receptive soul who is without ulterior motives and far from mischief and corruption, they should also teach them.
For instance, the friends who live in the smaller cities often do not receive any news, and then only at random. Now if certain souls arise to travel through these places, give the Glad-tidings of God, stay in every place a night or two, deliver the news of the Holy Land and other countries and cities of the East and West, and associate with them with the utmost love, enthusiasm and happiness, this will be conducive to attraction and enkindlement, the people will be trained in spiritual matters and obtain exhilaration and life.
These days are days of respite - the various factions are occupied with each other. The friends must seize this opportunity and not rest for a moment, for this chance will not remain. At that time teaching will become difficult, just as it was difficult before. In any case, O divine friends, at minimum each of the friends must teach one soul within the period of one year. This is eternal glory, this is everlasting bounty.
Outwardly remain engaged in the same work as before, but keep in view the teaching of the Cause and strive with consummate wisdom to promote the religion of God.
Direct all your energies to teaching the Cause of God. Let him who findeth himself worthy of this most exalted station arise to render this service; otherwise, let him choose for himself a deputy to manifest this Cause whereby every firm edifice hath been shaken, the mountains have been crushed, and souls have been thunderstruck.
Now is the time of laying the foundation. Now we must gather brick, stone, wood, iron, and other building materials! This is not the time of decoration. We must strive day and night and think and work. What can I say that may become effective? What can I write that may bring forth fruits?
Nothing else will be useful, today. The interests of such a Glorious Cause will not advance without undivided attention. While we are carrying this load we cannot carry any other load!
The teacher is like a farmer who scatters seeds. The rain of mercy pours down and each seed produces a hundred. That pure seed forms harvests and becomes the cause of heavenly blessing.
These are the days for sowing seeds. One must continuously engage in cultivation to become a divine farmer and arrange mighty harvests.
This is the season of seed - sowing. Whosoever scattereth the seeds will gather many harvests. Today the matter of conveying the Message is successful or confirmed. For example during the season of seed-sowing, the matter of ploughing and planting is successful and not harvesting and crop-gathering.
Those spiritual friends must show some forbearance with the ignorant ones. One cannot give delicious foods to nursing infants, and one must not give delectable dishes to the sick. One must show patience gradually until the blind and mute become seeing and speaking.
But observe wisdom greatly and call souls to the Cause with wisdom to the extent possible.
The Master answered her:
If you have a bed of lilies-of-the-valley that you love and tenderly care for, they cannot see you, nor can they understand your care, nevertheless, because of that tender care, they flourish.
In answer to my question regarding what should be done for people who have become interested in the Cause and then have lost their interest the Master said:
"It is because you do not finish with them. They have their old superstitions and their hearts are attached to them; after a while they become cool again. They must have a new birth as His Holiness Christ said. They must become Bahais. That only their idea that Bahais are good is not enough. People are ignorant, they must become wise; they are blind, they must have sight; they are deaf, they must find hearing; they are sick, they must be treated; their children must arrive at maturity; they are earthly, they must become heavenly,-then they will become Bahais."
Now praise be to God the Hands are confirmed in the love of 'Abdu'l-Baha - this is better than a thousand votes. Through the aid and grace of the Blessed Beauty, may my spirit be sacrificed for the dust of His threshold, they must become confirmed in such luminosity that all will be attracted with heart and soul.
Call all to the oneness of the world of humanity and the dawning of the Sun of Truth from the horizon of Iran and servitude to 'Abdu'l-Baha, and explain the Center of the Covenant, and that is all.
It is evident that this Prisoner has foregone comfort, glory, bounty, life, and the like for the life of the world and has shown no compromise with kings in the Cause of God, let alone with others. Now all must unite in raising the comprehensive Word and must, with the utmost striving and effort, engage in teaching God's Cause with wisdom and forbearance.
Thou must occupy thyself with the remembrance of God and guide people to the Law of the All-Merciful through wisdom and utterance.
