Istijlál, 06 Qudrat (Power), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
The first life, which pertaineth to the elemental body, will come to an end, as hath been revealed by God: “Every soul shall taste of death.” (Qur’án 3:185). But the second life, which ariseth from the knowledge of God, knoweth no death, as hath been revealed aforetime: “Him will We surely quicken to a blessed life.” (Qur’án 16:97). And in another passage concerning the martyrs: “Nay, they are alive and sustained by their Lord.” (Qur’án 3:169). And from the Traditions: “He who is a true believer liveth both in this world and in the world to come.” (From a Ḥadíth). Numerous examples of similar words are to be found in the Books of God and of the Embodiments of His justice. For the sake of brevity, however, We have contented Ourself with the above passages. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration:
Now, bearing in mind the above quote, write a short paragraph about life, death, body, and soul. 2
Google Bard Response:
Our physical existence is but a transient phase, a mere prelude to the eternal life that awaits us. Like a seed planted in the fertile soil of the earth, our souls blossom forth, nurtured by the knowledge of God. This divine knowledge is the true essence of our being, the immortal essence that transcends the limitations of our physical bodies.
Death, the inevitable end of our earthly journey, is not an end to our existence but a transition to a higher state of being. It liberates our souls from the confines of the physical realm, allowing them to fully realize their potential. For the confident believer, death is not a cause for fear but a source of joy, a gateway to the eternal bliss that awaits those who have lived a life guided by the principles of divine love and compassion.
Just as we cherish the bounties of this world, we should not fear the inevitable passage to the next. Death is not a punishment but a messenger of joy, heralding the dawn of a new and everlasting life.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gems of Divine Mysteries. Translated by Universal House of Justice. 1st ed. Haifa: Bahá’i World Centre, 2002. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gems-divine-mysteries/4#337911695 ↩
- 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, 37. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 