Istiqlál, 19 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

The rational soul—the human spirit—did not descend into this body or subsist through it to begin with, that it should require some substance to depend upon after the constituent parts of the body have decomposed. On the contrary, the rational soul is the substance upon which the body depends. The rational soul is endowed from the beginning with individuality; it does not acquire it through the intermediary of the body. At most, what can be said is that the individuality and identity of the rational soul may be strengthened in this world, and that the soul may either progress and attain to the degrees of perfection or remain in the lowest abyss of ignorance and be veiled from and deprived of beholding the signs of God. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

Will we maintain our individuality after the death of our physical bodies? ²

Google Bard Response:

Yes, the Bahá’í teachings teach that we will maintain our individuality after the death of our physical bodies.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that the soul is “endowed from the beginning with individuality; it does not acquire it through the intermediary of the body.” This means that our individuality is a fundamental part of who we are, and it will not be lost when we die.

The soul is also described as being “the substance upon which the body depends.” This means that the soul is the primary reality, and the body is a secondary reality. The body is simply a vehicle for the soul to express itself in the physical world.

When the body dies, the soul is freed from its physical limitations and is able to continue its journey of development and growth in the spiritual world.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá also states that the individuality and identity of the soul may be strengthened in this world. This means that we can develop our individuality and identity by living a good and moral life. We can also develop our individuality and identity by pursuing our spiritual goals and aspirations.

After death, the soul continues to develop and grow in the spiritual world. The soul may progress and attain to the degrees of perfection, or it may remain in the lowest abyss of ignorance. This depends on the choices that we make in this life.

The Bahá’í teachings offer us a hopeful and inspiring vision of life after death. They teach us that we will continue to exist as individuals after we die, and that we have the opportunity to continue our journey of development and growth in the spiritual world.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 2, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/11#528529101. ↩
2. 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, 35. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Istijlál, 18 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

Know thou that the soul of man is exalted above, and is independent of all infirmities of body or mind. That a sick person showeth signs of weakness is due to the hindrances that interpose themselves between his soul and his body, for the soul itself remaineth unaffected by any bodily ailments. Consider the light of the lamp. Though an external object may interfere with its radiance, the light itself continueth to shine with undiminished power. In like manner, every malady afflicting the body of man is an impediment that preventeth the soul from manifesting its inherent might and power. When it leaveth the body, however, it will evince such ascendancy, and reveal such influence as no force on earth can equal. Every pure, every refined and sanctified soul will be endowed with tremendous power, and shall rejoice with exceeding gladness. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

Explain in your own words how the soul remains unaffected by the infirmities of body or mind, and what will be made evident upon its separation from the body. ²

Google Bard Response:

The soul is a spiritual being that is separate from the body. It is not affected by the same physical limitations as the body. For example, the soul cannot be sick or injured. It cannot feel pain or fatigue.

When the soul is connected to the body, it is limited by the body’s condition. For example, if the body is sick, the soul may not be able to manifest its full potential. However, the soul is still present and active, even when the body is sick.

When the soul is separated from the body, it is free from all physical limitations. It is able to manifest its full potential and to exercise its inherent might and power.

Bahá’u’lláh compares the soul to a lamp. The lamp represents the soul, and the light represents the soul’s potential. When an external object interferes with the light of the lamp, the lamp itself is not affected. It is still capable of producing light. However, the light is not able to shine as brightly.

In the same way, the soul is not affected by the infirmities of the body. It is still capable of exercising its potential. However, the potential of the soul is not able to be fully manifested when it is connected to a sick or injured body.

When the soul is separated from the body, it is free from all physical limitations. It is able to manifest its full potential and to exercise its inherent might and power.

This is what Bahá’u’lláh means when he says that the soul will “evince such ascendancy, and reveal such influence as no force on earth can equal.” He is saying that the soul will be able to do things that are impossible for the body to do.

For example, the soul will be able to perceive things that are beyond the reach of the senses. It will be able to communicate with other souls telepathically. It will be able to travel great distances instantaneously.

The soul will also be able to experience a deep sense of peace, love, and joy. It will be free from all pain and suffering.