Preserve this most exalted station through the Name of the Lord of Names, and associate with the people of the earth with wisdom, utterance, spirit and fragrance, that perchance through thy mention some soul may turn to the lights of the Sun of Revelation and be remembered before the One Who remembereth.
May silent and mute birds burst forth in melodies like the Psalms of David that minds and consciousness are amazed, and like brilliant candles may they become illumined and radiant with the lights of recognition.
We must present to the public the proofs and evidences of this Cause with a tongue of fire - so that the souls may be exhilarated, the minds become full of tumult and acclamation.
With the Words of Love and Illumination we must set the hearts aglow with the Fire of the Love of God, enkindle the minds with the Power of the Kingdom.
O 'Attar! As much as thou art able, spread musk-diffusing fragrances throughout the world, that all nostrils may be perfumed by the musk-pods of divine mysteries.
Become speaking nightingales and with spiritual melodies teach lessons of inner meanings and realities, so that you may bring the birds of the meadow into ecstasy and rapture and set the birds of the garden of love to singing and melody, and become the cause of guidance for the handmaidens of the All-Merciful.
Like unto the cup-bearers of eternity turn ye round in the assemblages of mankind the overflowing goblets of guidance and intoxicate them with the wine of the love of God. Walk ye always in the pathway of lights and let the pillars of shining Bahai inspiration lead and direct you to your glorious destination.
This is a Book sent down from the Intended One to him who hath believed in God, the Lord of all worlds, that the wine of utterance may so intoxicate him that he will arise to proclaim the Most Great Name amidst all peoples, that perchance they who slumber upon the couch of idle fancies may be awakened and be numbered among the heedless.
We must present to the public the proofs and evidences of this Cause with a tongue of fire so that souls may be exhilarated, minds become full of tumult and acclamation.
With words of love and illumination we must set hearts aglow with the fire of the love of God, enkindle minds with the power of the Kingdom.
The disciples of Christ, with the exception of St. Paul, were not learned men, but they taught the world. By the power of attraction, zeal and conflagration, as well as severance from the world and by the giving of life, they taught. And this proved the magnet attracting the confirmations of the Holy Spirit.
Today the power of the Kingdom grants victory to those souls who are confirmed in the service and are the cause of the guidance of the people.
Often you cannot mention this glorious Revelation, for their prejudice would interfere, and they would not listen. But you will find that you can always talk to them about the love of God.
Therefore it is incumbent upon thee to enkindle thyself with the fire of the love of God in order that thy words may have an effect in hearts which are as of hard stone.
Therefore, look not to thine own capacity and capability. Rather, when teaching, turn thy face to the Abha Kingdom, seek divine confirmations, and with perfect assurance and power, open thy tongue and speak whatsoever is inspired in thy heart. Be not disheartened by the objections and opposition of the antagonists, nor be discouraged. The more they object, the more firmly shouldst thou respond....
Further quotations · supplied wording and references
It is true that Baha'u'llah lays on every Baha'i the duty to teach His Faith. At the same time, however, we are forbidden to proselytize, so it is important for all the believers to understand the difference between teaching and proselytizing. It is a significant difference and, in some countries where teaching a religion is permitted, but proselytizing is forbidden, the distinction is made in the law of the land. Proselytizing implies bringing undue pressure to bear upon someone to change his Faith. It is also usually understood to imply the making of threats or the offering of material benefits as an inducement to conversion.
Care, however, should, at all times, be exercised, lest in their eagerness to further the international interests of the Faith they frustrate their purpose, and turn away, through any act that might be misconstrued as an attempt to proselytize and bring undue pressure upon them, those whom they wish to win over to their Cause.
Unfortunately this word [missionary] has often been associated with a narrow-minded, bigoted type of proselytizing quite alien to the Baha'i method of spreading our teachings.
First they must strive to remove any apprehension in people. For example, each of the friends should choose one person every year and first establish good relations until fear disappears, then gradually teach that person. This is the best method.
