Daily Frameworks for 08 November 2023

’Idál, 05 Qudrat (Power), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quotes for Reflection:

KNOW thou that every hearing ear, if kept pure and undefiled, must, at all times and from every direction, hearken to the voice that uttereth these holy words: “Verily, we are God’s, and to Him shall we return.” The mysteries of man’s physical death and of his return have not been divulged, and still remain unread. By the righteousness of God! Were they to be revealed, they would evoke such fear and sorrow that some would perish, while others would be so filled with gladness as to wish for death, and beseech, with unceasing longing, the one true God—exalted be His glory—to hasten their end. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life. — Bahá’u’lláh ²

As to those that have tasted of the fruit of man’s earthly existence, which is the recognition of the one true God, exalted be His glory, their life hereafter is such as We are unable to describe. The knowledge thereof is with God, alone, the Lord of all worlds. — Bahá’u’lláh ³

O SON OF THE SUPREME!
I have made death a messenger of joy to thee. Wherefore dost thou grieve? I made the light to shed on thee its splendor. Why dost thou veil thyself therefrom? — Bahá’u’lláh ⁴

Question for Consideration:

Based on the quotes above, which of the following statements are true?
The soul of the human being comes from God and will return to Him.
All knowledge of life after death is with God.
For the confident believer, death is life.
Death is the bearer of gladness.
The mysteries of death are known by all.
We should treasure the bounties of life yet not be afraid of death, for it is a messenger of joy.
It is not important for us to know about life after death. ⁵

Google Bard Response:

Based on the quotes above, the following statements are true:

• The soul of the human being comes from God and will return to Him.
• All knowledge of life after death is with God.
• For the confident believer, death is life.
• Death is the bearer of gladness.
• We should treasure the bounties of life yet not be afraid of death, for it is a messenger of joy.
  

The quotes do not explicitly state that the mysteries of death are known by all. However, they suggest that some people may be fearful of death, while others may see it as a positive event. This suggests that there is not a single, universally accepted understanding of death and what it means for the soul.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 7, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/8#256414695. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 7, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/8#005763883. ↩
3. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 7, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/8#673299186. ↩
4. Bahá’u’lláh. The Hidden Words. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 7, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/2#674148173. ↩
5. 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, 36-37. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