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"The soul or spirit of the individual comes into being with the conception of the physical body." (ltr of Shoghi Effendi) (34:20) "The soul, after its separation from the body, will continue to progress until it attaineth the presence of God... It will endure as long as the Kingdom of God, His sovereignty, His dominion and power will endure." (Gl 155- 6) (34:21) The beloved Guardian wrote, "To strive to obtain a more adequate understanding of the significance of Baha'u'llah's stupendous Revelation must, it is my unalterable conviction, remain the first obligation and the object of the constant endeavor of each one of its loyal adherents.", a statement which places the obligation of deepening in the Cause firmly on every believer. It is therefore upon the nature of deepening, rather than upon the desirability of pursuing it, that we wish to comment. (Ridvan Msg 1967) (34:22) A detailed and exact knowledge of the present structure of Baha'i administration, or of the By- laws of National and Local Spiritual Assemblies, or of the many and varied applications of Baha'i law under the diverse conditions prevailing around the world, while valuable in itself, cannot be regarded as the sort of knowledge primarily intended by deepening. Rather is suggested a clearer apprehension of the purpose of God for man, and particularly of His immediate purpose as revealed and directed by Baha'u'llah, a purpose as far removed from current concepts of human well- being and happiness as is possible. We should constantly be on our guard lest the glitter and tinsel of an affluent society should lead us to think that such superficial adjustments to the modern world as are envisioned by humanitarian movements or are publicly proclaimed as the policy of enlightened statesmanship-- such as an extension to all members of the human race of the benefits of a high standard of living, of education, medical care, technical knowledge-- will of themselves fulfill the glorious mission of Baha'u'llah. