Fidál, 16 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
Know that the influence and perception of the human spirit is of two kinds; that is, the human spirit has two modes of operation and understanding. One mode is through the mediation of bodily instruments and organs. Thus it sees with the eye, hears with the ear, speaks with the tongue. These are actions of the spirit and operations of the human reality, but they occur through the mediation of bodily instruments. Thus, it is the spirit that sees, but by means of the eye; it is the spirit that hears, but by means of the ear; it is the spirit that speaks, but by means of the tongue.
The other mode of the spirit’s influence and action is without these bodily instruments and organs. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration:
Describe the two ways through which the soul perceives and exerts influence in this world. 2
Google Bard Response:
The two ways through which the soul perceives and exerts influence in this world are:
1. Through the mediation of bodily instruments and organs.
This is the mode of perception and influence that we are most familiar with. It is through our senses that we experience the world around us. We see with our eyes, hear with our ears, smell with our noses, taste with our tongues, and feel with our skin. Our senses allow us to gather information about the world and to make sense of it.
The soul also exerts influence on the world through our bodily instruments and organs. When we speak, for example, the soul is using the tongue and vocal cords to produce sound. When we write, the soul is using the hands and fingers to manipulate a pen or keyboard.
2. Without these bodily instruments and organs.
This is a more subtle mode of perception and influence that we are not as familiar with. It is the mode of perception and influence that allows us to have spiritual experiences. It is the mode of perception and influence that allows us to be inspired by great ideas and to be moved by beauty.
The soul can perceive things that are beyond the reach of our senses. It can perceive the spiritual world and the presence of God. The soul can also exert influence on the world in ways that are not limited by our physical bodies. For example, the soul can inspire others to be kind, compassionate, and loving.
The two modes of perception and influence described by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are complementary. We need both modes in order to live a full and meaningful life. We need our senses to experience the world around us, and we need our souls to perceive and influence the world in a spiritual way.
Here are some examples of how the soul can perceive and exert influence in this world without the mediation of bodily instruments and organs:
- We can have spiritual experiences, such as feeling the presence of God or being inspired by a great idea.
- We can be moved by beauty, such as the beauty of nature or the beauty of music.
- We can have intuitions, which are insights that come to us from our souls.
- We can be influenced by the souls of others, such as when we feel inspired by a wise teacher or a compassionate friend.
The soul is a powerful force that can have a profound impact on our lives and on the world around us. By understanding the two modes of perception and influence described by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, we can learn to harness the power of our souls to create a better world.
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 31, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/10#523562335. ↩
- 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, 34-35. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 