The Three Conditions of Teaching
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When in Bahá'í history
'Akká (today: Acre, Israel)
In 1914 the Master wrote to the friends in Denver concerning how to convey the message of Bahá’u’lláh: ‘The three conditions of teaching the Cause of God are the science of sociability, purity of deeds and sweetness of speech. I hope each one of you may become confirmed with these three attributes.’
Earlier in New York City, He had spoken to His friends about their going to Green Acre, the Bahá’í summer school in Maine: ‘You must give the message through action and deed, not alone by word. Word must be conjoined with deed. You must love your friend better than yourself; yes, be willing to sacrifice yourself. The cause of Bahá’u’lláh has not yet appeared in this country. I desire that you be ready to sacrifice everything for each other, even life itself; then I will know that the cause of Bahá’u’lláh has been established. I will pray for you that you may become the cause of upraising the lights of God. May everyone point to you and ask “Why are these people so happy?” I want you to be happy in Green Acre, to laugh, smile and rejoice in order that others may be made happy by you.’
On the same subject He wrote: ‘Caution and prudence, however, must be observed even as recorded in the Book. The veil must in no wise be suddenly rent asunder.’ The teacher should also be concerned about the listener’s physical needs. This practical approach was apparent in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words: ‘Never talk about God to a man with an empty stomach. Feed him first.’
Source: Annamarie Honnold, Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 119.
Collected from bahaistories.com (Subject: teaching).
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