“the human spirit”: its “existential rewards and punishments”, and its “ultimate rewards and punishments” – an explanation by ‘Abdu’l-Baha

Having established the existence of the human spirit, we must now establish its immortality.

In the heavenly Books, mention is made of the immortality of the spirit, which is the very foundation of the divine religions. For rewards and punishments are said to be of two kinds—one being existential rewards and punishments and the other, ultimate rewards and punishments. Existential paradise and hell are to be found in all the worlds of God, whether in this world or in the heavenly realms of the spirit, and to gain these rewards is to attain life eternal. That is why Christ said: Act in such a manner that you may find eternal life, be born of water and of the spirit, and thus enter into the Kingdom.[Cf. John 3:5]

Existential rewards consist in the virtues and perfections that adorn the human reality. For example, man was immersed in darkness and becomes luminous; he was ignorant and becomes informed; he was heedless and becomes aware; he was asleep and is awakened; he was dead and is quickened to life; he was blind and begins to see; he was deaf and begins to hear; he was earthly and becomes heavenly; he was material and becomes spiritual. Through these rewards he is reborn in spirit, is created anew, and becomes the manifestation of the verse in the Gospel that says that the Apostles “were born, not of blood, nor of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God”[ Cf. John 1:13]—that is, they were delivered from the animal characteristics and qualities that are inherent to human nature, and acquired divine attributes, which are the outpouring grace of God. This is the true meaning of being born again. For such souls, there is no greater torment than to be veiled from God, and no worse punishment than selfish qualities, evil attributes, baseness of character, and engrossment in carnal desires. When these souls are delivered from the darkness of these vices through the light of faith, when they are illumined by the rays of the Sun of Truth and endowed with every human virtue, they reckon this as the greatest reward and regard it as the true paradise. In like manner, they consider spiritual punishment—that is, existential torment and chastisement—to consist in subjection to the world of nature; in being veiled from God; in ignorance and unawareness; in engrossment with covetous desires; in absorption in animal vices; in being marked by evil attributes, such as falsehood, tyranny, and iniquity; in attachment to worldly things; and in immersion in satanic fancies—all of which they reckon to be the greatest of torments and punishments.

“that mighty and heavenly power that brings about the betterment of the world, a power latent in the reality and essence of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh”

After a hundred years of endeavour—and of sacrifice, trial, and learning—all that the Bahá’ís of the world have attained, and which, in the past twenty-five years in particular, took a new form and acquired new systems and organization, has prepared them for the fulfilment of an exalted spiritual and moral mission. Its principal purpose is to release that mighty and heavenly power that brings about the betterment of the world, a power latent in the reality and essence of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, so that it may, day by day, become increasingly manifest and conduce to the building of society.

The release of this power, briefly stated, implies a profound inner and outer transformation. Its purpose is the appearance of a heavenly character, the emergence of conduct and manner befitting the station of a human being, and the manifestation of unity and harmony in the various strata of society.

This creative power

• promotes and brings about the spiritual, moral, and intellectual progress of peoples, so that they may concentrate on both material and spiritual education and may advance in knowledge and understanding;
• that the younger generation may become equipped, as rational and loyal citizens, with the requirements of service to humanity;
• that contending individuals, tribes, and peoples may become united;
• that thoughts and perspectives may harmonize around the axis of unity and oneness, in order that this foundational principle and other divine teachings may be manifested in practical ways in collective life;
• that through the strengthening of cooperation and goodwill, collaboration and solidarity, the pillars of society may be fortified and social cohesion may increase;
• that individuals may become as members of one family;
• that progressive and noble societies may emerge;
• that the culture of society may be affected by these developments, and both reflect and reinforce them;
• and that the three protagonists in this collective enterprise—the individual, the community, and the institutions—each in its own reality as well as in relation to one another, may make considerable advances. 

