The Chinese held a superstition that if they burn certain pieces of paper this will drive the devils away; they sometimes burnt these pieces of paper on board ships when they were travelling in order to drive away devils, and by so doing they set fire to the ships and destroyed many lives. This was a type of dangerous and harmful superstition. (57:1)

Life after Death-
Mrs. S. asked some questions with reference to the conditions of existence in the next world, and the life after death; she said that having recently lost a very near relative, she had given much thought to this subject. Many thought that re- union with those we had loved, and who had passed on to the future life, would only take place after a long period of time had elapsed. She wished to know whether one would be re- united with those who had gone before immediately after death. (57:2)

'Abdu'l- Baha answered that this would depend upon the respective stations of the two. If both had the same degree of development, they would be re- united immediately after death. The questioner then said, how could this state of development be acquired? 'Abdu'l- Baha replied, by unceasing effort, striving to do right, and to attain spiritual qualities. (57:3)

The questioner remarked that many differing opinions were held as to the conditions of the future life. Some thought that all would have exactly the same perfections and virtues; that all would be equal and alike. (57:4)

'Abdu'l- Baha said there would be variety, and differing degrees of attainment, as in this world. (57:5)

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