The separation of the soul from the body is a natural process that happens to everyone. It is a transition from one state of being to another. It is a time when the soul is able to fully manifest its potential and to experience its true nature.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 1, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/4#240578767. ↩
2. 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, 35. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

’Idál, 17 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

The other mode of the spirit’s influence and action is without these bodily instruments and organs. For example, in the state of sleep, it sees without eyes, it hears without ears, it speaks without a tongue, it runs without feet—in brief, all these powers are exerted without the mediation of instruments and organs. How often it happens that the spirit has a dream in the realm of sleep whose purport comes to be exactly materialized two years hence! Likewise, how often it happens that in the world of dreams the spirit solves a problem that it could not solve in the realm of wakefulness. Awake, the eye sees only a short distance, but in the realm of dreams one who is in the East may see the West. Awake, he sees only the present; in sleep he beholds the future. Awake, by the fastest means he travels at most seventy miles in an hour; in sleep he traverses East and West in the blink of an eye. For the spirit has two modes of travel: without means, or spiritual travel, and with means, or material travel—as birds that fly, or as being carried in a vehicle. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

Can you give examples of the soul’s influence and action without bodily instruments? ²

Google Bard Response:

Here are some examples of the soul’s influence and action without bodily instruments:

• Dreams: As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá mentions in the quote, the soul can see, hear, speak, and run in the state of sleep. Dreams can be prophetic, meaning that they can foretell future events. They can also help us solve problems that we are facing in our waking lives.
• Intuition: Intuition is a sudden feeling or insight that comes over us without conscious reasoning. It is often described as a gut feeling or a sixth sense. The soul’s ability to perceive reality beyond the limits of our physical senses is a possible manifestation of intuition.
• Telepathy: The ability to communicate with another person’s mind without using physical means is telepathy. It is thought to be a form of soul-to-soul communication.
• Clairvoyance: Clairvoyance is the ability to see things that are beyond the reach of our physical vision. It may result from the soul’s ability to see into the spiritual world.
• Near-death experiences: Near-death experiences (NDEs) are experiences that people have when they are close to death. NDEs often involve visions of light, feelings of peace and love, and encounters with deceased loved ones. NDEs are thought to provide evidence of the soul’s existence and its ability to survive the death of the body.
  

These are a few examples of the soul’s influence and action without bodily instruments. There may be many more. While the Bahá’í teachings do not offer definitive explanations for all these phenomena, they affirm the reality of the soul and its ability to operate independently of the body.

It is important to note that the soul is a mystery. We do not fully understand how it works or interacts with the physical world. Nonetheless, the soul is a powerful force that can profoundly impact our lives and the world.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 1, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/10#009799446. ↩
2. 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, 34-35. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Fidál, 16 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

Know that the influence and perception of the human spirit is of two kinds; that is, the human spirit has two modes of operation and understanding. One mode is through the mediation of bodily instruments and organs. Thus it sees with the eye, hears with the ear, speaks with the tongue. These are actions of the spirit and operations of the human reality, but they occur through the mediation of bodily instruments. Thus, it is the spirit that sees, but by means of the eye; it is the spirit that hears, but by means of the ear; it is the spirit that speaks, but by means of the tongue.

The other mode of the spirit’s influence and action is without these bodily instruments and organs. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

Describe the two ways through which the soul perceives and exerts influence in this world. ²

Google Bard Response:

The two ways through which the soul perceives and exerts influence in this world are:

1. Through the mediation of bodily instruments and organs.

This is the mode of perception and influence that we are most familiar with. It is through our senses that we experience the world around us. We see with our eyes, hear with our ears, smell with our noses, taste with our tongues, and feel with our skin. Our senses allow us to gather information about the world and to make sense of it.

The soul also exerts influence on the world through our bodily instruments and organs. When we speak, for example, the soul is using the tongue and vocal cords to produce sound. When we write, the soul is using the hands and fingers to manipulate a pen or keyboard.

2. Without these bodily instruments and organs.

This is a more subtle mode of perception and influence that we are not as familiar with. It is the mode of perception and influence that allows us to have spiritual experiences. It is the mode of perception and influence that allows us to be inspired by great ideas and to be moved by beauty.