- House of Justice (From the Naw-Rúz 2022 Message to the Bahá’ís of Iran (Messages from the Universal House of Justice 2001-2022)

Features of a “consolidated” third milestone cluster

The third milestone is a measurement of a journey whose beginnings are well understood. Once it is passed, clusters where progress has been consolidated can be seen to share important features.

• The institute’s programmes are being supported by a relatively substantial and expanding pool of human resources.
• Effort is being made to enable more neighbourhoods and villages to sustain intense activity.
• There is a capacity to embrace large numbers and manage increasing complexity through both formal and informal arrangements.
• Crucially, in these clusters, consistent attention is being given to sustaining effective cycles, so that there is a regular pulse of study, consultation, action, and reflection through which the community enhances its capacity to grow and to contribute to the advancement of the society to which it belongs. These cycles include
• periods of particular intensity,
• an injection of energy that is propelling the engagement of the widest possible circle of friends.
• Community undertakings such as family festivals, junior youth camps, service projects, arts endeavours, and collective teaching initiatives are proceeding according to their own respective rhythms.
• Reflection spaces bring together many friends, and the use of such spaces is thoughtful and deliberate—there is awareness that the quality and utility of reflection is measured by the purposeful action arising from it.
• From these clusters, resources flow to surrounding clusters to help the friends there make accelerated progress.

- The Universal House of Justice (Message dated 31 December 2025 to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors; online Baha’i Reference Library of the Baha’i World Center)

May 1960: Ruhiyyih Khanum's visit to Peigan Reserve (Piikani Nation), Alberta, Canada

(Baha'i Canada, Spring 2018)

New Site: Messages de la Maison universelle de justice (traduction française)

Messages from the Universal House of Justice - French Translation

Consolidation process of teaching a seeker: Nurturing “the seeker’s newly awakened faith” - the Guardian explains

• Let him remember the example set by ‘Abdu’l Bahá, and His constant admonition to shower such kindness upon the seeker, and exemplify to such a degree the spirit of the teachings he hopes to instill into him, that the recipient will be spontaneously impelled to identify himself with the Cause embodying such teachings.
• Let him refrain, at the outset, from insisting on such laws and observances as might impose too severe a strain on the seeker’s newly awakened faith, and endeavor to nurse him, patiently, tactfully, and yet determinedly, into full maturity, and aid him to proclaim his unqualified acceptance of whatever has been ordained by Bahá’u’lláh.
• Let him, as soon as that stage has been attained, introduce him to the body of his fellow-believers, and seek, through constant fellowship and active participation in the local activities of his community, to enable him to contribute his share to the enrichment of its life, the furtherance of its tasks, the consolidations of its interests, and the coordination of its activities with those of its sister communities.
• Let him not be content until he has infused into his spiritual child so deep a longing as to impel him to arise independently, in his turn, and devote his energies to the quickening of other souls, and the upholding of the laws and principles laid down by his newly adopted Faith. 

- Shoghi Effendi (‘The Advent of Divine Justice’)

The “spiritual obligation” concerning “the mandate of teaching”: - “every bearer of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh should consider it not only an obligation but a privilege to scatter far and wide the seeds of His Faith”

Upon every participator in this concerted effort, unprecedented in the annals of the American Bahá’í community, rests the spiritual obligation to make of the mandate of teaching, so vitally binding upon all, the all-pervading concern of his life.

• In his daily activities and contacts,
• in all his journeys, whether for business or otherwise,
• on his holidays and outings,
• and on any mission he may be called upon to undertake,

every bearer of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh should consider it not only an obligation but a privilege to scatter far and wide the seeds of His Faith, and to rest content in the abiding knowledge that whatever be the immediate response to that Message, and however inadequate the vehicle that conveyed it, the power of its Author will, as He sees fit, enable those seeds to germinate, and in circumstances which no one can foresee enrich the harvest which the labor of His followers will gather. 

