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Personal
Teaching
How to make it a way of life...
A Personal Teaching & Fireside Resource
[Page 2]
“The Cornerstone of the foundation of all Bahá’í'
activity is teaching the Cause.”
The Universal House of justice, The Individual and Teaching, Preface
[Page 3]
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3
Why Should I Teach? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
God’s Promise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
‘Who Should I Teach? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
How Should I Teach? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
The Fireside Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Teach Yourself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Make Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Invite Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Prepare Fireside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Program Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Show Hospitality and Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Teach the Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Welcome New Believers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Assurance of Victory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Suggested Use of Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
[Page 4]
Introduction
T Although most Bahá’ís truly feel the desire to teach, many friends lack confidence and “feel they do not know what course of action to follow, or how to bring their efforts to a conclusion.” The Universal House of Justice in The Individual and Teaching addresses this by saying that individ lual Bahá’ís need guidance and stimulation in order to tea_c_l_1_;
By pausing to study the selection of Writings in this guide, and by taking the time to imagine ways of applying the guidance in your life, you will be able to begin making teaching a way of life. Along with such study and c . Egg; and consultationare two necessary and sure ways to
elp overcome frailties and obstacles to teaching.
Just as the Universal House of Justice makes plans for the entire Bahá’í' world, and the National Spiritual Assembly plans for the country, each individual will contribute to the
Cause of God when e
. This guide will help you make those plans.
F Consider each section and each step along the way to teaching in your home; pray, consult, make plans and then resolve to act. Starting with small actions, gradually progressing to more and more audacious ones, you will come to
Qvelcome the challenge, and adventure, of teaching the Faith.
hy should I teach?
“Of all the gifts of God the greatest is the gift of Teaching. It draweth unto us the Grace of God and is our first obligation. Of such a gift how can we deprive ourselves?”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Will and Testament of ‘Abdu '1-Balm’, p. 25
“The source of courage and power is the promotion of the Word of God, and steadfastness in His Love.” Bahá’u’lláh, Baba"z' World Faith, p. 141
“. . .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?’
Bahá’u ’112ih, cited in God Passes By, pp. 376-377
“The reatest lory and honour which can come to an individual is to bring the 1g t 0 gm ance to some new soul.” Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 35
“Now, therefore, it is our sacred duty tmost use of our freedom, W , to promote the Tiause of God whil?we may. The surest way to do this and to win the good-pleasure of Bahá’u’lláh is to pursue, with dedication and unrelenting vigour, the goals of whatever Plan is in force, for Bahá’u’lláh has stated ‘To assist Me is
l to teach My Cause.’ ”
The Universal House of Justice, Naw-Rúz 1980 message to the Bahá’í's of the World
[Page 6]
od's
Promise
l’ “Arise to further My Cause, and to exalt My Word amongst men. V at all tim
We are truly almighty.
W oso ath recognized Me, will arise and serve Me with such determination that the powers of earth and heaven shall be
Lunable to defeat his purpose.” Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 137
“And now you, if you act in accordance with the teachings of Baha’u ’1l2'1h, may rest assured that you will be aided and confirmed. In all affairs you undertake, you will be rendered victorious, and all the inhabitants of the earth cannot withstand you. You are the conquerors because the power of the Holy Spirit is your assistant.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Star of the West, Vol. 8, p. 103
“. . .when the tongue of the teacher is engaged in teaching, he will naturally himself be stimulated, willbecome a magnet attracting the divine aid and bounty of the Kingdom, and will be like unto the bird at the hour of dawn, which itself becometh exhilarated by its own singing, its warbling and its melody.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 10
“Become thou engaged in teaching the truth, for the teaching of the Cause containeth the power of a magnet; it attracteth the mysteries of God.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá', Vol. III, p. 225
ho should I teach?
“The believers ought to give the Message even to those who do not seem to be ready for it, because they can never judge the real extent to which the Word of God can influence the hearts and minds of the people, even those who appear to lack any power of receptivity to the teachings.”
Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Baha' ’z' News, No. 118, 1938
“We should never insist on teaching those who are not really ready for the Cause. If a man is not hungry you cannot make him eat.”
Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 27
“. . .teaching programmes should be planned to confirm individuals from every stratum of society.” The Universal House of Justice, The Five Year Plan
“...extend the teaching work throughout the country and to all levels of society and ethnic groups;” The Universal House of Justice, The Seven Year Plan
ow should
I teach?
