Jamál, 02 Qudrat (Power), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
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. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration:
In what state will the soul continue its eternal journey towards the presence of God? 2
Google Bard Response:
The Bahá’í teachings describe the soul’s eternal journey towards the presence of God as a state of increasing perfection and progress. The soul will continue to grow and learn, and will become closer to God over time.
Bahá’u’lláh has said:
“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.”
This means that the soul’s progress is eternal and irreversible. Once the soul has attained the presence of God, it will remain in that state forever.
The Bahá’í teachings also teach that the soul will continue to manifest the signs of God and His attributes in the afterlife. This means that the soul will become more and more like God in its qualities and characteristics.
The soul will also reveal God’s loving-kindness and bounty. This means that the soul will be a source of love, compassion, and generosity to others.
Overall, the Bahá’í teachings describe the soul’s eternal journey towards the presence of God as a state of great joy, happiness, and fulfillment. The soul will be free from the limitations of the physical world and will be able to express its full potential.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 4, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/4#098486368. ↩
- 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, 36. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 