- Shoghi Effendi (‘The Advent of Divine Justice’)

Some of the “signs” of Bahá’u’lláh "for the possessors of insight" – explained by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

• He (Bahá’u’lláh) sounded forth the second trumpet and created for you the great Resurrection Day and gathered the holy souls in the Supreme Kingdom. Verily, therein are signs for the possessors of insight.
• And some of His signs are the unfoldment of prophecies and glad tidings; the appearance of proofs and references; the expectations of the pure and devout—and they are of those who attain.
• And some of His signs are His lights that are shining from the horizon of oneness; His rays that are beaming from the glorious dawning-point, and the declaration of the great glad tidings by His forerunner (the Báb). Verily, therein is a clear evidence for those who reason.
• And some of His signs are His manifestation and His appearance; His firmness and existence among the witnessing people in all the cities and among the tribes who attacked Him from all sides like unto wolves.
• And some of His signs are His steadfastness before the great nations and powerful governments, even before a host of enemies who shed blood and strive to wreck the divine edifice in every time and place. Verily, therein is a thought for those who reflect upon the signs of God.
• And some of His signs are the wonders of His explanations; the eloquence of His utterances; the rapidity of revealing His words, verses, addresses, communes, interpretations of the symbols and illustrations of the parables. By thy life, the Cause is evident and clear to those who see with the eyes of justice!

New Site: Selected Readings for Devotional Portion of Nineteen-Day Feast

New selections will be posted two days before each upcoming Feast day.

“developing the capacity to extend the community-building process further”

The reality that there is abundant receptivity in the world at large is not in doubt. Progress depends on developing the capacity to extend the community-building process further still. And so all eyes turn to the months ahead. The devotion to the Twin Divine Luminaries and to the well-being of humanity which inspired your noble exertions thus far must sustain you in the coming six cycles.

We urge everyone who worked to bring about this success to hasten now and gather again to reflect and to consult, and to determine how best to apply, in each unique setting, all that your experience has taught you:

• how an expanding nucleus of friends can cultivate a growing pattern of activity;
• how children can advance to the next grade and junior youth to the succeeding text, further developing their moral and spiritual qualities;
• how institute courses can yield much-needed skills and capacities;
• how the path of service can widen to accommodate large numbers;
• how real hope for the betterment of society can be demonstrated in action;
• and how all of God’s peoples can be enabled to take inspiration from His new Revelation,
• and souls who are receptive can be invited to identify with the Cause of the Abhá Beauty.

In this continuing period of special potency, at an hour when the world seems powerless in the face of overwhelming peril and souls have succumbed to dismay and despair, Bahá’u’lláh has shown us another glimpse of what the community that bears His name can accomplish through courage—even heroism—in the discharge of its God-given mission. We will pray earnestly in the Holy Shrines for His unfailing confirmations to surround every child and every youth, every woman and every man, every family and every community that treasures His love in their hearts. 

- The Universal House of Justice (From a message dated 8 November 2019 to the Bahá’ís of the World; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 2001-2022)

“the worst of all qualities and the most odious of all attributes, and the very foundation of all evil”

Consider that the worst of all qualities and the most odious of all attributes, and the very foundation of all evil, is lying, and that no more evil or reprehensible quality can be imagined in all existence. It brings all human perfections to naught and gives rise to countless vices. There is no worse attribute than this, and it is the foundation of all wickedness. Now, all this notwithstanding, should a physician console a patient and say, “Thank God, you are doing better and there is hope for your recovery”, although these words may be contrary to the truth, yet sometimes they will ease the patient’s mind and become the means of curing the illness. And this is not blameworthy. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table talks in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)

"…the aim of communities emerging across the globe that are patterned on Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings"

...this is the aim of communities emerging across the globe that are patterned on Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings.