“The friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship with others and show absolute love and affection towards them. These links have a deep influence on people and they will listen. When the friends sense receptivity to the Word of God, they should deliver the Message with wisdom. They must first try and remove any apprehensions in the people
they teach.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 12
“The teacher, when teaching, must be himself fully enkindled, so that his utterance, like unto a flame of fire, may exert influence and consume the veil of self and passion. He must also be utterly humble and lowly, so that others may be edified and be totally self-effaced and evanescent so that he may teach with the melody of the Concourse on high...”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 10
“Do not argue with anyone, and be wary of disputation. Speak out the truth. If your hearer accepteth, the aim is achieved. If he is obdurate, you should leavehim to himself, and place your trust in God.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in The Individual and Teaching p. 1 3
11
“A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. It is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding. . .”
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 289
“Moderation is indeed highly desirable. Every person who in some degree turneth towards the truth can himself later comprehend most of what he seeketh. However, if at the outset a word is uttered beyond his capacity, he will refuse to hear it and will arise in opposition.”
Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 3
[Page 9]
12
“If one of the believers be kind to one of the negligent ones and with perfect love should gradually makehim understand the reality of the Cause of God in such a way that the latter should know in what manner the Religion of God hath been founded and what its object is, doubtless he will become changed; excepting abnormal souls who are reduced to the state of ashes and whose hearts are like stones, yea, even harder.
If by this method every one of the friends of God were to try to lead one soul to the right path, the number of the believers would be doubled every year. But this should be carried out with perfect wisdom and in such a manner that no harm would ever result therefrom.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Baba"z' World Faith, p. 386
he Fireside Method
Of all the ways of teaching the Guardian Said that the fireside method was the most effective:
“. . .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.”
Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 31
13
“In fact this personal, informal, home teaching is perhaps the most productive of results.”
Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 29
“The friends must realize their individual responsibility. Each must hold a Fireside in his or her home, once in 19 days, where new people are invited, and where some phase of the Faith is mentioned and discussed. If this is done with the intent of showing Bahá’í’ hospitality and love, then there will be results. People will become interested in what you are interested in, and then be interested in studying. Individual firesides will bring the knowledge of the Faith to more people, under favorable circumstances, and thus constantly enrich its circle of friends, and finally its members. There is no substitute for the teaching work of the individual.”
Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Baha"z' News, No. 37, July 1957
However you wish to carry out your own fireside there are steps in preparing a successful fireside. We encourage you to study the steps in the process of having firesides in order
(continued)
to see how you can fit fireside teaching into the pattern of your life. These steps are:
Teach Yourself
Make Friends
Invite Friends
Prepare Firesides
Show Hospitality and Love Teach the Faith
Welcome New Believers
.\‘."‘S"."“"’.“-’!“
You may feel that there is no one you can invite to a fireside, but by considering guidance relevant to the process of having a fireside, you can imagine ways to overcome your difficulty. “It is now imperative for every Bahá’í’ to set for himself individual teaching goals.”1 Those goals can include the planning of specific ways to meet more people, inviting more to your home, preparing more carefully in order to improve the quality of hospitality and teaching at your firesides, and thereby attracting more souls to the Faith.
1. The Universal House of Justice, Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1968-1973, p. 35
each Yourself
There are many things you can do in your own life which will better prepare you for teaching, and which will attract divine assistance.
“The beloved Guardian has stressed over and over again, that to effectively teach the Faith, the individual
0 must study deeply, the Divine Word, imbibe Its lifegiving waters, and feast upon Its glorious teachings. He should then
0 meditate on the import of the Word, and finding its spiritual depths,
o pray for guidance and assistance. But most important, after prayer is
0 action. After one has prayed and meditated, he must arise, relying fully on the guidance and confirmation of Bahá’u’lláh,
o to teach His Faith.
0 Perseverance in action is essential, just as wisdom and audacity are necessary for effective teaching. The individual
0 must sacrifice all things to this great goal, and then the victories will be won. ”1
“Those who participate ...must, as an essential preliminary..., thoroughly familiarize themselves with the various aspects of the history and teachings of their Faith.”2
“...spiritual prerequisites of success...are none other than a high sense of moral rectitude in their social and administrative activities, absolute chastity in their individual lives, and complete freedom from prejudice in their dealings with peoples of a different race, class, creed, or colour.”3
(continued)
1. Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 36
2. Shoghi Effendi, The Advent ofDivi1/zejustice, p. 41 3. Ibid., p. 18
It will help if you realize that teaching is a spiritual adventure, an activity that tests and develops your capacities of loving, knowing, willing and acting. It calls upon your imagination, creativity and determination. Fireside teaching is not something extra in your life but an essential part of the pattern of living!
aka Friends
I want to teach, but:
1
“I just don ’t have enough time to meet contacts.’ “I have a hard time making friends. ”
All of us have these problems to some degree. The condition of society doesn’t help. But we, the Bahá’í's, must strive to overcome the separation between the hearts of men.
