A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
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55: SOUL, SPIRIT AND MIND 208 |
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The animal spirit is the power of all the senses, which is
realized from the composition and mingling of elements;
when this composition decomposes, the power also
perishes and becomes annihilated. It may be likened to
this lamp: when the oil, wick and fire are combined, it is
lighted; and when this combination is dissolved—that is
to say, when the combined parts are separated from one
another—the lamp also is extinguished.
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The human spirit which distinguishes man from the
animal is the rational soul, and these two names—the
human spirit and the rational soul—designate one thing.
This spirit, which in the terminology of the philosophers
is the rational soul, embraces all beings, and as far as
human ability permits discovers the realities of things and
becomes cognizant of their peculiarities and effects, and of
the qualities and properties of beings. But the human
spirit, unless assisted by the spirit of faith, does not become
acquainted with the divine secrets and the heavenly
realities. It is like a mirror which, although clear, polished
209
and brilliant, is still in need of light. Until a ray of the sun
reflects upon it, it cannot discover the heavenly secrets.
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