pause and reflect: meditations for the life of the soul

Pause & Reflect is a series that presents meditative passages from the writings of the Bahá ’ í Faith. The theme of this book is the life of the soul. According to the Bahá ’ í writings, there are two aspects to our reality as human beings-- the physical and the spiritual. We are each endowed with a unique and everlasting soul that, while we are alive, is associated with our bodies much in the same way light is reflected in a mirror. When the body perishes, our soul enters a more expansive spiritual reality and lives on and progresses in the worlds of the spirit. This compilation offers passages that can illuminate the meaning and purpose of our lives and offer comfort and assurance in times of grief.

Baha’u’llah (1817- 1892), meaning in Arabic ＂ the Glory of God,＂ is the Prophet and Founder of the Baha’i Faith. The main theme of Baha’u’llah’s message is unity. He taught that there is only one God, that all the world’s religions represent one changeless and eternal Faith of God, and that all humanity is one race destined to live in peace and harmony. `Abdu’l-Baha (1844-1921), meaning in Arabic ＂Servant of the Glory,＂ was the title assumed by Abbas Effendi, the eldest son and appointed successor of Baha’u’llah. He dedicated His life to service to those in need and sharing the Baha’i teachings with people around the world. Shoghi Effendi Rabbani (1897- 1957) was appointed the Guardian of the Baha’i Faith after the passing of Abdu’l-Baha in 1921. He was the head of the worldwide Baha’i community from 1921 until his passing in 1957. He was the authorized interpreter of the Baha’i writings.