Bahai Faith; Peace -- Religious aspects -- Bahai Faith
In the physical powers and senses, however, man and the animal are
partners. In fact, the animal is often superior to man in sense
perception. For instance, the vision of some animals is exceedingly keen
and the hearing of others most acute. Consider the instinct of a dog: how
much greater than that of man. But, although the animal shares with man
all the physical virtues and senses, a spiritual power has been bestowed
upon man of which the animal is devoid. This is a proof that there is
something in man above and beyond the endowment of the animal—a faculty
and virtue peculiar to the human kingdom which is lacking in the lower
kingdoms of existence. This is the spirit of man. All these wonderful
human accomplishments are due to the efficacy and penetrating power of the
spirit of man. If man were bereft of this spirit, none of these
accomplishments would have been possible. This is as evident as the sun at
midday.
All the organisms of material creation are limited to an image or form.
That is to say, each created material being is possessed of a form; it
cannot possess two forms at the same time. For example, a body may be
spherical, triangular or square; but it is impossible for it to be two of
these shapes simultaneously. It may be triangular, but if it is to become
square, it must first rid itself of the triangular shape. It is absolutely
impossible for it to be both at the same time. Therefore, it is evident in
the reality of material organisms that different forms cannot be
simultaneously possessed. In the spiritual reality of man, however, all
geometrical figures can be simultaneously conceived, while in physical
realities one image must be forsaken in order that another may be
possible. This is the law of change and transformation, and change and
transformation are precursors of mortality. Were it not for this change in
form, phenomena would be immortal; but because the phenomenal existence is
subject to transformation, it is mortal. The reality of man, however, is
possessed of all virtues; it is not necessary for him to give up one image
for another as mere physical bodies do. Therefore, in that reality there
is no change or transformation; it is immortal and everlasting. The body
of man may be in America while his spirit is laboring and working in the
Far East, discovering, organizing and planning. While occupied in
governing, making laws and erecting a building in Russia, his body is
still here in America. What is this power which, notwithstanding that it
is embodied in America, is operating at the same time in the Orient,
organizing, destroying, upbuilding? It is the spirit of man. This is
irrefutable.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account