The aim is this: The intention of the teacher must be pure,
his heart independent, his spirit attracted, his thought at peace, his
resolution firm, his magnanimity exalted and in the love of God a shining
torch. Should he become as such, his sanctified breath will even affect the
rock; otherwise there will be no result whatsoever. As long as a soul is not
perfected, how can he efface the defects of others. Unless he is detached from
aught else save God, how can he teach severance to others!
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Tablets of the Divine Plan Revealed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá to the North American
Bahá'ís’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Guidelines for Teaching)