The Guardian feels that the most effective way for the Baha'is to teach the Faith is to make strong friends with their neighbours and associates. When the friends have confidence in the Baha'is and the Baha'is in their friends, they should give the Message and teach the Cause. Individual teaching of this type is more effective than any other type.
The individual must arise as never before to proclaim the Faith of Baha'u'llah. The most effective way for them to carry on their work is for the individual to make many contacts, select a few who they feel would become Baha'is, develop a close friendship with them, then complete confidence, and finally teach them the Faith, until they become strong supporters of the Cause of God.
Every laborer in those fields, whether as traveling teacher or settler, should, I feel, make it his chief and constant concern to mix, in a friendly manner, with all sections of the population, irrespective of class, creed, nationality, or color, to familiarize himself with their ideas, tastes, and habits, to study the approach best suited to them, to concentrate, patiently and tactfully, on a few who have shown marked capacity and receptivity, and to endeavor, with extreme kindness, to implant such love, zeal, and devotion in their hearts as to enable them to become in turn self-sufficient and independent promoters of the Faith in their respective localities.
It is important that you make contact with pure hearted individuals, gain their confidence, they gain confidence in you, and then gradually teach them. It is better to concentrate on a few, rather than attempt to teach too many at a time. Consecration, devotion, dedication, humility are essential, that the Holy Spirit may use you as a reed for the diffusion of Its creative rays.
Teaching is most effective when close contact is established with one or two, and those carefully taught until they become strong supporters of the Faith.
You should study those who attend the meetings, and when you find one who you feel would become a strong and active Baha'i, then you should concentrate on teaching him. Thus, if you are able to confirm some souls, you will have rendered distinguished and outstanding service. Actually this is the goal of all such activities in all of the universities.
Never must they let a day pass without teaching some soul, trusting to Baha'u'llah that the seed will grow. The friends should seek pure souls, gain their confidence, and then teach that person carefully until he becomes a Baha'i, and then nurture him until he becomes a firm and active supporter of the Faith.
Teaching individually is of great importance, and often enables you to confirm people, whereas public speaking, while it carries the Message to more people, does not confirm very many. You can do both.
The proclamation of the Faith, following established plans and aiming to use on an increasing scale the facilities of mass communication must be vigorously pursued. It should be remembered that the purpose of proclamation is to make known to all mankind the fact and general aim of the new Revelation, while teaching programmes should be planned to confirm individuals from every stratum of society.
The International Teaching Centre has concluded that the Baha'i institutions in ... seem to have been placing too much reliance on large, expensive projects, involving a great deal of successful public relations and proclamation. These are, in their own way, very useful activities, but it must be realized that they cannot be expected to produce large numbers of new believers. The key to the conversion of people to the Faith is the action of the individual Baha'i conveying the spark of faith to individual seekers, answering their questions and deepening their understanding of the teachings.
Shoghi Effendi talks about the "art" of teaching. To excel in such an art requires courage, effort, constant application, the pain of uncertainty and an enormous willingness to take risks and suffer rebuffs.... To them must be added audacity, joy, and confident reliance on the confirmations of the Holy Spirit. Ingenuity is also required, and perseverance.
There are innumerable ways of teaching the Cause. You can choose the one that suits best your nature and capacity.
In teaching the Cause, much depends on the personality of the teacher and on the method he chooses for presenting the message. Different personalities and different classes and types of individuals need different methods of approach. And it is the sign of an able teacher to know how to best adapt his methods to various types of people whom he happens to meet. There is no one method one can follow all through. But there should be as many ways of approach as there are types of individual seekers. Flexibility and variety of method is, therefore, an essential prerequisite for the success of every teaching activity.