The soul can perceive things that are beyond the reach of our senses. It can perceive the spiritual world and the presence of God. The soul can also exert influence on the world in ways that are not limited by our physical bodies. For example, the soul can inspire others to be kind, compassionate, and loving.

The two modes of perception and influence described by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are complementary. We need both modes in order to live a full and meaningful life. We need our senses to experience the world around us, and we need our souls to perceive and influence the world in a spiritual way.

Here are some examples of how the soul can perceive and exert influence in this world without the mediation of bodily instruments and organs:

• We can have spiritual experiences, such as feeling the presence of God or being inspired by a great idea.
• We can be moved by beauty, such as the beauty of nature or the beauty of music.
• We can have intuitions, which are insights that come to us from our souls.
• We can be influenced by the souls of others, such as when we feel inspired by a wise teacher or a compassionate friend.
  

The soul is a powerful force that can have a profound impact on our lives and on the world around us. By understanding the two modes of perception and influence described by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, we can learn to harness the power of our souls to create a better world.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 31, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/10#523562335. ↩
2. 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, 34-35. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Kamál, 15 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quotes for Reflection:

The whole physical creation is perishable. These material bodies are composed of atoms; when these atoms begin to separate decomposition sets in, then comes what we call death. This composition of atoms, which constitutes the body or mortal element of any created being, is temporary. When the power of attraction, which holds these atoms together, is withdrawn, the body, as such, ceases to exist. — ‘Abdul-Bahá ¹

With the soul it is different. The soul is not a combination of elements, it is not composed of many atoms, it is of one indivisible substance and therefore eternal. It is entirely out of the order of the physical creation; it is immortal! — ‘Abdul-Bahá ²

The rational soul, or the human spirit, does not subsist through this body by inherence—that is to say, it does not enter it; for inherence and entrance are characteristics of bodies, and the rational soul is sanctified above this. It never entered this body to begin with, that it should require, upon leaving it, some other abode. No, the connection of the spirit with the body is even as the connection of this lamp with a mirror. If the mirror is polished and perfected, the light of the lamp appears therein, and if the mirror is broken or covered with dust, the light remains concealed. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ³

The spirit does not need a body, but the body needs spirit, or it cannot live. The soul can live without a body, but the body without a soul dies. — ‘Abdul-Bahá ⁴

With regard to the soul of man. According to the Bahá’í Teachings the human soul starts with the formation of the human embryo, and continues to develop and pass through endless stages of existence after its separation from the body. Its progress is thus infinite. — Shoghi Effendi ⁵

Question for Consideration:

Which of the following statements are in agreement with these quotes:

Death is a punishment.

The connection between the body and soul lasts the span of a mortal life only.

The body is capable of eternal progress.

The soul will progress forever,

Death is the end of life.

There will be a day of judgment when our bodies will rise up.

At death, the soul has more freedom than it did before.

Life ends with death.

We should fear death.

Food, clothes, rest, and recreation are necessary for the soul.

The soul becomes tired as the body uses up its energy.

The soul is not affected by illness or by weakness of the body.

The human being will still have physical needs after death. ⁶

Google Bard Response:

Based on the quotes from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, the following statements are in agreement with the Bahá’í teachings:

• The soul will progress forever.
• At death, the soul has more freedom than it did before.
• Life does not end with death.
• We should not fear death.
• The soul is not affected by illness or by weakness of the body.
  

The following statements are not in agreement with the Bahá’í teachings:

• Death is a punishment.
• The connection between the body and soul lasts the span of a mortal life only.
• The body is capable of eternal progress.
• Death is the end of life.
• There will be a day of judgment when our bodies will rise up.
• Food, clothes, rest, and recreation are necessary for the soul.
• The soul becomes tired as the body uses up its energy.
• The human being will still have physical needs after death.
  

The Bahá’í teachings teach that death is a natural transition from one state of being to another. It is not a punishment, but rather an opportunity for the soul to continue its progress and development. The soul is immortal and it continues to exist after death. The body is mortal and it dies, but the soul continues to live forever.

