Teaching oneself: becoming answerable to one’s words

teaching one's self first in teaching the Cause

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Editorial introduction

Whoever wishes to deliver the Cause to others, Bahá’u’lláh says, must first deliver it to himself; those who enjoin righteousness and forget their own selves are like a lamp that gives light to servants while consuming itself. Teaching oneself is the answerability this image demands. It begins with testing one’s knowledge in practice, continues in conduct watched by everyone, and reaches into study of the Writings and of history, learning a language, caring for the sick, memorizing prayers, and finding in one’s own being the attraction and prayerful attitude without which words do not carry. Preparation never quite ends before service begins, for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá observes that our own heart is opened when we teach the heart of a listener. The Dhammapada likewise asks that one establish oneself in what is proper before instructing others, within its own discipline of training ^[1]. After prayer and meditation, Shoghi Effendi reminds us, comes action and perseverance. The road continues into knowledge of self, the spiritual prerequisites of teaching, and the enkindlement that turns understanding into a flame.

Selected passages

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Whosoever among you desireth to deliver the Cause of his Lord, it behooveth him first to deliver it unto himself, then unto the people, that his words may attract the hearts of the hearers. Without this, his words will never influence the hearts of the seekers. Beware, O people, lest ye be of them who enjoin righteousness upon others but forget their own selves. … Their likeness in the sight of God is as a lamp from which servants receive light while it consumeth itself and becometh of those that are consumed.

(Bahá’u’lláh, Suriy-i-Bayan, to Shaykh (Muhammad brother of Ahmad) -- BH00144)

Before teaching others, one must first teach oneself. A person should first test their knowledge within themselves to see whether it is practically applicable or merely theoretical.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Baltimore Hotel in Paris, 1913-May-06 -- ABU3493)

"Man must strive first to educate and train his own self - thus he may obtain unlimited capacity; then starts in the education of others.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1914-Nov-19 -- ABU0772)

When we give the Message, we develop ourselves. Our own heart is opened when we teach the heart of the listener.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Julia Grundy spoken around Jan. 1905 -- ABU3215)

The friends of God must teach by deeds and conduct so that all will testify that verily their behavior and manner is a reflection of the heaven above.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Habib Mu'ayyad, spoken on 1915-May-08 -- ABU0855)

All the people of the world look at us to see how we act; what our characteristics are; what our attributes are; what our mode of procedure is. They all look toward us, and we must act in such wise that we may not be the cause of the degradation of the Cause of God.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at El Grosse Bldg. in Los Angeles, 1912-Oct-19 -- ABU0025)

Say: O servants, count not the Cause of God as a child's play and be not heedless of the divine all-encompassing knowledge. Let all be witnessed among creation with radiant countenance, truthful tongue, pure heart, complete steadfastness, unadulterated trustworthiness, absolute sanctity and utter detachment. Gird up the loins of service while uttering the praise and glorification of the Truth, that perchance in these cherished days of God ye may succeed in rendering some service and commit not that which would bring harm upon you and the servants of God.

(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Muhammad Ali Qaini -- BH00312)

Cling ye to the hem of virtue, and hold fast to the cord of trustworthiness and piety. Concern yourselves with the things that benefit mankind, and not with your corrupt and selfish desires. O ye followers of this Wronged One! Ye are the shepherds of mankind; liberate ye your flocks from the wolves of evil passions and desires, and adorn them with the ornament of the fear of God.

(Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Ibn-i-Dhi'b (Epistle to the Son of the Wolf), 1308 ? [1891], to Muhammad Taqi Isfahani (son of the Wolf) -- BH00005)

We must partake of the bounty and grace of the Lord, for the Bab has admonished us to arise in service to the Cause of God, to be absolutely severed from all else save God during the day of the Blessed Perfection, Baha'u'llah, to be completely attracted by the love of Baha'u'llah, to love all humanity for His sake, to be lenient and merciful to all for Him and to upbuild the oneness of the world of humanity.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at Breed home in Cambridge, 1912-May-23 -- ABU0346)

We must associate with all humanity in gentleness and kindliness. We must love all with love of the heart. Some are ignorant; they must be trained and educated. One is sick; he must be healed. Another is as a child; we must assist him to attain maturity.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at Parsons home in Washington, 1912-Apr-25 -- ABU0233)

"He brought about the Lord's Supper, and served the diciples in order to teach them that they must also serve others. This was His example to them.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1920-May-07 -- ABU1065)

To conclude: We will say that he who wishes to teach must first find himself in the right state, to-wit,-he must discover in his own being the sense of attraction and the prayerful attitude, and by his attention to the Focal Point, will he be able to teach.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Charles and Mariam Haney spoken in Feb. 1909 -- ABU1137)

