Istijlál, 03 Masá’il (Questions), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
AND now concerning thy question whether human souls continue to be conscious one of another after their separation from the body. Know thou that the souls of the people of Bahá, who have entered and been established within the Crimson Ark, shall associate and commune intimately one with another, and shall be so closely associated in their lives, their aspirations, their aims and strivings as to be even as one soul. They are indeed the ones who are well-informed, who are keen-sighted, and who are endued with understanding. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
Questions for Consideration:
In the next world, will we recognize people we have known in this world?
How close will the association between souls be in the next world? 2
Google Bard Response:
Based on the provided quote from Bahá’u’lláh, we can make some inferences about the nature of consciousness and connection in the next world, specifically for the souls of those who have reached the “Crimson Ark,” a symbol of spiritual attainment within the Bahá’í faith.
Will we recognize people we have known in this world?
The quote doesn’t explicitly address whether individual identities remain fully intact after death. However, it suggests a profound connection and association between the souls of the Bahá’í faithful. The use of phrases like “intimately one with another” and “even as one soul” imply a transcendence of individual boundaries while retaining some sense of shared history and connection.
Therefore, it’s possible that while the form of recognition might differ from earthly interactions, a deep sense of connection and familiarity with those we knew in this life could still exist in the next world.
How close will the association between souls be in the next world?
The quote paints a picture of remarkable closeness and unity between the souls in the Crimson Ark. They are described as sharing lives, aspirations, aims, and strivings “as to be even as one soul.” This suggests a level of connection beyond mere recognition, where individual identities merge into a shared consciousness with deep understanding and empathy for each other.
However, it’s important to note that this level of unity is attributed to those who have achieved a certain level of spiritual development and entered the Crimson Ark. The quote doesn’t necessarily speak to the experience of all souls in the afterlife.
Ultimately, the nature of consciousness and connection in the next world remains a mystery, open to speculation and interpretation. The quote offers a glimpse into a possible experience for those who have dedicated themselves to the Bahá’í teachings, emphasizing the profound unity and understanding that may await those who have reached the Crimson Ark.
- Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 13, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/5#090148159. ↩
- 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, 50. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 