Istiqlál, 16 Qawl (Speech), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
Blessed is the soul which, at the hour of its separation from the body, is sanctified from the vain imaginings of the peoples of the world. Such a soul liveth and moveth in accordance with the Will of its Creator, and entereth the all-highest Paradise. The Maids of Heaven, inmates of the loftiest mansions, will circle around it, and the Prophets of God and His chosen ones will seek its companionship. With them that soul will freely converse, and will recount unto them that which it hath been made to endure in the path of God, the Lord of all worlds. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Question for Consideration:
In what state should our soul be when it separates from the body? 2
Google Bard Response:
According to the quote from Bahá’u’lláh, our soul should be in the following state when it separates from the body:
1. Sanctified from the vain imaginings of the peoples of the world: This means that our soul should be free from worldly attachments, desires, and false beliefs. We should strive to live our lives according to God’s will and focus on spiritual matters rather than material pursuits.
2. Living and moving in accordance with the Will of its Creator: This means that our soul should be aligned with God’s purpose and strive to fulfill His will. We should obey His laws, follow the teachings of His Messengers, and dedicate our lives to serving humanity.
3. Ready to enter the all-highest Paradise: This means that our soul should be prepared for the spiritual rewards and blessings that await it in the afterlife. We should cultivate the qualities and virtues that will allow us to experience the joy and peace of Paradise.
The quote suggests that achieving this state of being is a blessing and requires a life of dedication and spiritual effort. By striving to live in accordance with these principles, we can prepare our souls for a blissful afterlife and contribute to the betterment of the world.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 7, 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, 47. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 