Istijlál, 18 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
Know thou that the soul of man is exalted above, and is independent of all infirmities of body or mind. That a sick person showeth signs of weakness is due to the hindrances that interpose themselves between his soul and his body, for the soul itself remaineth unaffected by any bodily ailments. Consider the light of the lamp. Though an external object may interfere with its radiance, the light itself continueth to shine with undiminished power. In like manner, every malady afflicting the body of man is an impediment that preventeth the soul from manifesting its inherent might and power. When it leaveth the body, however, it will evince such ascendancy, and reveal such influence as no force on earth can equal. Every pure, every refined and sanctified soul will be endowed with tremendous power, and shall rejoice with exceeding gladness. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration:
Explain in your own words how the soul remains unaffected by the infirmities of body or mind, and what will be made evident upon its separation from the body. 2
Google Bard Response:
The soul is a spiritual being that is separate from the body. It is not affected by the same physical limitations as the body. For example, the soul cannot be sick or injured. It cannot feel pain or fatigue.
When the soul is connected to the body, it is limited by the body’s condition. For example, if the body is sick, the soul may not be able to manifest its full potential. However, the soul is still present and active, even when the body is sick.
When the soul is separated from the body, it is free from all physical limitations. It is able to manifest its full potential and to exercise its inherent might and power.
Bahá’u’lláh compares the soul to a lamp. The lamp represents the soul, and the light represents the soul’s potential. When an external object interferes with the light of the lamp, the lamp itself is not affected. It is still capable of producing light. However, the light is not able to shine as brightly.
In the same way, the soul is not affected by the infirmities of the body. It is still capable of exercising its potential. However, the potential of the soul is not able to be fully manifested when it is connected to a sick or injured body.
When the soul is separated from the body, it is free from all physical limitations. It is able to manifest its full potential and to exercise its inherent might and power.
This is what Bahá’u’lláh means when he says that the soul will “evince such ascendancy, and reveal such influence as no force on earth can equal.” He is saying that the soul will be able to do things that are impossible for the body to do.
For example, the soul will be able to perceive things that are beyond the reach of the senses. It will be able to communicate with other souls telepathically. It will be able to travel great distances instantaneously.
The soul will also be able to experience a deep sense of peace, love, and joy. It will be free from all pain and suffering.
The separation of the soul from the body is a natural process that happens to everyone. It is a transition from one state of being to another. It is a time when the soul is able to fully manifest its potential and to experience its true nature.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 1, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/4#240578767. ↩
- 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, 35. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 