Every inquirer has to be approached from his own angle. Those who are essentially of the mystic type should first be given those teachings of the Cause which emphasize the nature and value of spiritual realities; while those who are practically minded and of a positive type are naturally more ready and inclined to accept the social aspect of the Teachings. But of course, gradually the entire Message, in all its aspects and with the full implications it entails, should be explained to the newcomer. For to be a believer means to accept the Cause in its wholeness, and not to adhere to some of its teachings.
...the fundamental prerequisite for any successful teaching enterprise, ...is to adapt the presentation of the fundamental principles of their Faith to the cultural and religious backgrounds, the ideologies, and the temperament of the divers races and nations whom they are called upon to enlighten and attract. The susceptibilities of these races and nations, from both the northern and southern climes, springing from either the Germanic or Latin stock, belonging to either the Catholic or Protestant communion, some democratic, others totalitarian in outlook, some socialistic, others capitalistic in their tendencies, differing widely in their customs and standards of living, should at all times be carefully considered, and under no circumstances neglected.
...no system, for teachers to practise, exists. But obviously the more people know about the teachings and the Cause, the better they will be able to present the subject. If some people find that prayer and placing all their trust in God, releases in them a flood of inspiration, they should be left free to pursue this method if it is productive of results.
It is surely very necessary that the friends should keep in touch with the modern social movements, but their main objective should be to draw more people to the spirit and teachings of the Cause. They should learn from the experience of others and not permit themselves to go (off) at a tangent, and finally be so absorbed in other movements as to forget the Cause of God.
It should not be overlooked, however, that the most powerful and effective teaching medium that has been found so far is the fireside meeting, because in the fireside meeting, intimate personal questions can be answered, and the student find the spirit of the Faith more abundant there.
The most effective method of teaching is the Fireside group, where new people can be shown Baha'i hospitality, and ask all questions which bother them. They can feel there the true Baha'i spirit -- and it is the spirit that quickeneth.
The Guardian hopes the Friends ... will display the loving spirit of the Master in their contacts, and then win those souls to the Faith. The fireside method of teaching seems to produce the greatest results, when each one invites friends into their homes once in nineteen days, and introduces them to the Faith. Close association and loving service affects the hearts; and when the heart is affected, then the spirit can enter. It is the Holy Spirit that quickens, and the Friends must become channels for its diffusion.
The believers are entirely free to hold as many little teaching groups or Firesides as they please in their own homes... In fact this personal, informal, home teaching is perhaps the most productive of results.
The principle of the fireside meeting, which was established in order to permit and encourage the individual to teach in his own home, has been proven the most effective instrument for spreading the Faith....
He feels that to distribute Baha'i pamphlets from door to door ... is undignified and might create a bad impression of the Faith....
There is no objection to leaving Baha'i Literature in a public place as long as it is not overdone and does not savour of proselytizing.
Having on his own initiative, and undaunted by any hindrances with which either friend or foe may, unwittingly or deliberately, obstruct his path, resolved to arise and respond to the call of teaching, let him carefully consider every avenue of approach which he might utilize in his personal attempts to capture the attention, maintain the interest, and deepen the faith, of those whom he seeks to bring into the fold of his Faith. Let him survey the possibilities which the particular circumstances in which he lives offer him, evaluate their advantages, and proceed intelligently and systematically to utilize them for the achievement of the object he has in mind....
A new hour has struck in history of our beloved Cause, calling for nation-wide, systematic, sustained efforts in teaching field, enabling thereby these forces to be directed into such channels as shall redound to the glory of our Faith and to the honor of its institutions.
A systematic, carefully conceived, and well-established plan should be devised, rigorously pursued and continuously extended.
An unprecedented, a carefully conceived, efficiently co-ordinated, nation-wide campaign, aiming at the proclamation of the Message of Baha'u'llah, through speeches, articles in the press, and radio broadcasts, should be promptly initiated and vigorously prosecuted.