We should not fear death, because it is simply a passage to a higher state of being. The soul has more freedom after death than it did before. It is no longer limited by the physical body.

The soul is not affected by illness or by weakness of the body. It is a spiritual being and it is therefore immune to physical ailments.

After death, the soul continues to progress and develop in the spiritual world. It does not have the same physical needs as the body, such as the need for food, clothing, rest, and recreation.

The Bahá’í teachings offer us a hopeful and inspiring vision of life after death. They remind us that our lives have a meaning and purpose that transcends the physical world.

1. ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in 1911. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 2006, 109. https://archive.org/details/paristalksaddres0000abdu/page/108/mode/2up. ↩
2. ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in 1911. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 2006, 109. https://archive.org/details/paristalksaddres0000abdu/page/108/mode/2up. ↩
3. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 26, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/11#987219024. ↩
4. ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in 1911. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 2006, 104. https://archive.org/details/paristalksaddres0000abdu/page/104/mode/2up. ↩
5. Hornby, Helen, ed. Lights of Guidance: A Baháʾí Reference File. 2nd rev. and enl. Ed. 1983. Reprint, New Delhi, India: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1988, 204. https://bahai-library.com/hornby_lights_guidance_2.html&chapter=1#n680 ↩
6. 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 ↩

Jamál, 14 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

With regard to the soul of man. According to the Bahá’í Teachings the human soul starts with the formation of the human embryo, and continues to develop and pass through endless stages of existence after its separation from the body. Its progress is thus infinite. — Shoghi Effendi ¹

Question for Consideration:

What happens to the soul after death?

How long does the progress of the soul last?

When does life end? ²

Google Bard Response:

According to the Bahá’í teachings, the soul is an immortal being that continues to exist after death. The soul begins its journey at conception, when it becomes associated with the embryo. It continues to grow and develop throughout our lives, and it continues to progress after death.

The progress of the soul is infinite. After death, the soul enters the spiritual world, where it continues to learn and grow. The soul may pass through many different stages of existence in the spiritual world, but its progress is always forward.

Life does not end with death. Death is simply a transition to another state of being. The soul is immortal and it continues to exist after death.

The Bahá’í teachings describe the spiritual world as a place of great beauty and harmony. It is a place where the soul is free to develop its full potential.

Here is a quote from Bahá’u’lláh that further explains the nature of the soul and its journey after death:

AND now concerning thy question regarding the soul of man and its survival after death. Know thou of a truth that the soul, after its separation from the body, will continue to progress until it attaineth the presence of God, in a state and condition which neither the revolution of ages and centuries, nor the changes and chances of this world, can alter. It will endure as long as the Kingdom of God, His sovereignty, His dominion and power will endure. It will manifest the signs of God and His attributes, and will reveal His loving-kindness and bounty. ³

The soul is a precious gift from God. It is our responsibility to nurture and develop our souls so that we can reach our full potential as human beings.

The death of the body is a natural part of life. It is something that we will all experience at one point or another. However, we should not fear death. Death is simply a doorway to a new and more glorious life.

1. Hornby, Helen, ed. Lights of Guidance: A Baháʾí Reference File. 2nd rev. and enl. Ed. 1983. Reprint, New Delhi, India: Baháʾí Publishing Trust, 1988, 204. https://bahai-library.com/hornby_lights_guidance_2.html&chapter=1#n680 ↩
2. 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, 33. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
3. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 29, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/4#098486368. ↩

Jalál, 13 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

The spirit does not need a body, but the body needs spirit, or it cannot live. The soul can live without a body, but the body without a soul dies. — ‘Abdul-Bahá ¹

Questions for Consideration:

Does the body need a soul?

Does the soul need the body?

What happens to the connection between the body and soul when we die? ²

Google Bard Response:

Does the body need a soul?

Yes, the body needs a soul to live. The soul is the animating force that gives life to the body. Without a soul, the body would be a lifeless vessel.

Does the soul need the body?

No, the soul does not need the body in the same way that the body needs the soul. The soul is a spiritual being that can exist independently of the body. However, the body does provide the soul with a means to interact with the physical world.

