Daily Frameworks for 30 October 2023

Kamál, 15 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quotes 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 When the power of attraction, which holds these atoms together, is withdrawn, the body, as such, ceases to exist. — ‘Abdul-Bahá ¹

With the soul it is different. The soul is not a combination of elements, it is not composed of many atoms, it is of one indivisible substance and therefore eternal. It is entirely out of the order of the physical creation; it is immortal! — ‘Abdul-Bahá ²

The rational soul, or the human spirit, does not subsist through this body by inherence—that is to say, it does not enter it; for inherence and entrance are characteristics of bodies, and the rational soul is sanctified above this. It never entered this body to begin with, that it should require, upon leaving it, some other abode. No, the connection of the spirit with the body is even as the connection of this lamp with a mirror. If the mirror is polished and perfected, the light of the lamp appears therein, and if the mirror is broken or covered with dust, the light remains concealed. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ³

The spirit does not need a body, but the body needs spirit, or it cannot live. The soul can live without a body, but the body without a soul dies. — ‘Abdul-Bahá ⁴

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 ⁵

Question for Consideration:

Which of the following statements are in agreement with these quotes:

Death is a punishment.

The connection between the body and soul lasts the span of a mortal life only.

The body is capable of eternal progress.

The soul will progress forever,

Death is the end of life.

There will be a day of judgment when our bodies will rise up.

At death, the soul has more freedom than it did before.

Life ends with death.

We should fear death.

Food, clothes, rest, and recreation are necessary for the soul.

The soul becomes tired as the body uses up its energy.

The soul is not affected by illness or by weakness of the body.

The human being will still have physical needs after death. ⁶

Google Bard Response:

Based on the quotes from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, the following statements are in agreement with the Bahá’í teachings:

• The soul will progress forever.
• At death, the soul has more freedom than it did before.
• Life does not end with death.
• We should not fear death.
• The soul is not affected by illness or by weakness of the body.
  

The following statements are not in agreement with the Bahá’í teachings:

• Death is a punishment.
• The connection between the body and soul lasts the span of a mortal life only.
• The body is capable of eternal progress.
• Death is the end of life.
• There will be a day of judgment when our bodies will rise up.
• Food, clothes, rest, and recreation are necessary for the soul.
• The soul becomes tired as the body uses up its energy.
• The human being will still have physical needs after death.
  

The Bahá’í teachings teach that death is a natural transition from one state of being to another. It is not a punishment, but rather an opportunity for the soul to continue its progress and development. The soul is immortal and it continues to exist after death. The body is mortal and it dies, but the soul continues to live forever.

We should not fear death, because it is simply a passage to a higher state of being. The soul has more freedom after death than it did before. It is no longer limited by the physical body.

The soul is not affected by illness or by weakness of the body. It is a spiritual being and it is therefore immune to physical ailments.

After death, the soul continues to progress and develop in the spiritual world. It does not have the same physical needs as the body, such as the need for food, clothing, rest, and recreation.

The Bahá’í teachings offer us a hopeful and inspiring vision of life after death. They remind us that our lives have a meaning and purpose that transcends the physical world.

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. 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. ↩
3. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 26, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/11#987219024. ↩
4. ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in 1911. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 2006, 104. https://archive.org/details/paristalksaddres0000abdu/page/104/mode/2up. ↩
5. 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 ↩
6. 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, 3. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