• These communities are striving to focus the light of those teachings on the chronic problems that afflict the societies around them;
• they are devising programmes of practical action centred on spiritual precepts.
• These are communities that champion the education of both girls and boys under all circumstances;
• that subscribe to an expanded conception of worship which includes work carried out in the spirit of service;
• that look to spiritual aspirations, rather than self-interest, as the ever-flowing springs of motivation;
• and that inculcate a resolve to advance individual and social transformation. They seek to bring about spiritual, social, and material progress simultaneously.
• Above all, these are communities that define themselves by their commitment to the oneness of humanity.
• They value the rich diversity represented by all the world’s kindreds, while maintaining that one’s identity as a member of the human race has precedence before other identities and associations.
• They affirm the need for a global consciousness, arising from a shared concern for the well-being of humankind,
• and they count all the peoples of the earth as spiritual brothers and sisters.

Not content with simply belonging to such communities, Bahá’u’lláh’s followers are making constant effort to invite like-minded souls to join them in learning how to put His teachings into effect. 

- The Universal House of Justice (From a message dated October 2019 on the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Birth of the Báb, addressed to ‘all who have come to honour the Herald of a new Dawn’; Messages from the Universal House of Justice 2001-2022)

Human soul “acts in two ways”: (1) through means such as eyes, ears and tongue; and (2) without such means as in dreams and visions

 The spirit acts in two ways: One way is by instruments; that is, it sees with the eyes, it hears with the ears and speaks with the tongue. These instruments work by the spirit, which is their motor; though its senses are manifested by the body, they come from the faculty of the spirit. The other way is that of being and acting without instruments; as in dreams and visions, it sees without eyes, hears without ears, speaks without the tongue, walks without feet. All the faculties of the spirit are clear and distinct in the world of visions. Hence it is evident that the spirit acts in two ways: First, by the instruments of the body; second, without the instruments of the body. …

The body is like the crystal and the spirit is like the light. Though the crystal be extremely transparent, its brilliancy and splendor belong to the brightness of the light. To be luminous, the light does not need the crystal, but the crystal to be bright needs the light. Even so the spirit does not live by the body, but the body lives by the spirit.

An example of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s amazing scientific knowledge

While walking in the stern of the ship [sailing to America] in the afternoon ‘Abdu'l-Bahá said:

“It is the twelfth day of our voyage. We have traveled a quarter of the way around the globe and have traversed six degrees of longitude. Here it is afternoon, while in Egypt it is the middle of the night at this time.” 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, April 6, 1912, aboard the Cedric, recorded by Mahmud Zarqani, His secretary and chronicler during His travels in the West; ‘Mahmud’s Diary’)

Máh-Kú 1848: The Báb’s last words to Mullá Husayn: - “You are destined to exhibit such courage, such skill and heroism as shall eclipse the mightiest deeds of the heroes of old.”

As the Báb bade His last farewell to Mullá Husayn, He addressed him in these words: “You have walked on foot all the way from your native province to this place. On foot you likewise must return until you reach your destination; for your days of horsemanship are yet to come. You are destined to exhibit such courage, such skill and heroism as shall eclipse the mightiest deeds of the heroes of old. Your daring exploits will win the praise and admiration of the dwellers in the eternal Kingdom. You should visit, on your way, the believers of Khúy, of Urúmíyyih, of Marághih, of Milán, of Tabríz, of Zanján, of Qazvín, and of Tihrán. To each you will convey the expression of My love and tender affection. You will strive to inflame their hearts anew with the fire of the love of the Beauty of God, and will endeavour to fortify their faith in His Revelation. From Tihrán you should proceed to Mázindarán, where God’s hidden treasure will be made manifest to you. You will be called upon to perform deeds so great as will dwarf the mightiest achievements of the past. The nature of your task will, in that place, be revealed to you, and strength and guidance will be bestowed upon you that you may be fitted to render your service to His Cause.” 

