Daily Frameworks for 29 October 2023

Jamál, 14 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

With regard to the soul of man. According to the Bahá’í Teachings the human soul starts with the formation of the human embryo, and continues to develop and pass through endless stages of existence after its separation from the body. Its progress is thus infinite. — Shoghi Effendi ¹

Question for Consideration:

What happens to the soul after death?

How long does the progress of the soul last?

When does life end? ²

Google Bard Response:

According to the Bahá’í teachings, the soul is an immortal being that continues to exist after death. The soul begins its journey at conception, when it becomes associated with the embryo. It continues to grow and develop throughout our lives, and it continues to progress after death.

The progress of the soul is infinite. After death, the soul enters the spiritual world, where it continues to learn and grow. The soul may pass through many different stages of existence in the spiritual world, but its progress is always forward.

Life does not end with death. Death is simply a transition to another state of being. The soul is immortal and it continues to exist after death.

The Bahá’í teachings describe the spiritual world as a place of great beauty and harmony. It is a place where the soul is free to develop its full potential.

Here is a quote from Bahá’u’lláh that further explains the nature of the soul and its journey after death:

AND now concerning thy question regarding the soul of man and its survival after death. Know thou of a truth that the soul, after its separation from the body, will continue to progress until it attaineth the presence of God, in a state and condition which neither the revolution of ages and centuries, nor the changes and chances of this world, can alter. It will endure as long as the Kingdom of God, His sovereignty, His dominion and power will endure. It will manifest the signs of God and His attributes, and will reveal His loving-kindness and bounty. ³

The soul is a precious gift from God. It is our responsibility to nurture and develop our souls so that we can reach our full potential as human beings.

The death of the body is a natural part of life. It is something that we will all experience at one point or another. However, we should not fear death. Death is simply a doorway to a new and more glorious life.

1. Hornby, Helen, ed. Lights of Guidance: A Baháʾí Reference File. 2nd rev. and enl. Ed. 1983. Reprint, New Delhi, India: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1988, 204. https://bahai-library.com/hornby_lights_guidance_2.html&chapter=1#n680 ↩
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, 33. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
3. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 29, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/4#098486368. ↩