Above all, the healing Message of Baha'u'llah must during the opening years of the second Baha'i Century, and through the instrumentality of an already properly functioning Administrative Order, whose ramifications have been extended to the four corners of the Western Hemisphere, be vividly, systematically brought to the attention of the masses, in their hour of grief, misery and confusion.
Systematic approaches to collective teaching activities and well-focused long-term teaching projects were fruitful and were more evident than ever before in a number of countries.
Let him not be content until he has infused into his spiritual child so deep a longing as to impel him to arise independently, in his turn, and devote his energies to the quickening of other souls, and the upholding of the laws and principles laid down by his newly adopted Faith.
After declaration, the new believers must not be left to their own devices. Through correspondence and dispatch of visitors, through conferences and training courses, these friends must be patiently strengthened and lovingly helped to develop into full Baha'i maturity. The beloved Guardian referring to the duties of Baha'i Assemblies in assisting the newly declared believer has written: "... the members of each and every Assembly should endeavour, by their patience, their love, their tact and wisdom, to nurse, subsequent to his admission, the newcomer into Baha'i maturity, and win him over gradually to the unreserved acceptance of whatever has been ordained in the teachings."
In truth the teachers of the Cause are very few, and from every side the cry can be heard of those souls that eagerly seek them. There is no remedy for this save the establishment, in every town, of an assembly with the express goal of instructing the believers in teaching the Cause, so that the tender shoots of the all-glorious paradise, who are filled with the utmost zeal, devotion, and enthusiasm, may acquire the art of teaching. If this is done in a proper and befitting manner, consummate teachers and steadfast orators will appear in every town in a short period of time.
The deepening and enrichment of the spiritual life of the individual believer, his increasing comprehension of the essential verities underlying this Faith, his training in its administrative processes, his understanding of the fundamentals of the Covenants established by its Author and the authorised Interpreter of its teachings should be made the supreme objectives of the national representatives responsible for the edification, the progress and consolidation of these communities.
With the growth in the number of enrollments, it has become apparent that such occasional courses of instruction and the informal activities of community life, though important, are not sufficient as a means of human resource development, for they have resulted in only a relatively small band of active supporters of the Cause. These believers, no matter how dedicated, no matter how willing to make sacrifices, cannot attend to the needs of hundreds, much less thousands, of fledgling local communities. Systematic attention has to be given by Baha'i institutions to training a significant number of believers and assisting them in serving the Cause according to their God-given talents and capacities.
It is therefore of paramount importance that systematic attention be given to devising methods for educating large numbers of believers in the fundamental verities of the Faith and for training and assisting them to serve the Cause as their God-given talents allow. There should be no delay in establishing permanent institutes designed to provide well-organized, formally conducted programmes of training on a regular schedule. Access of the institute to physical facilities will of course be necessary, but it may not require a building of its own.
Teaching Institute: this is essentially an activity aimed at deepening the knowledge of the friends to prepare them for active participation in the teaching work. In some countries it may continue to be an activity conducted either in local Baha'i Centers or possibly housed in hired quarters, like most Summer Schools. However, in other countries, and particularly in mass teaching areas, it may have to be a modest structure acquired or erected in the rural areas where the majority of the believers reside rather than in capital cities, to obviate transportation expenses for those attending.
Your Institutes should not only be seats of Baha'i learning but also centres from which mass teaching and consolidation work over a large area must be inspired and conducted. The Institute is not merely a building, nor solely a place where Baha'i classes can be held for a few days. It should be the centre of complex activities which systematically assisted your Assembly in the achievement of its goal in teaching and consolidation.
What the friends throughout the world are now being asked to do is to commit themselves, their material resources, their abilities and their time to the development of a network of training institutes on a scale never before attempted. These centers of Baha'i learning will have as their goal one very practical outcome, namely, the raising up of large numbers of believers who are trained to foster and facilitate the process of entry by troops with efficiency and love.
These centres of Baha'i learning will have as their goal one very practical outcome, namely, the raising up of large numbers of believers who are trained to foster and facilitate the process of entry by troops with efficiency and love.
