Jamál, 10 Sulțán (Sovereignty), 180 B.E.
Arising to Serve
Quote for Reflection:
To acquire virtues. We come from the earth; why were we transferred from the mineral to the vegetable kingdom—from the plant to the animal kingdom? So that we may attain perfection in each of these kingdoms, that we may possess the best qualities of the mineral, that we may acquire the power of growing as in the plant, that we may be adorned with the instincts of the animal and possess the faculties of sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste, until from the animal kingdom we step into the world of humanity and are gifted with reason, the power of invention, and the forces of the spirit. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration:
What is the purpose of our lives? 2
Google Bard Response:
In the quote by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the purpose of our lives isn’t presented as a single, fixed goal but rather as a continuous journey of evolution and development. He suggests that through this journey, we aim to:
1. Acquire virtues: The essence of our existence lies in acquiring virtues that transcend mere physical existence. This encompasses cultivating love, compassion, justice, wisdom, and spiritual understanding.
2. Progress through various stages of existence: We are seen progressing through different “kingdoms”: mineral, vegetable, animal, and finally, human. Each stage represents a level of increasing complexity and the development of specific abilities.
3. Embrace the best qualities of each stage: Within each kingdom, we strive to perfect ourselves. This means retaining the valuable attributes from previous stages, like resilience from the mineral, growth from the plant, and sensory perception from the animal.
4. Rise above instinct and embrace reason and spirit: Reaching the human kingdom signifies a move beyond mere instinct and towards developing higher faculties like reason, creativity, and spirituality. These empower us to make complex choices, understand abstract concepts, and connect with a transcendent dimension.
Therefore, the purpose of life, according to this perspective, is not just about survival or material accomplishments. It’s about continuously striving to become better versions of ourselves ethically and spiritually. This involves learning from and integrating the best qualities from each stage of existence, culminating in fully expressing our human potential through reason, creativity, and a connection to the spiritual realm.
This interpretation offers a meaningful and dynamic perspective on the purpose of life. It suggests that our journey is ongoing, with constant opportunities for growth and self-improvement. While the specific virtues one might emphasize and the path of development one might choose may vary across individuals and cultures, the core idea of a continual journey toward ethical and spiritual progress provides a guiding light for navigating the complexities of our existence.
Remember, this is just one interpretation of the quote, and different individuals may find different meanings and connections within it. The important thing is to engage in thoughtful reflection and exploration of what gives your life meaning and purpose, drawing inspiration from diverse perspectives and ultimately forging your unique path in this ongoing journey of human existence.
- ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in 1911. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 2006, 177. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/paris-talks/7#177456054. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Arising to Serve. 2.1.1.PE September 2020. Vol. Book 2. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2020, 39. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#AS. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 
Very well argued by the bard.
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