- Nabil (‘The Dawn-Breakers’, translated and edited by Shoghi Effendi)

A broad list of ‘Abdu’l-Baha's counsels: - summarized by the Universal House of Justice

[2018] Three brief years remain until the centenary of the Master’s passing, when Bahá’ís the world over will gather and take account of the distance traversed over the first century of the Formative Age. May His loved ones, individually and collectively, little by little and day by day, increasingly embody His counsels:

• to be united in the Cause and firm in the Covenant;
• to avoid calumny and never speak ill of others;
• to see no strangers but regard all as members of one family;
• to set aside divergent theories and conflicting views and pursue a single purpose and common goal;
• to ensure that the love of Bahá’u’lláh has so mastered every organ, part, and limb as to leave no effect from the promptings of the human world;
• to arise with heart and soul and in one accord to teach the Cause;
• to march in serried lines, pressed together, each supporting the others;
• to cultivate good character, perseverance, strength, and determination;
• to know the value of this precious Faith, obey its teachings, walk in this road that is drawn straight, and show this way to the people.

- The Universal House of Justice (From a message dated 26 November 2018 to the Bahá’ís of the World; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 2001-2022’)

The “divinely-ordained function” of Baha’i Temple

It is with hearts brimming with joy that we greet you on this historic occasion, when the doors of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Colombia are opened to all. The Temple that has been built through strenuous effort over four years is now ready to assume its divinely-ordained function—a place “solely designed and entirely dedicated to the worship of God”; “a place of great happiness and joy”; “a collective centre for men’s souls” which “forgeth bonds of unity from heart to heart”; “a means for the exaltation of the Word of God”. 

- The Universal House of Justice (From a message dated 22 July 2018 to ‘The Friends Gathered in Norte del Cauca, Colombia, for the Dedication of the House of Worship’; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001’)

“evils and vices, which are, for the most part, the direct consequences of the 'weakening of the pillars of religion'”

Not only must irreligion and its monstrous offspring, the triple curse that oppresses the soul of mankind in this day, be held responsible for the ills which are so tragically besetting it, but other evils and vices, which are, for the most part, the direct consequences of the "weakening of the pillars of religion," must also be regarded as contributory factors to the manifold guilt of which individuals and nations stand convicted. The signs of moral downfall, consequent to the dethronement of religion and the enthronement of these usurping idols, are too numerous and too patent for even a superficial observer of the state of present-day society to fail to notice.

• The spread of lawlessness, of drunkenness, of gambling, and of crime;
• the inordinate love of pleasure, of riches, and other earthly vanities;
• the laxity in morals, revealing itself in
• the irresponsible attitude towards marriage,
• in the weakening of parental control,
• in the rising tide of divorce,
• in the deterioration in the standard of literature and of the press, and
• in the advocacy of theories that are the very negation of purity, of morality and chastity —

these evidences of moral decadence, invading both the East and the West, permeating every stratum of society, and instilling their poison in its members of both sexes, young and old alike, blacken still further the scroll upon which are inscribed the manifold transgressions of an unrepentant humanity. 

- Shoghi Effendi ('The Promised Day is Come')

“an essential preliminary” for those who plan to participate in teaching campaigns

 Those who participate in such a [“teaching”] campaign, whether in an organizing capacity, or as workers to whose care the execution of the task itself has been committed, must, as an essential preliminary to the discharge of their duties,

• thoroughly familiarize themselves with the various aspects of the history and teachings of their Faith.
• In their efforts to achieve this purpose they must study for themselves, conscientiously and painstakingly, the literature of their Faith, delve into its teachings, assimilate its laws and principles, ponder its admonitions, tenets and purposes, commit to memory certain of its exhortations and prayers, master the essentials of its administration, and keep abreast of its current affairs and latest developments.
• They must strive to obtain, from sources that are authoritative and unbiased, a sound knowledge of the history and tenets of Islám—the source and background of their Faith—and approach reverently and with a mind purged from preconceived ideas the study of the Qur’án which, apart from the sacred scriptures of the Bábí and Bahá’í Revelations, constitutes the only Book which can be regarded as an absolutely authenticated Repository of the Word of God.
• They must devote special attention to the investigation of those institutions and circumstances that are directly connected with the origin and birth of their Faith, with the station claimed by its Forerunner, and with the laws revealed by its Author. 

- Shoghi Effendi (‘The Advent of Divine Justice’)