Have thou the utmost resolution and perseverance and with absolute humility and submission live among the Maidservants of the Merciful, so thou mayest always be silent and whenever you open your lips it must be to guide the capable souls, so that they may enter the Divine Religion and receive a share from the inexhaustible bounties.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Jun-08, to Cora H Ditmars -- AB06599)

Praise be to God that thou hast a heart enkindled with the Fire of the Love of God. Unquestionably its heat will have effect in the hearts of others and thou wilt become the means of the guidance of innumerable souls.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Mar-14, to Isabella Fraser -- AB07575)

If they be birds of the meadow of divine knowledge, they must needs spread their wings and take flight unto the branches of the gardens of oneness. And if they be fish of the ocean of love, they must needs move and swim therein.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Murshid Aqa -- AB08863)

Seek not thy ease or comfort for a moment nor take a single breath without reason or goodly results.
This goodly fruit is none other than to be attracted to the divine fragrances, to be enkindled through the fire of the love God, to spread the signs of oneness, to enter the kingdom of sanctity, chanting verses from the perspicuous Book and reflecting the qualities of the Concourse on High.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906 ca., to Mirza Ali Khan -- AB05639)

Today the friends must be illumined with the light of steadfastness and summon the people of the world to the supreme horizon through wisdom and utterance.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1305 ? [1887-1888], to Mirza Ali Ashraf Lahijani ('Andalib) et al -- BH00417)

The handmaids of God must rise to such a station that they will, by themselves and unaided, comprehend these inner meanings, and be able to expound at full length every single word; a station where, out of the truth of their inmost hearts, a spring of wisdom will well up, and jet forth even as a fountain that leapeth from its own original source.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902-Oct-25, to Corinne True -- AB00342)

Receive proofs and evidence from Mirza Abul Fazl so that thou wilt be armed with convincing proofs and sufficient argument to break down the ranks of denial, pride and ignorance.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1915 or <, to Frederick James Woodward -- AB06310)

"To what should I devote my time in Abu-Sinan?" I asked.
"I wish for you to go to Iran," the Master replied. "Presently, however, remain in Abu-Sinan and for the good-pleasure of God cure the ailing. Also read from the proof treatise as well as Ishraqat, Kalimat [Firdawsiyyih] and Tarazat, and memorize them."

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Dec-31 in Abu Sinan -- ABU2343)

And you yourself must make the utmost effort to advance in the English language, both speaking and writing, for it will be much needed in the future.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Yiznik Markar Hatzagurtsiyan -- AB02510)

In every city there must be organized assemblies of teaching-classes to teach the young how to teach the Cause and prepare them for this most important service.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Apr-08 -- ABU1257)

Surely all the friends should think about increasing teaching study classes.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906-Aug-07, to Ali Muhammad Sarrishtihdar -- AB02664)

Among the most excellent services is the education and training of children and the promotion of various branches of knowledge and sciences. Now, praise be to God, you are making a mighty effort and great endeavor in this service.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Baha'is of Ishqabad -- AB02794)

At the start, put a pen in the hand of each child. Divide the children in groups and classes, according to their ability: place them in class one, class two, three and four. The first class must be confined to beginners. Seat them in order and give to each a pen and paper. Then let the teacher, using a blackboard hung on the wall, write each letter of the alphabet separately on the board with white chalk. The children are to copy on their paper what he hath written, even though their script be weak.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Mirza Husayn Jushqani -- AB02191)

That is, the perfect human must engage in educating and teaching all. Therefore I hope that the students of that teacher will progress in all ranks and become occupied with teaching.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-May-20, to Ghulam-Husayn Durukhshi -- AB04286)

Among its fruits is that souls are being taught and instructed, and being educated under the blessed tree, they become familiar with the holy fragrances and strive to diffuse the divine breaths.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1905 ca., to Ahmad Sadrus-Sudur -- AB02072)

In answer we stated: There is no doubt that the purpose of a divine law is the education of the human race, the training of humanity. All mankind may be considered as pupils or children who are in need of a divine Educator, a real Teacher. The essential requirement and qualification of Prophethood is the training and guidance of the people.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at Parsons home in Washington, 1912-Nov-09 -- ABU0094)

I will not be far from thee for one second, I did not bring thee with me without a good reason nor have I kept thee so long without a cause. Be thou not grieved. I am thy instructor. I have educated thee in my own college. Thou art my student. Adorn thyself with my words, deeds, morals, manners.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1915-May-15 -- ABU0624)

Even so must you be, for I have trained you. You are the candle which I have lighted with my own hands.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Mar-29, to Beatrice Marion Platt -- AB06617)

Through my training you must become so fitted to spread the Glad-Tidings of the Abha Kingdom that you will follow in the footsteps of these blessed ones in gladness.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in 1912 in the United States -- ABU1058)

I have done my part. I have sung my songs and have played almost every tune. Now it is your turn. For awhile I must sit silent ever straining my ears to hear your anthems of praise.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Jan-30 -- ABU0397)

