| The inner and essential reality of man which is not composed of physical matter and thus continues to exist after death. |
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| In the Bahá'í Writings the soul has been compared to a rider where the body is only the steed; to a light, independent of the lamp within which it shines; and to a caged bird which continues to exist after the cage is broken. Just as the bird, when released, is freed from constraints, the power of the soul is stronger without the intermediary of the body. While distinct from the body and its physical limitations, the soul is affected by occurrences and itself can affect the body physically. |
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| As in the embryonic world the physical being acquires what is needed for life in the world, so in the physical world the soul must prepare itself for the next existence by acquiring spiritual virtues through knowledge and love of God, philanthropic deeds and self-sacrifice. After death the soul retains the spiritual attributes it has acquired during life in the physical body, and after it is freed from the body it progresses according to the mercy of God. Through the intercession and prayers of other human souls, or through charity performed in its name, it continues to progress until it attains the presence of God. |
| [BD 213] |
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| See also: |
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