Jalál, 08 Qudrat (Power), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quotes for Reflection:
Just as man progresses, evolves, and is transformed from one form and appearance to another in the womb of the mother, while remaining from the beginning a human embryo, so too has man remained a distinct essence—that is, the human species—from the beginning of his formation in the matrix of the world, and has passed gradually from form to form. It follows that this change of appearance, this evolution of organs, and this growth and development do not preclude the originality of the species. Now, even accepting the reality of evolution and progress, nevertheless, from the moment of his appearance man has possessed perfect composition, and has had the capacity and potential to acquire both material and spiritual perfections and to become the embodiment of the verse, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.”(Gen. 1:26). At most, he has become more pleasing, more refined and graceful, and by virtue of civilization he has emerged from his wild state, just as the wild fruits become finer and sweeter under the cultivation of the gardener, and acquire ever greater delicacy and vitality. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
In the beginning of his life man was in the world of the womb, wherein he developed the capacity and worthiness to advance to this world. The powers necessary for this world he acquired in that world. He needed eyes in this world; he obtained them in the world of the womb. He needed ears in this world; he obtained them there. All the powers that were needed in this world he acquired in the world of the womb. In that world he became prepared for this world, and when he entered this world he saw that he possessed all the requisite powers and had acquired all the limbs and organs necessary for this life, in that world. It followeth that in this world too he must prepare for the world beyond. That which he needeth in the world of the Kingdom he must obtain and prepare here. Just as he acquired the powers necessary for this world in the world of the womb, so, likewise, he must obtain that which he will need in the world of the Kingdom—that is to say, all the heavenly powers—in this world. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 2
Question for Consideration:
What are some of the capacities the human being receives in the world of the womb? 3
Google Bard Response:
According to the quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the human being receives all the powers necessary for this world in the world of the womb. These powers include:
- Physical powers: The development of the body and its organs, such as the eyes, ears, and limbs.
- Cognitive powers: The ability to learn, reason, and solve problems.
- Emotional powers: The ability to feel and express emotions such as love, compassion, and joy.
- Spiritual powers: The ability to connect with God and the divine realm.
In addition to these basic powers, the human being may also receive other capacities in the world of the womb, such as:
- Artistic talents such as music, painting, or writing.
- Athletic abilities such as speed, strength, or endurance.
- Intellectual gifts such as a high IQ or a special aptitude for a particular subject.
- Spiritual insights such as a deep understanding of the meaning of life or a connection to a higher power.
The capacities that the human being receives in the world of the womb are not random. They are tailored to the individual’s unique purpose and destiny in this life. By developing and using our capacities to the fullest, we can fulfill our potential and contribute to the betterment of the world.
It is important to note that the quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is a metaphor. It does not literally mean that the soul pre-exists the body. Rather, it is a way of understanding the development of the human being as a process that begins before birth and continues throughout life.
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 10, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/10#816587913. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 2018. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/additional-tablets-extracts-talks/647998761/1#755619432. ↩
- 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, 3. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 