Daily Frameworks for 23 October 2023

Kamál, 08 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

The whole physical creation is perishable. These material bodies are composed of atoms; when these atoms begin to separate decomposition sets in, then comes what we call death. This composition of atoms, which constitutes the body or mortal element of any created being, is temporary. When the power of attraction, which holds these atoms together, is withdrawn, the body, as such, ceases to exist. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Questions for Consideration:

What does “composed of” mean? ²

Google Bard Response:

In the context of the quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the phrase “composed of” means “made up of.” He is saying that our physical bodies are made up of atoms, and when these atoms begin to separate, we die.

The phrase “composed of” can be used to describe a variety of things, such as:

• The ingredients in a recipe: A cake is composed of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter.
• The parts of a machine: A car is composed of an engine, wheels, and a body.
• The members of a group: A team is composed of five players.
  

In general, the phrase “composed of” is used to describe something that is made up of multiple parts or components.

In the case of our physical bodies, the atoms are the parts that make up the whole. When the atoms begin to separate, the body ceases to exist. This is why we die.

It is important to note that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is not saying that the soul dies. He is only saying that the physical body dies. The soul is immortal and continues to exist after death.

1. ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in 1911. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 2006, 109. https://archive.org/details/paristalksaddres0000abdu/page/108/mode/2up. ↩
2. Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 31. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