Your past exploits were largely the result of the incessant labors of a comparatively few consecrated believers who devoted their time and resources to the spread of the Cause in locality after locality. If you are to sustain rapid expansion and consolidation in the coming years, it is imperative that far greater numbers of dedicated and committed souls arise to promote these twin processes. Training courses--widespread, regular and well-organized--constitute the most effective means to mobilize believers on the scale required.
Training programmes, with which many of your communities have considerable experience, constitute a most potent instrument for the accomplishment of such a vast mobilization. We call upon you, then, to support the work of the training institutes in your countries, the more experienced among you giving generously of their time as teachers so that courses can be offered widely and consistently. As you acquire new knowledge and skills through these programmes, you will be able to put into practice with enthusiasm and zeal what you have learned, and arise to shoulder the manifold responsibilities that accelerated expansion and consolidation demand.
They [training institutes] will help to develop in each participant a deep love for Baha'u'llah, a good understanding of His essential Teachings and an awareness of the importance of developing the spiritual life of each individual through prayer, meditation and immersion in the Sacred Writings. They will also cover such practical matters as how to teach the Faith, for there are too many who, for lack of confidence in their ability to do so, are hesitant to convey the Message.
Your participation in institute programmes, through which you will deepen your knowledge of the Faith, cultivate your inner spiritual lives and develop abilities of service, will enable you to intensify your individual and collective exertions in the teaching field and will result in a commensurate acceleration in the expansion of your communities.
They [institute programmes] should seek to develop in the participants a good understanding of Baha'u'llah's essential Teachings and to help them acquire those skills and abilities that will enable them to serve the Faith effectively. They should also strive to imbue their hearts with a deep love for Baha'u'llah's -- a love from which stems a desire to submit oneself to His Will, to obey His laws, to heed His exhortations and to promote His Faith.
As foreseen, the training institute is proving to be an engine of growth. On assessing the opportunities and needs of their respective communities, the great majority of National Spiritual Assemblies have chosen to adopt the course materials devised by the Ruhi Institute, finding them most responsive to the Plan's needs. This has had the collateral benefit that the same materials have been translated into many languages and, wherever Baha'is travel, they find other friends following the same path and familiar with the same books and methods.
Central to the pattern of action evolving in a cluster is the individual and collectivetransformation effected through the agency of the Word of God. From the beginningof the sequence of courses, a participant encounters Baha'u'llah's Revelation inconsidering such weighty themes as worship, service to humanity,the life of the soul,and the education of children and youth. As a person cultivates the habit of study anddeep reflection upon the Creative Word, thisprocess of transformation reveals itselfin an ability to express one's understanding of profound concepts and to explorespiritual reality in conversations of significance.
In a sense this means that the community must become more adept at accommodating a wide range of actions without losing concentration on the primary objectives of teaching, namely, expansion and consolidation. A unity in diversity of actions is called for, a condition in which different individuals will concentrate on different activities, appreciating the salutary effect of the aggregate on the growth and development of the Faith, because each person cannot do everything and all persons cannot do the same thing.
But also of vital importance to bringing about entry by troops is a realistic approach, systematic action. There are no shortcuts. Systematization ensures consistency of lines of action based on well-conceived plans. In a general sense, it implies an orderliness of approach in all that pertains to Baha'i service, whether in teaching or administration, in individual or collective endeavor. While allowing for individual initiative and spontaneity, it suggests the need to be clearheaded, methodical, efficient, constant, balanced and harmonious.
One of your primary concerns will be to strengthen appreciation for systematic action, already heightened by the successes it has brought. To arrive at a unified vision of growth based on a realistic assessment of possibilities and resources, to develop strategies that lend structure to it, to devise and implement plans of action commensurate with capacity, to make necessary adjustments while maintaining continuity, to build on accomplishments--these are some of the requisites of systematization that every community must learn and internalize.
For thought and discussion