We need to “acquire the heavenly characteristics of the spirit” in the “school of humanity”

The root cause of wrongdoing is ignorance, and we must therefore hold fast to the tools of perception and knowledge. Good character must be taught. Light must be spread afar, so that, in the school of humanity, all may acquire the heavenly characteristics of the spirit, and see for themselves beyond any doubt that there is no fiercer hell, no more fiery abyss, than to possess a character that is evil and unsound; no more darksome pit nor loathsome torment than to show forth qualities which deserve to be condemned. The individual must be educated to such a high degree that he would rather have his throat cut than tell a lie, and would think it easier to be slashed with a sword or pierced with a spear than to utter calumny or be carried away by wrath.

Thus will be kindled the sense of human dignity and pride, to burn away the reapings of lustful appetites. Then will each one of God's beloved shine out as a bright moon with qualities of the spirit, and the relationship of each to the Sacred Threshold of his Lord will be not illusory but sound and real, will be as the very foundation of the building, not some embellishment on its facade. (‘Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha)

We should strive to be like a “raining cloud in moments of charity and benevolence” and “a blazing fire” in “restraining” our “base and appetitive natures”

We have ere this uttered these sublime words: Let them that bear allegiance to this Wronged One be even as a raining cloud in moments of charity and benevolence and as a blazing fire in restraining their base and appetitive natures. (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas)

Good "attributes and virtues which are the adornments” of the “reality” of a human being are:

• the divine appearances,
• the heavenly bounties,
• the sublime emotions,
• the love and knowledge of God;
• universal wisdom,
• intellectual perception,
• scientific discoveries,
• justice,
• equity,
• truthfulness,
• benevolence,
• natural courage and innate fortitude;
• the respect for rights and the keeping of agreements and covenants;
• rectitude in all circumstances;
• serving the truth under all conditions;
• the sacrifice of one's life for the good of all people;
• kindness and esteem for all nations;
• obedience to the teachings of God;
• service in the Divine Kingdom;
• the guidance of the people, and
• the education of the nations and races.

Prayer “transcends all ritualistic forms and formulae”

Prayer is essentially a communion between man and God, and as such transcends all ritualistic forms and formulae. (From a letter dated 15 June 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Service in Baha’i Temples)