We are encouraged to “Consort with all men. ..in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.”1 The Guardian says to make as many contacts as possible: “The most effective way for ' them [the Bahá’í’s] to carry on their work is for the individual to make many contacts, select a few who they feel would become Bahá’í's, 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.”2
0 Keep in touch with people you already know and with whom you can renew bonds of friendship: members of your family, relatives, neighbours, old friends.
0 Make a point of stopping to talk with neighbours, and people you meet during the day, at the store, the clerk, the bankteller, the postman, associates at work.
0 Join clubs, classes and activities whose objectives are similar to those of the Faith.
0 Vacations, picnics, and family outings permit you to meet and make friends.
0 Ask your Assembly to help you create a specific plan for meeting people of a minority or ethnic group.
0 Take advantage of public meetings planned by your Assembly. Select a couple of newcomers, make friends,
(continued)
1. Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 289 2. Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 34
and follow-up by inviting them to your own home. If you use the public meeting to make friends, then your home will offer the best environment to confirm such friends in the 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. Let him also attempt to devise such methods as association with clubs, exhibitions, and societies, lectures on subjects akin to the teachings and ideals of his Cause. ..or participation in social, cultural, humanitarian, charitable, and educational organizations and enterprises which, while safeguarding the integrity of his Faith, will open up to him a multitude of ways and means whereby he can enlist successively the sympathy, the support, and ultimately the allegiance of those with whom he comes in contact.”3
In another place you are asked to mix, in a friendly manner, with all sections of the population.
With this guidance, and in consultation with your family and friends, your community and Assembly, you can envisage a number of ways which will help you to meet people to teach.
3. Shoghi Effendi, The Advent ofDz°vz'ne Justice, pp. 42-43
-4 —- 4.5
nvite Friends
“. . .the secret of successful teaching is to be so imbued with the wonder of the Faith, and the vital importance of Its message that at every moment, in every circumstance, one is eagerly looking for the opportunity to give their precious gift to every soul one meets.”1 The same is true with respect to inviting people to firesides.
Before inviting someone to your home, and before teaching, there are some guidelines which can put you at ease. Some feelings of discomfort are normal. However, the Writings will help you to develop new attitudes to those difficulties which confront you when you arise to teach.
“Souls are liable to estrangement. Such methods should be adopted that the estrangement should be first removed, then the Word will have effect."’2
“When the friends sense receptivity to the Word of God, they should deliver the Message with wisdom. They must first try and remove any apprehensions in the people they teach.”3
“When the friends have confidence in the Bahá’í's and the Bahá’í's in their friends, they should give the Message and teach the Cause.”4
An invitation can take any number of forms. Imagine yourself using one of these ways:
0 formal invitations on cards
(continued)
1. The Universal House of Justice, letter to the Conference in Langenhain, 1978
2. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of ‘Abdu ’l—Baha', p. 391
3. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 12 4. Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in
The Individual and Teaching, p. 33
a friendly phone call spontaneous invitations to people throughout the week
spreading the word that you have regular firesides (remember “fireside” is meaningful only to Bahá’í’s, so invite friends for “informal visits or meetings” to talk about the Bahá’í Faith.)
inviting someone just to visit with the intention of “showing hospitality and love”
inviting someone and telling them directly that you would like to talk about the Faith
inviting friends to meet travel teachers, or see a slide presentation on the Faith
placing a card announcing your fireside on the bulletin board at work or school
Different formats or “events” appeal to different people and require a different approach when inviting someone. Firesides may be in the evening, but could as easily be a Sunday brunch, late Saturday night coffee after seeing a film together, a supper invitation, a neighbour joining your family for dessert after supper. You will think of other ideas!
If you’re newly arrived in a place an evening invitation may be the most difficult invitation for someone to accept, while an invitation for a neighbour or a work associate to drop in for coffee or tea on Saturday or Sunday morning or afternoon is more appealing.
