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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Oneness of the Two Worlds |
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The unity of humanity as taught by Bahá’u’lláh refers not
only to men still in the flesh, but to all human beings, whether
embodied or disembodied. Not only all men now living on the
earth, but all in the spiritual world as well, are parts of one and
the same organism and these two parts are intimately dependent,
one on the other. Spiritual communion one with the other,
far from being impossible or unnatural, is constant and inevitable.
Those whose spiritual faculties are as yet undeveloped
are unconscious of this vital connection, but as one’s faculties
develop, communications with those beyond the veil gradually
become more conscious and definite. To the Prophets and
saints this spiritual communion is as familiar and real as are
ordinary vision and conversation to the rest of mankind.
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‘Abdu’l-Bahá says:—193
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The visions of the Prophets are not dreams; no, they
are spiritual discoveries and have reality. They say, for
example: “I saw a person in a certain form, and I said
such a thing, and he gave such an answer.” This vision is
in the world of wakefulness, and not in that of sleep. Nay,
it is a spiritual discovery. … … Among spiritual souls there are spiritual understandings, discoveries, a communion which is purified from imagination and fancy, an association which is sanctified from time and place. So it is written in the Gospel that on Mount Tabor, Moses and Elias came to Christ, and it is evident that this was not a material meeting. It was a spiritual condition. … … [Communications such as] these are real, and produce wonderful effects in the minds and thoughts of men, and cause their hearts to be attracted.—Some Answered Questions, pp. 290, 291, 292. |
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To tamper with psychic forces while in this world interferes
with the condition of the soul in the world to
come. These forces are real, but, normally, are not active
on this plane. The child in the womb has its eyes, ears,
hands, feet, etc., but they are not in activity. The whole
purpose of life in the material world is the coming forth
into the world of Reality, where those forces will become
active. They belong to that world. (from Miss Buckton’s
notes, revised by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá).
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Intercourse with spirits of the departed ought not to be
sought for its own sake, nor in order to gratify idle curiosity. It
is both a privilege and duty, however, for those on one side of
the veil to love and help and pray for those on the other.
Prayers for the dead are enjoined on Bahá’ís. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
said to Miss E. J. Rosenberg in 1904: “The grace of effective
194
intercession is one of the perfections belonging to advanced
souls, as well as to the Manifestation of God. Jesus Christ had
the power of interceding for the forgiveness of His enemies
when on earth, and He certainly has this power now.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá never mentions the name of a dead person without
saying ‘May God forgive him!’ or words to that effect. Followers
of the prophets have also this power of praying for the forgiveness
of souls. Therefore we may not think that any souls are
condemned to a stationary condition of suffering or loss arising
from absolute ignorance of God. The power of effective intercession
for them always exists. …
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“The rich in the other world can help the poor, as the rich
can help the poor here. In every world all are the creatures of
God. They are always dependent on Him. They are not independent
and can never be so. While they are needful of God,
the more they supplicate, the richer they become. What is their
merchandise, their wealth? In the other world what is help and
assistance? It is intercession. Undeveloped souls must gain progress
at first through the supplications of the spiritually rich; afterwards
they can progress through their own supplications.”
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Asked whether it was possible through faith and love to
bring the New Revelation to the knowledge of those who have
departed from this life without hearing of it, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
replied:—“Yes, surely! since sincere prayer always has its effect,
and it has a great influence in the other world. We are never
cut off from those who are there. The real and genuine
influence is not in this world but in that other.”—Notes of
Mary Hanford Ford: Paris, 1911.
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He who lives according to what is ordained for him—the Celestial Concourse, and the people of the Supreme
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Paradise, and those who are dwelling in the Dome of
Greatness will pray for him, by a Command from God,
the Dearest and the praiseworthy. (Tablet translated by ‘Alí
Kuli Khán).
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When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was asked how it was that the heart
often turns with instinctive appeal to some friend who has passed
into the next life, He answered:—“It is a law of God’s creation
that the weak should lean upon the strong. Those to whom
you turn may be mediators of God’s power to you, even as
when on earth. But it is the One Holy Spirit that strengthens all
men.”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, p. 98.
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