Fidál, 04 Qudrat (Power), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
As the spirit of man lives forever after casting off this elemental frame, it is, like all existing things, undoubtedly capable of progress, and thus one may pray for a departed soul to advance, to be forgiven, or to be made the recipient of divine favours, bounties, and grace. That is why, in the prayers of Bahá’u’lláh, the forgiveness and pardon of God are implored for those who have ascended to the next world. Moreover, just as people are in need of God in this world, so too are they in need of Him in the next. The creatures are ever in need, and God is ever completely independent of them, whether in this world or in the world to come. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
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 2
Question for Consideration:
On the basis of the above quotations, determine whether the following are true:
The Kingdom of God will last forever.
The soul has the capacity to manifest the attributes of God.
The prayers we say for the departed do not affect the progress of their souls.
The soul never ceases to exist. 3
Google Bard Response:
Based on the provided quotations, here’s the determination of whether the following statements are true:
The Kingdom of God will last forever.
True. The quotation from Bahá’u’lláh states that the Kingdom of God will endure “as long as the Kingdom of God, His sovereignty, His dominion and power will endure.” This implies that the Kingdom of God is eternal and will never cease to exist.
The soul has the capacity to manifest the attributes of God.
True. The quotation from Bahá’u’lláh states that the soul, after attaining the presence of God, will manifest “the signs of God and His attributes.” This suggests that the soul has the potential to embody divine qualities such as love, compassion, and wisdom.
The prayers we say for the departed do not affect the progress of their souls.
False. The quotation from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that it is “undoubtedly capable of progress, and thus one may pray for a departed soul to advance, to be forgiven, or to be made the recipient of divine favours, bounties, and grace.” This implies that prayers for the departed can play a role in their spiritual advancement.
The soul never ceases to exist.
True. The quotation from Bahá’u’lláh states that the soul “will continue to progress until it attaineth the presence of God.” This suggests that the soul is immortal and will never cease to exist.
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 6, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/10#799280882. ↩
- 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 