Create opportunities-, don ’t just wait for them to happen!
rep
21
are
Fireside
I
really want to teach but:
“I can ’t give a talk. ”
“My home or apartment isn’t nice enough to invite people to. ”
“I don’t think I’m a good enough Baha 2
“I ’m afraid of being asked a question and not having the right answer. ”
to teach. ”
The Writings respond directly to these concerns and suggest solutions, but also by considering the variety of forms a fireside might take you will be able to overcome these problems:
an informal discussion over coffee or dinner on subjects about the Faith or about subjects related indirectly; conversation is easier than giving a talk, but try to keep the conversation aimed at subjects related to the Faith
a prepared talk by you or a guest speaker followed by questions and answers
a presentation of the Teaching Book
a presentation of slides, your own, or those of a traveling teacher
conversation over afternoon tea the visit of a Bahá’í' friend
your discussion can follow a logical path, be anecdotal; you can tell personal or community stories, stories from the Faith ’s history; you can use the images and illustrations that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá used to explain the Faith
simplicity of surroundings and program puts many people at ease
music, flowers, and refreshments help
have books and pictures of the Faith on display in a
dignified manner (continued)
o a fireside does not mean ‘having a speaker’, though that is acceptable
0 if in your situation you do not feel free to talk directly about the Faith (for example, if you live in a non-Bahá’í' home) invite friends in for coffee or dinner and bring up aspects of the Faith during the general conversation. No one need know it’s a fireside but you
0 care should be taken that too many Bahá’í' teachers don ’t try to overwhelm a guest with too many answers
0 a fireside is not large nor elaborate. It is “personal, informal, home teaching”. It is important that you convey to your guest(s) your genuine love for them and for Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings
It is imperative that we study the Faith, its history, principles, Writings, its Central Figures, its contemporary developments, its extent, and that we try to live the life of a true Bahá’í’: “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.”1
Don ’t be afraid to say you don ’t know, but will find out before the next fireside.
Remember that much will depend on the situation you find yourself in with a particular person. The condition of the seeker and the circumstance will affect the nature of what you should say:
“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.”2
1. Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Baba"u’lltib, p. 277 2. Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets OfBabd’u’lla'b, p. 172
23
rogram
Ideas
If you decide to give a talk, choose a subject that will interest your guests, make a few notes to organize your thinking, and try to cover approximately three main points. Some possible subjects for your talk:
Oneness of God and Oneness of His Prophets Oneness of Mankind
The Lives of the Three Central Figures of the Faith A Community Spread Throughout the World
New Institutions Designed to Bring Order to the World Consultation: Bahá’í’ Method of Problem Solving The Bahá’í' View of Family and Raising Children The Bahá’í' View on Marriage
The Bahá’í' View on Death
Mankind’s Adolescence and Adulthood Fulfillment of Past Revelations
Science and Religion Do Complement Each Other
Equality of Men and Women
The following books contain short talks that can provide the basis for your own talk. The illustrated teaching book, The Bahd ’z' Faith, Paris Talks, Foundation of World Unity, and in Manual for Pioneers (pp. 43-52) is an introduction to the Bahá’í Faith by Shoghi Effendi. Ruh fyyih Khánum calls it “the most perfect and complete short outline of what this Faith represents that we will ever have.” Specific chapters of such books as Bahd ’a’llah and the New Era, Religion for Mankind, or stories drawn from Dawnhrealzers, Portals to Freedom, The Chosen Highway, or other books on the his tory of the Faith, can all give you interesting ideas for talks.
(continued)
In brief, to prepare:
’ Pm)’
o decide on a date and time; regularity helps
0 invite people
0 Contact those invited and confirm the invitation o prepare your home, your program, and yourself
0 make a point to re-invite people, even if they don’t come the first time,
S
how Hospitality and Love
The love and hospitality you show often makes more of an impact, especially the first time you meet someone, than any words you can say. Recall, for example, the extreme measure of kindness that the Báb showed Mullá Ḥusayn in the first ever “fireside”. The attention and spirit of service displayed by the Báb came before any teaching.
