Compilation on Teaching.
1)
CXLIV. The Pen of the Most High hath decreed and imposed upon every one
the obligation to teach this Cause.... God will, no doubt, inspire
whosoever detacheth himself from all else but Him, and will cause the
pure waters of wisdom and utterance to gush out and flow copiously from
his heart. Verily, thy Lord, the All-Merciful, is powerful to do as He
willeth, and ordaineth whatsoever He pleaseth.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 314
2)
Say: If it be Our pleasure We shall render the Cause victorious through
the power of a single word from Our presence. He is in truth the
Omnipotent, the All-Compelling. Should it be God's intention, there
would appear out of the forests of celestial might the lion of
indomitable strength whose roaring is like unto the peals of thunder
reverberating in the mountains. However, since Our loving providence
surpasseth all things, We have ordained that complete victory should be
achieved through speech and utterance, that Our servants throughout the
earth may thereby become the recipients of divine good. This is but a
token of God's bounty vouchsafed unto them. Verily thy Lord is the
All-Sufficing, the Most Exalted.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 197-198
3)
CLVIII. God hath prescribed unto every one the duty of teaching His
Cause. Whoever ariseth to discharge this duty, must needs, ere he
proclaimeth His Message, adorn himself with the ornament of an upright
and praiseworthy character, so that his words may attract the hearts of
such as are receptive to his call. Without it, he can never hope to
influence his hearers.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 335
4)
O My Name! Utterance must needs possess penetrating power. For if
bereft of this quality it would fail to exert influence. And this
penetrating influence dependeth on the spirit being pure
and the heart stainless. Likewise it needeth moderation, without which
the hearer would be unable to bear it, rather he would manifest
opposition from the very outset. And moderation will be obtained by
blending utterance with the tokens of divine wisdom which are recorded
in the sacred Books and Tablets. Thus when the essence of one's
utterance is endowed with these two requisites it will prove highly
effective and will be the prime factor in transforming the souls of
men. This is the station of supreme victory and celestial dominion.
Whoso attaineth thereto is invested with the power to teach the Cause
of God and to prevail over the hearts and minds of men.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 198-199
5)
Beseech ye the one true God to grant that ye may taste the savor of
such deeds as are performed in His path, and partake of the sweetness
of such humility and submissiveness as are shown for His sake. Forget
your own selves, and turn your eyes towards your neighbor. Bend your
energies to whatever may foster the education of men. Nothing is, or
can ever be, hidden from God. If ye follow in His way, His incalculable
and imperishable blessings will be showered upon you. This is the
luminous Tablet, whose verses have streamed from the moving Pen of Him
Who is the Lord of all worlds. Ponder it in your hearts, and be ye of
them that observe its precepts.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 9
6)
It behoveth the people of Bahá to render the Lord victorious through
the power of their utterance and to admonish the people by their goodly
deeds and character, inasmuch as deeds exert greater influence than
words.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 57
7)
Whoso ariseth among you to teach the Cause of his Lord, let him, before
all else, teach his own self, that his speech may attract the hearts of
them that hear him. Unless he teacheth his own self, the words of his
mouth will not influence the heart of the seeker. Take heed, O people,
lest ye be of them that give good counsel to others but forget to
follow it themselves. The words of such as these, and beyond the words
the realities of all things, and beyond these realities the angels that
are nigh unto God, bring against them the accusation of falsehood.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 277
8)
They whose hearts are turned towards Him Who is the Object of the
adoration of the entire creation must needs, in this Day, pass beyond
and be sanctified from all created things, visible and invisible. If
they arise to teach My Cause, they must let the breath of Him Who is
the Unconstrained, stir them and must spread it abroad on the earth
with high resolve, with minds that are wholly centered in Him, and with
hearts that are completely detached from and independent of all things,
and with souls that are sanctified from the world and its vanities. It
behoveth them to choose as the best provision for their journey
reliance upon God, and to clothe themselves with the love of their
Lord, the Most Exalted, the All-Glorious. If they do so, their words
shall influence their hearers.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 200
9)
Be thou steadfast in the Cause, and teach the people with consummate
wisdom. Thus enjoineth thee the Ruler of earth and heaven. He is in
truth the Almighty, the Most Generous. Ere long will God exalt thy
remembrance and will inscribe with the Pen of Glory that which thou
didst utter for the sake of His love. He is in truth the Protector of
the doers of good.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 15
10)
No man of wisdom can demonstrate his knowledge save by means of words.
This showeth the significance of the Word as is affirmed in all the
Scriptures, whether of former times or more recently. For it is through
its potency and animating spirit that the people of the world have
attained so eminent a position. Moreover words and utterances should be
both impressive and penetrating. However, no word will be infused with
these two qualities unless it be uttered wholly for the sake of God and
with due regard unto the exigencies of the occasion and the people.
-- Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 172.
11)
The sanctified souls should ponder and meditate in their hearts
regarding the methods of teaching. From the texts of the wondrous,
heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing
on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may
recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as
these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and
mightiest talisman. So potent is their influence that the hearer will
have no cause for vacillation. I swear by My life! This Revelation is
endowed with such a power that it will act as the lodestone for all
nations and kindreds of the earth. Should one pause to meditate
attentively he would recognize that no place is there, nor can there
be, for anyone to flee to.
-- Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 200.
12)
Teach thou the Cause of God with an utterance which will cause the
bushes to be enkindled, and the call `Verily, there is no God but Me,
the Almighty, the Unconstrained' to be raised therefrom. Say: Human
utterance is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and
needeth moderation. As to its influence, this is conditional upon
refinement which in turn is dependent upon hearts which are detached
and pure. As to its moderation, this hath to be combined with tact and
wisdom as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets. Meditate upon
that which hath streamed forth from the heaven of the Will of thy Lord,
He Who is the Source of all grace, that thou mayest grasp the intended
meaning which is enshrined in the sacred depths of the Holy Writings.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 143
13)
Be pure, O people of God, be pure; be righteous, be righteous.... Say:
O people of God! That which can ensure the victory of Him Who is the
Eternal Truth, His hosts and helpers on earth, have been set down in
the sacred Books and Scriptures, and are as clear and manifest as the
sun. These hosts are such righteous deeds, such conduct and character,
as are acceptable in His sight. Whoso ariseth, in this Day, to aid Our
Cause, and summoneth to his assistance the hosts of a praiseworthy
character and upright conduct, the influence flowing from such an
action will, most certainly, be diffused throughout the whole world.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 287
14)
This sign of the revelation of the Divine Being in them that have
joined partners with Him may, in a sense, be regarded as a reflection
of the glory with which the faithful are illumined. None, however, can
comprehend this truth save men endued with understanding. They that
have truly recognized the Unity of God should be regarded as the
primary manifestations of this Name. It is they who have quaffed the
wine of Divine Unity from the cup which the hand of God hath proffered
unto them, and who have turned their faces towards Him. How vast the
distance that separateth these sanctified beings from those men that
are so far away from God!...
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 191
15)
The reason why the subject of aid and assistance hath time and again
streamed and will continue to stream from the Pen of Providence is to
warn the friends of God lest they engage in activities that would give
rise to strife and turmoil. It is incumbent upon them, one and all, to
diligently seek ways to help the Cause of God in such manner as We have
explained. This is but a token of His grace especially conferred upon
His loved ones that every one of them may attain the station
characterized by the words: `Whoso quickeneth a soul hath verily
quickened all mankind.'
Temporal ascendancy hath been and will continue to be under the shadow
of this station. Its appointed hour is pre-ordained in the Book of God.
He is truly cognizant thereof and it will be manifested through the
potency of His might. Verily He is the Powerful, the All-Subduing, the
Omnipotent, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
-- Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 199-200
16)
Verily, God hath made it incumbent upon every soul to deliver His Cause
according to his ability. Thus hath the command been recorded by the
finger of might and power upon the Tablet of majesty and greatness.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Tablet of the Branch.
17)
Say: Teach ye the Cause of God, O people of Bahá, for God hath
prescribed unto every one the duty of proclaiming His Message, and
regardeth it as the most meritorious of all deeds. Such a deed is
acceptable only when he that teacheth the Cause is already a firm
believer in God, the Supreme Protector, the Gracious, the Almighty. He
hath, moreover, ordained that His Cause be taught through the power of
men's utterance, and not through resort to violence. Thus hath His
ordinance been sent down from the Kingdom of Him Who is the Most
Exalted, the All-Wise. Beware lest ye contend with any one, nay, strive
to make him aware of the truth with kindly manner and most convincing
exhortation. If your hearer respond, he will have responded to his own
behoof, and if not, turn ye away from him, and set your faces towards
God's sacred Court, the seat of resplendent holiness.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 278-279
18)
CLVII. They that have forsaken their country for the purpose of
teaching Our Cause--these shall the Faithful Spirit strengthen through
its power. A company of Our chosen angels shall go forth with them, as
bidden by Him Who is the Almighty, the All-Wise. How great the
blessedness that awaiteth him that hath attained the honor of serving
the Almighty! By My life! No act, however great, can compare with it,
except such deeds as have been ordained by God, the All-Powerful, the
Most Mighty. Such a service is, indeed, the prince of all goodly deeds,
and the ornament of every goodly act. Thus hath it been ordained by Him
Who is the Sovereign Revealer, the Ancient of Days.