What happens to the connection between the body and soul when we die?

When we die, the connection between the body and soul is severed. The body decomposes and returns to the dust, but the soul continues to exist in the spiritual world.

The body is a temporary vessel that the soul inhabits. When the body dies, the soul is released from its physical encasement and it is free to return to its spiritual home.

The death of the body is not the end of our existence. It is simply a transition to another state of being. After death, the soul continues to grow and develop in the spiritual world.

1. ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in 1911. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 2006, 104. https://archive.org/details/paristalksaddres0000abdu/page/104/mode/2up. ↩
2. 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, 33. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Istiqlál, 12 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

The rational soul, or the human spirit, does not subsist through this body by inherence—that is to say, it does not enter it; for inherence and entrance are characteristics of bodies, and the rational soul is sanctified above this. It never entered this body to begin with, that it should require, upon leaving it, some other abode. No, the connection of the spirit with the body is even as the connection of this lamp with a mirror. If the mirror is polished and perfected, the light of the lamp appears therein, and if the mirror is broken or covered with dust, the light remains concealed. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

Use the image of a light and mirror to describe the relationship between the soul and the body. ²

Google Bard Response:

The image of a light and mirror can be used to describe the relationship between the soul and the body in the following way:

The light represents the soul, which is a pure and radiant being. The mirror represents the body, a physical vessel the soul inhabits.

When the mirror is polished and perfected, the light of the soul shines through it brightly. This is when we are living by our spiritual nature and our true potential.

However, when the mirror is broken or covered with dust, the light of the soul is obscured. This can happen when we make mistakes, engage in harmful behaviors, or allow our negative thoughts and emotions to cloud our judgment.

Just as the light of the lamp does not disappear when the mirror is broken or covered with dust, the soul does not cease to exist when the body dies. The soul is immortal and it continues to exist after death.

The following analogy from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá further illustrates the relationship between the soul and the body:

“While asleep, this physical body is as dead: It neither sees, nor hears, nor feels, and it has neither consciousness nor perception—its powers are suspended. Yet the spirit is not only alive and enduring but also exerts a greater influence, soars to loftier heights, and possesses a deeper understanding. To hold that the spirit is annihilated upon the death of the body is to imagine that a bird imprisoned in a cage would perish if the cage were to be broken, though the bird has nothing to fear from the breaking of the cage. This body is even as the cage and the spirit is like the bird: We observe that this bird, unencumbered by its cage, soars freely in the world of sleep. Therefore, should the cage be broken, the bird would continue to exist its senses would be heightened, its perception would be expanded, and its joy would grow more intense. In reality, it would be leaving a place of torment for a delightsome paradise; for there is no greater paradise for the grateful birds than to be freed from their cage. So it is that the martyrs hasten to the field of sacrifice with the utmost joy and elation.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ³

In the same way, the soul is free to soar to great heights, but it is limited by the body. When the body dies, the soul is free to return to its spiritual home.

We should strive to keep our mirrors polished and perfected so that the light of our souls can shine through brightly. We can do this by living a moral and ethical life, cultivating our spiritual qualities, and serving humanity.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 26, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/11#987219024. ↩
2. 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, 33. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
3. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 26, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/10#321264860. ↩

Istijlál, 11 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

The rational soul, or the human spirit, does not subsist through this body by inherence—that is to say, it does not enter it; for inherence and entrance are characteristics of bodies, and the rational soul is sanctified above this. It never entered this body to begin with, that it should require, upon leaving it, some other abode. No, the connection of the spirit with the body is even as the connection of this lamp with a mirror. If the mirror is polished and perfected, the light of the lamp appears therein, and if the mirror is broken or covered with dust, the light remains concealed. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

Determine whether the following are true:

The soul does not belong to the physical world.
The soul is within the body.
The body is the owner of the soul.
The soul is immortal.
The individual has his or her beginning when the soul associates itself with the embryo.
Life begins when the individual is born into this world.
The individual’s material existence continues after death.
Life consists of the things that happen to us every day. ²

Google Bard Response:

True:

• The soul does not belong to the physical world.
• The soul is immortal.
  

