The purpose of the divine Manifestations has been the education
of holy souls. Some have imagined that their purpose was to found temples and
churches or to establish a new nation or to gain personal fame and that for
these considerations they accepted severe degradation and became targets for
the arrow of fate. These are idle fancies because those holy Beings knew well
that the dominion of God existed when there was no trace of them and that it
shall continue to exist when no trace of them remains. Thus fame or oblivion,
honor or degradation are one and the same to those Gems of existence. Indeed,
their ultimate desire is selfless devotion to the one true God and absolute
nothingness in His court. Their only motive has been the education of blessed
souls and sanctified beings who are the foundation of divine education and
promoters of the most great guidance and the supreme favor.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, November 27, New York, recorded by Mahmud Zarqani;
‘Mahmud’s Diary’)