Whoso ariseth to teach Our Cause must needs detach himself from all
earthly things, and regard, at all times, the triumph of Our Faith as
his supreme objective. This hath, verily, been decreed in the Guarded
Tablet. And when he determineth to leave his home, for the sake of the
Cause of his Lord, let him put his whole trust in God, as the best
provision for his journey, and array himself with the robe of virtue.
Thus hath it been decreed by God, the Almighty, the All-Praised.
If he be kindled with the fire of His love, if he forgoeth all created
things, the words he uttereth shall set on fire them that hear him.
Verily, thy Lord is the Omniscient, the All-Informed. Happy is the man
that hath heard Our voice, and answered Our call. He, in truth, is of
them that shall be brought nigh unto Us.
-- Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 334-335.
19)
Centre your attention unceasingly upon that which will cause the Word
of God to be exalted. In this Most Great Revelation goodly deeds and a
praiseworthy character are regarded as the hosts of God, likewise is
His blessed and holy Word. These hosts are the lodestone of the hearts
of men and the effective means for unlocking doors. Of all the weapons
in the world this is the keenest.
Beseech thou God to graciously assist all men to observe that which His
all-glorious Pen hath recorded in the sacred Books and Tablets.
--Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 256
20)
The attainment of the most great guidance is dependent upon knowledge
and wisdom, and on being informed as to the mysteries of the Holy
Words. Wherefore must the loved ones of God, be they young or old, be
they men or women, each one according to his capabilities, strive to
acquire the various branches of knowledge, and to increase his
understanding of the mysteries of the Holy Books, and his skill in
marshalling the divine proofs and evidences.
-- Compilation, Baha'i Education, Abdu'l-Bahá
21)
It behoveth the people of God to be forbearing. They should impart the
Word of God according to the hearer's particular measure of
understanding and capacity, that perchance the children of men may be
roused from heedlessness and set their faces towards this Horizon which
is immeasurably exalted above every horizon.
-- Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 237
22)
Brief
compilations on various terms and mystical themes found in the Holy
Writings, which are valuable to know when teaching, listed
alphabetically:
C1. Angels, the Prophets. (8 pages)
C2. Announcement, the call of a Prophet. (2 pages)
C3. Apostles (I), the Twelve Messengers in the era of Christ. (3 pages)
C4. Apostles (II), Prophecies of the Twelve Apostles on the coming of Muhammad, the Holy Imams, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah. (6 pages)
C5. Arabian Youth, the Bab, an Independent Prophet. (5 pages)
C6. Assayer, the Prophet. (2 pages)
C7. Balance, the teachings of the Prophets. (2 pages)
C8. Bayan, the Holy Book revealed by the Bab, an Independent Prophet. (2 pages)
C9. Bird of Heaven, the Independent Prophet and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (4 pages)
C10. Branch, symbolic term for a Dependent/Lesser Prophet (like David, Imam Ali, and Abdu'l-Baha). (2 pages)
C11. Chosen Ones, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (9 pages)
C12. Clouds, the veils to recognising Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (6 pages)
C13. City of God, the religion of God in a given Dispensation. (3 pages)
C14. Cord of God, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (3 pages)
C15. Countenance, the Face of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (5 pages)
C16. Covenant, as relates to the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (14 pages)
C17. Creation of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets by God. (4 pages)
C18. Day of Judgement, the Day of the appearance of the Manifestation of God, one of the two classes of Prophets. (5 pages)
C19. Deathless Tree, the Burning Bush. (3 pages)
C20. References to Dependent/Lesser Prophets of Baha'u'llah in the writings of Bahá'u'lláh. (25 pages)
C21. References to Dependent/Lesser Prophets of Baha'u'llah in the writings of Abdu'l-Bahá. (6 pages)
C22. Descent of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets from heaven to earth. (4 pages)
C23. Dispensation, the era of an Independent Prophet. (3 pages)
C24. Divine Unity, as relates to Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (9 pages)
C25. Dust; meanings of, in the writings. (4 pages)
C26. Earth, a mystical term, as relates to Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (6 pages)
C27. Eternity as relates to Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C28. Exalted Paradise, the abode of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C29. Face of God, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C30. Favour of God, divine revelation from the Messengers of God. (2 pages)
C31. Fragrance, mystical meanings of. (4 pages)
C32. Firm Handle, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (2 pages)
C33. Garden, mystical meanings of. (4 pages)
C34. Glory, its association with the two classes of Prophets. (4 pages)
C35. Grace of God through the Prophets. (8 pages).