False:

• The soul is within the body. (The soul is not located within the body in the same way that the body is located within the physical world.)
• The body is the owner of the soul. (The soul is not owned by the body. The soul is a spiritual being that is independent of the body.)
• The individual has his or her beginning when the soul associates itself with the embryo. (The soul is eternal and existed before the embryo was formed.)
• Life begins when the individual is born into this world. (Life begins at the moment of conception when the soul associates itself with the embryo.)
• The individual’s material existence continues after death. (The body dies, but the soul continues to exist after death.)
• Life consists of the things that happen to us every day. (Life is more than just the things that happen to us every day. It is also about our thoughts, feelings, and experiences.)
  

In the analogy of the lamp and the mirror, the lamp represents the soul and the mirror represents the body. The soul is not within the body in the same way that the light of the lamp is within the mirror. The soul is a spiritual being that is independent of the body. The body is simply a vessel for the soul to express itself in the physical world.

The individual’s beginning is at the moment of conception when the soul associates itself with the embryo. This is when the individual’s spiritual journey begins. The individual’s material existence comes to an end at death, but the soul continues to exist.

Life is more than just the things that happen to us every day. It is also about our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Life is about our spiritual journey and our quest to become closer to God.

1. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Some Answered Questions. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 26, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/some-answered-questions/11#987219024. ↩
2. 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, 32. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

’Idál, 10 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

Nothing from the Bahá’í Writings has been found that precisely defines the biological moment and nature of the event described as ‘conception’. The use of the term in a medical context also appears to be imprecise. Indeed, one understanding of conception is that it coincides with fertilization; yet another is that it occurs following fertilization and implantation, the onset of pregnancy. Thus it may not be possible to know when the association of the soul with the material form occurs, and such questions may be insoluble by human thought or investigation since they relate to mysteries of the spiritual world and the nature of the soul itself. — Universal House of Justice ¹

Question for Consideration:

When does the human soul come into being?

Google Bard Response:

The Bahá’í Writings do not explicitly state when the human soul comes into being. However, they do affirm that the soul is a spiritual being that exists independently of the body. This suggests that the soul may come into being before fertilization, or even before conception.

The Universal House of Justice has stated that “it may not be possible to know when the association of the soul with the material form occurs.” This suggests that the timing of the soul’s entry into the body is a mystery that we cannot fully understand.

Some Bahá’ís believe that the soul enters the body at the moment of fertilization. Others believe that the soul enters the body at a later stage, such as implantation or even at birth. Still others believe that the soul may enter the body at any time, even before conception.

Ultimately, the question of when the human soul comes into being is a matter of individual belief. There is no right or wrong answer, and each person must decide what they believe based on their own understanding of the Bahá’í Writings and their own personal experience.

It is important to note that the Bahá’í Faith teaches that the soul is immortal. This means that the soul continues to exist after death. When the body dies, the soul is released from its physical encasement and it is free to return to its spiritual home.

Therefore, even if we cannot know exactly when the soul enters the body, we can be certain that the soul is present from the moment of conception onward. The soul is the essence of our being, and it is what makes us human.

Question for Consideration:

Does the term “conception” describe a precise biological moment?

Google Bard Response:

The Universal House of Justice has written that the term “conception” does not describe a precise biological moment. There are two main definitions of conception in a medical context:

1. Fertilization: The union of a sperm and an egg.
2. Implantation: The attachment of the fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus.
   

Some people use the term “conception” to refer to fertilization, while others use it to refer to implantation. This lack of clarity can lead to confusion, especially when discussing the timing of conception in relation to the development of the soul.

The Universal House of Justice has also written that it may not be possible to know when the association of the soul with the material form occurs. This is because questions about the soul and its relationship to the body are mysteries of the spiritual world.

Overall, it is important to recognize that the term “conception” does not describe a precise biological moment. It is a term that is often used imprecisely, and it can be used to refer to either fertilization or implantation. Additionally, it is important to remember that questions about the soul and its relationship to the body are mysteries of the spiritual world.

1. 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, 31. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