Kent wrote:
The soul survives into the next world. As it is from this
> world, not the next, it is dependent upon this world, not the next.
Dear Kent,
I would say it was the other way around. The soul comes from God and
returns to Him. It doesn't come from this material world and isn't
dependent upon it. As 'Abdu'l-Baha says, a soul can exist without a
body but a body cannot exist without a soul. We are, in reality,
human souls who have bodies of flesh aat this point in our journeys.
Kent:
Our souls are the epitome of our existence in this world. Whatever
essence,
> epitome, spirit or soul which exists in this world cannot change except
with
> a relation to this world. Whatever happens in the next world does not
> change our souls because souls are from this world.
The journey of the soul can take many different turns in this world
Many souls don't ever get born into this material world but start
their existence in the spiritual world. Others are born but only
briefly. Others are born extremely handicapped and can't exert much
influence here. Others are abused as children and are psychologically
damanged and can never have much positive effect in this world And
yet all go on to the next world and have a wonderful existence there.
The dynamics of
> individuality are from this world, not the next, so when you wish to
talk
> about individuality you are talking about this world.
I am not talking about the sort of individuality that I think you
mean. I am looking at quotes from the Writings however, which do show
that the soul, while united with all the other souls in the next world
and with God, is doing things on its own. For instance, in this quote
the soul is conversing with others and recounting their experiences in
this world:
"The Maids of Heaven, inmates of the loftiest mansions, will circle
around it, and the Prophets of God and His chosen ones will seek its
companion****p. With them that soul will freely converse, and will
recount unto them that which it hath been made to endure in the path
of God, the Lord of all worlds."
(Baha'u'llah: Gleanings, Page: 156)
When you
> differentiate souls you are in this world, not the next. When you
commune
> with souls, unite hearts, provide love and inspiration freely and openly
you
> are dealing with existence in the next world.
A symphony is made up of a great many notes. The notes all blend
together to make beautiful music. The music is one and united, but
the notes are, at the same time, individuals. And without each one of
them, the symphony would be diminished. Believe me, I'm aware that
the main thing that's going on is unity and harmony. As I keep
pointing out, the sort of indivduality people in this age take for
granted won't be there at all.
Best wishes,
Suzanne
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