C36. Imams (I), the Prophethood (Dependent/Lesser) of the Holy Imams. (7 pages)
C37. Imams (II), references to the Holy Imams in the Quran. (11 pages)
C38. Imams (III), the successorship of the Holy Imams to Muhammad. (9 pages)
C39. Imams (IV), Prophecies of the Holy Imams on the coming of the Bab and Baha'u'llah. (4 pages)
C40. Imams (V), doctrines and practices introduced by the Holy Imams in the era of Muhammad. (1 page)
C41. Immortal Being, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (3 pages)
C42. Inner meaning, understanding mystical/symbolic language. (3 pages)
C43. Jerusalem, as a mystical term referring to the City of God, the religion of God in a given Dispensation. (2 pages)
C44. Joining partners with God, rejecting the Prophets as the Face of God. (5 pages)
C45. Letter, symbolic term for a Dependent/Lesser Prophet/Messenger. (4 pages)
C46. Life (salvation), through recognition of the Manifestation of God. (4 pages)
C47. Light from which the Prophets (Independent and Dependent/Lesser) are created. (4 pages)
C48. Luminous Being, the Independent Prophet and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (4 pages)
C49. Maid of Heaven, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (11 pages)
C50. Manifestations of God, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (14 pages)
C51. Moon, symbolic term used to refer to a Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (3 pages)
C52. Mortal eyes; believers, as separate from the Prophets. (3 pages)
C53. Most Great Infallibility, the station of the Independent Prophet, who receives Revelation direct from God. (5 pages)
C54. Mystery of God, the Independent Prophet and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (2 pages)
C55. Mystic Doves, Independent Prophets and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C56. Mystical writings, a divine test. (6 pages)
C57. Names, the Religions and Revelations of God. (3 pages)
C58. Oneness of God as relates to the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (7 pages)
C59. Pearls, their association with the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C60. Pre-existence of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (7 pages)
C61. Proof of God, the Manifestations of God (Independent Prophets and Dependent/Lesser Prophets). (3 pages)
C62. Proofs of Prophethood. (4 pages)
C63. Prophecies in the era of Moses on the coming of Jesus, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah. (3 pages)
C64. Prophecies in the era of Jesus on the coming of Muhammad, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah. (1 page)
C65. Prophecies in the era of Muhammad on the coming of the Bab and Baha'u'llah. (5 pages)
C66. Prophecies in the era of the Bab on the coming of Baha'u'llah. (4 pages)
C67. Purity, a fundamental divine teaching and its relationship to mystical themes. (5 pages)
C68. Quddus, a Moon in the dispensation of the Bab. (2 pages)
C69. Remembrance of God, the Independent Prophet and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (1 page)
C70. Resurrection, its association with the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C71. Return of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C72. Revelation of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (5 pages)
C73. Root, the Independent Prophet. (2 pages)
C74. Ruby, its association with the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (3 pages)
C75. Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad, the last Independent Prophet in the Prophetic Cycle. (2 pages)
C76. Sealed (hidden meanings explained by Prophets). (5 pages)
C77. Self of God, the Manifestation of God, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (5 pages)
C78. Servant, as relates to the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C79. Seventh Valley, the highest stage of spiritual growth. (1 page)
C80. Signs of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C81. They who speak not until God hath spoken, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (2 pages)
C82. Stars, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (3 pages)
C83. Step out/forth, the appearance of Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets on earth from the realm of pre-existence. (3 pages)
C84. Straight Path, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C85. Sun and Moon, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (5 pages)
C86. Tablet of God, the revealed word of God. (3 pages)
C87. Temples, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (6 pages)
C88. Testimony of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C89. Throne, the throne of Prophethood (Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophethood). (8 pages)
C90. Touchstone, its association with Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (3 pages)
C91. True seeker, the qualities of. (2 pages)
C92. Trumpet, the call of an Independent or Dependent/Lesser Prophet. (5 pages)
C93. Twelve Messengers promoting the teachings of the Independent Prophet. (2 pages)
C94. Two classes of Prophets, Independent Prophets and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (8 pages)
C95. Understanding the Holy Writings (qualities needed). (3 pages)
C96. Unity: the station of pure abstraction and essential unity of the Manifestations of God. (8 pages)
C97. Universal Manifestation, Baha'u'llah, the Independent Prophet. (2 pages)
C98. Valley of Unity, the Fourth Valley in spiritual growth, past the last plane of limitation. (2 pages)
C99. Veil of Concealment, realm of pre-existence of the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C100. Victory (spiritual) associated with the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (4 pages)
C101. Witnesses, the Independent and Dependent/Lesser Prophets. (2 pages)
C102. Youth, Baha'u'llah, the Independent Prophet. (6 pages)
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