Supplicate God that thou mayest make the young women of that tribe handmaidens of the threshold of the Mighty Lord, so that, being nurtured in the embrace of that handmaiden of God's training, they may become near to the threshold of the All-Glorious and day and night may loose their tongues in glorification and praise, and arise in thanksgiving for the bounty of the All-Merciful.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Wife of Amir (Shiraz) -- AB08175)

Thank thou God that thou wert assisted in meeting Reverend Albert Vail and he became the cause of thy guidance. Thou wert thirsty and he suffered thee to drink the water of life. Thou wert a seeker; he caused thee to listen to the call of the Kingdom. He became the cause of thy illumination and spirituality.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Jul ca., to Alma M Penrose -- AB05249)

Indeed, what thou hast written to that known person is truly an eloquent book. Even if it does not have an effect, it will still lessen his delusions. Without doubt, continue corresponding with him as before - it can do no harm. Perhaps the lights of fairness will shine forth and the darkness of oppression will disappear.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Jan-13, to Hand of the Cause Ali Muhammad Ibn Asdaq -- AB03198)

Similarly, when anyone teaches another soul, keep it concealed and absolutely never disclose it, especially regarding prominent persons--the distinguished and eminent ones must be kept completely confidential. Now many important persons desire to enter under the shadow of Truth, but they fear exposure and fame. If they know they will remain concealed and protected, they will successively turn to the Faith. Consider this matter very important.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Sep-26, to Spiritual Assembly of Tihran -- AB00295)

A teacher must never ask for money for any of his personal needs but the believers must by themselves in a voluntary spirit provide him with his travelling expenses etc, especially when he cannot pay for them. This must be done very quietly without any public announcement.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends, spoken on 1914-Mar-20 -- ABU0889)

In speaking of the spreading the Fragrances of the Kingdom, Abdul-Baha said "In movements there is life, in immobility there is death. The traveling of the teachers from place to place, from Orient to Occident, and from country to country, is one of the greatest means for spreading the Fragrances, and for sowing spiritual seeds in the souls of the people."

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Remey and Struven in May 1910 -- ABU3365)

You must engage in the diffusion of the Fragrances of God, so that ye may impart life to the worlds, illumine the dark regions, confer new existence upon these mouldering, dead bodies, make intelligent and mindful these negligent hearts.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Albert Windust, Ramleh, 1913-Oct-23 -- ABU2872)

If the friends of God in America were each engaged in teaching the Cause of God like the friends in Iran, by now they would have guided several million souls and joy and gladness would have been attained by all.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904-Jan-05, to Arthur P Dodge -- AB01472)

Through the instruction of the Holy Spirit they are ripened. While I travelled in America I met many illumined Jews who are aware of the Mysteries of the Kingdom..."

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mr Briggs, spoken on 1914-Mar-09 -- ABU0673)

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

A. B. When I look at the flag in the distance, it reminds me of the King (Louis) of France. He killed many of the Christians. Wherever they could be found he killed them. Then at last a thought came to him. 'We have killed the Christians, what result did we get out of it - day by day this lamp grows brighter and this sun shines brighter. It is sure that the end of it is greater than this.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Emogene Hoagg et al, spoken on 1920-Oct-24 -- ABU0609)

Previously, detailed letters have been written about the conduct and behavior of the divine friends and what is necessary and fitting.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Jul-31, to Baha'is of Sirjan -- AB01985)

Now the affairs occurring in that land have become and continue to be the subject of discussion everywhere. Reflect on the conditions of the Wronged One - the bearing of countless afflictions was for the preservation of stations, yet now it has yielded the opposite result and caused waste.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-07-18 [1889-Mar-20], to Haji Mirza Abul-qasim Nazir (Jinab-i-Nazir) -- BH00294)

Now compensation must be made for what was lost. We supplicate and implore at the Threshold of Oneness on their behalf and seek confirmation and success.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-Jul-17, to Azizullah Varqa -- AB12238)

Divine verses have encompassed all regions, are found with every soul, and are visible in every house. Now we beseech Him to enable and confirm His servants in what is befitting.

(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300-01-18 [1882-Nov-29], to The one who journeyed and attained et al -- BH00202)

Further quotations · supplied wording and references

Those who participate in such a campaign, whether in an organizing capacity, or as workers to whose care the execution of the task itself has been committed, must, as an essential preliminary to the discharge of their duties, thoroughly familiarize themselves with the various aspects of the history and teachings of their Faith. In their efforts to achieve this purpose they must study for themselves, conscientiously and painstakingly, the literature of their Faith, delve into its teachings, assimilate its laws and principles, ponder its admonitions, tenets and purposes, commit to memory certain of its exhortations and prayers, master the essentials of its administration, and keep abreast of its current affairs and latest developments.

ADJ#075 p073-074