“Let him remember the example set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and His constant admonition to shower such kindness upon the seeker, and exemplify to such a degree the spirit of the teachings he hopes to instill into him, that the recipient will be spontaneously impelled to identify himself with the Cause embodying such teachings. ”1
“The friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship with others and show absolute love and affection towards them. These links have a deep influence on people and they
' will listen. When the friends sense receptivity to the Word of God, they should deliver the Message with wisdom.”-’ Make special, conscious efforts to love those you wish to teach, removing barriers before entering into a discussion of the teachings. Then strive to present the message with love and enthusiasm, being quick to appreciate the listener and any positive response shown. It is important to present the message in a manner directed at the heart as well as the mind.
“. . . The most effective method of teaching is the Fireside group, where new people can be shown Bahá’í’ hospitality, and ask all questions which bother them. They can
i feel there the true Bahá’í' spirit—and it is the spirit that quickeneth.”3
1. Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 43
2. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 12 3. Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in
The Individual and Teaching, p. 37
each the Faith
The Direct and Indirect Method
“There are innumerable ways of teaching the Cause. You can choose the one that suits best your nature and cap acity. ’ ’1
Two general approaches to teaching are referred to by the Guardian as “direct” and “indirect”. He writes about how the Bahá’í’s must pursue the work: “They must be either wary or bold, they must act swiftly or mark time, they must use the direct or indirect method, they must be challenging or conciliatory, in strict accordance with the spiritual receptivity of the soul with whom they come in contact...”2
But — under all conditions the teaching work must go forward.
The following are other specific counsels to consider:
“What the Guardian feels it of vital importance for the friends to do is to teach the Cause directly and by means of imparting the Holy Words.”3
“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.””'
(continued)
1. Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 22
2. Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, p. 25
3. Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 22
4. Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 3
“. ..say not that which the ears cannot bear to hear, for such speech is like luscious food given to small children. However palatable, rare and rich the food may be, it cannot be assimilated by the digestive organs of a suckling child. . .”5
“... Speak, therefore; speak out with great courage at every meeting. When you are about to begin your address turn first to Bahá’u’lláh, and ask for the confirmations of the Holy Spirit, then open your lips and say whatever is suggested to your heart; this, however, with the utmost courage, dignity and conviction.”6
As you speak your objective is to cause the spark of love for Baha’u ’llah to be generated in the heart of the contact. Lay a basis of friendship and trust between you and the one you are teaching.
To summarize the points found in the Writings:
0 “direct teaching” is not synonymous with knocking
on doors, it refers to sharing the message of Bahá’u’lláh
in a clear and direct way preferably by giving the teachings in as pure and accurate a way as possible
0 be sensitive to the true interests of your guests
0 speak about that which is central to Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings
- stay away from topics which are political or will arouse
controversy or argument
0 do not attempt to tell your guests everything about the
Faith; too much information can confuse or overtax their interest
0 speak at a level understandable to your guest; being either too simple or too detailed will decrease interest
(continued)
5. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 13 6. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in Bahá’í'Meetings/ The Nineteen Day Feast, pp. 8-9
0 be aware of the effect of your words on your listener and follow-up where you sense understanding and agreement and avoid points that seem to arouse disagreement
0 shower kindness and love upon the seeker - refrain, at the beginning, from insisting upon the laws
“We must look to the example of the Master and follow our ‘Inner Light’, adapting our message as best we can to the capacity and ‘ripeness’ of the one we are seeking to teach...”7
“We should never insist on teaching those who are not really ready for the Cause.”3
Remember that “The declarants need not know all the
proofs, history, laws, and principles of the Faith, but in the r
‘ process of declaring themselves they must, in addition to catching the spark of faith, become basically informed about the Central Figures of the Faith, as well as the existence of laws they must follow and an administration they must obey.”9
We Suggest That You . . .
I)!
o use the orange teaching book, The Baha 2 Faith, which contains post-card sized pictures
0 study the directions “How to Use Your New Teaching Book”, the insert in the teaching book prepared by Dr. Hidayatu ’llah Ahmadfyyih
(continued)
7. Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in
The Individual and Teaching, pp. 19-20
8. Ibid., p. 27
9. The Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance, p. 32
use a calendar to schedule your firesides
keep a list of friends and people you meet along with their phone numbers and addresses, pray for them, visit them, invite them regularly to your firesides
be sure to have some declaration cards on hand
have some literature, pamphlets, books, or prayer books which you can give or lend to those you are teaching
study pages 42-52 of Manual for Pioneers. R1’1h1’yyih Khánum feels this presentation of the Faith by the Guardian is the most complete outline of the Faith available
study some of the recently published pamphlets. These can be memorized, as can some of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s addresses in Paris Talks, so that you will be prepared to give short or long presentations of the Faith, depending on whether you find yourself on the bus, street corner, or in a more formal setting
31
elcome _ New Believers
“When enrolling new believers, we must be wise and gentle, and not place so many obstacles in their way that they feel it impossible to accept the Faith. On the other hand, once accorded membership in the community of the followers of Baha’u ’ll2ih, it must be brought home to them that they are expected to live up to His Teachings, and to show forth the signs of a noble character in conformity with His Laws. This can often be done gradually after the new believer is enrolled.”1
R1’1h1'yyih Khánum writes about the process of welcoming new believers into the Faith: “The sequence of events in our Bahá’í' teaching activity has always seemed to me most mysterious, indeed at times puzzling;. . .if the hearer wishes to become a Bahá’í’ we have no right—except for a valid and exceptional reason—to deny him and say that he must wait, he must do this and that first, that now is not the time for him to be accepted as a believer. . .we are not the judges of other people’s hearts and their relationship to God’s Messenger for this Day...” 2
As you bring new friends into the Cause, you are responsible for carrying through by deepening them and by helping them come to a full participation in the affairs of the Faith:
“Let him remember the example set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, F and His constant admonition to shower such kindnessupon the seeker, and exemplify to such a degree the spirit of the teachings he hopes to instill into him, that the recipient will be spontaneously impelled to identify himself with the Cause embodying such teachings. Let him refrain, at the outset, from insisting on such laws and observances as might impose too severe a strain on the seeker’s newly-awakened faith, and endeavor to nurse him, patiently, tactfully, and yet determinedly, into full maturity, and aid him to proclaim his
(continued)
1. From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the British National Spiritual Assembly dated June 25, 1953 2. Rúḥíyyih Khánum, Manual for Pioneers, pp. 37-38
unqualified acceptance of what has been ordained by Bahá’u’lláh. Let him, as soon as that stage has been attained, introduce him to the body of his fellow-believers, and seek, through constant fellowship and active participation in the local activities of his community, to enable him to contribute his share to the enrichment of its life, the furtherance of its tasks, the consolidations of its interests, and the coordination of its activities with those of its sister communities. 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.” 3
The Bahá’í' teacher should continue to teach and deepen the new believers until they are ready to teach. The teacher can then help new believers to start their own firesides, and encourage them to become active members of the Bahá’í’ community.
“. . . the members of each and every Assembly should endeavor, by their patience, their love, their tact and wisdom, to nurse, subsequent to his admission, the newcomer into Bahá’í’ maturity, and win him over gradually to the unreserved acceptance of whatever has been ordained in the teachings.4
3. Shoghi Effendi, Tbe Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 43-44 4. Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Wellspring of Guidance, p. 32
ssurances of Victory
“You shall in truth, become lighted torches of the globe. Fear not, neither be dismayed, for your light shall penetrate the densest darkness. This is the Promise of God, which I give unto you. Rise! and serve the power of God! ”1
“. . . The Bahá’í' teacher must be all confidence. Therein lies his strength and the secret of his success. Though singlehanded, and no matter how great the apathy of the people around you may be, you should have faith that the Hosts of the Kingdom are on your side, and that through their help you are bound to overcome the forces of darkness that are facing the Cause of God. Persevere, be happy and confident, therefore. ”2
“The Lord of Hosts, the King of Kings, has pledged unfailing support to every crusader battling for His Cause. Invisible battalions are mustered, rank upon rank, ready to pour forth reinforcements from on High.”3
“. . . Arise in His name, put your trust wholly in Him, and be assured of ultimate victory.”4
1. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 168
2. From a letter dated 30 June, 1957 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi
3. Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 44 4. The "Bab, quoted in The Dawnbreakers, p. 94
uggested Use of Book
Use individually to study, and as a resource book.
Hold study sessions in small groups. Hold two different sessions, each at least three hours long. You could use a morning and afternoon, or two evenings.
First Session:
Read and consult on each quote. This coverage will provide a very good basis for the material covered in the second session. When reading the quotes, remember the heading at the top of the page. This will help you focus on the meaning of the quote and its application.
Second Session:
This is an action oriented session. As you study the quotes, keep a list of important points so that, at the end, you are able to make your own individual teaching plan. The suggestions on pages 29 and 30 are particularly useful. Close this session with the inspiring words on Assurance of Victory.
[Page 31]
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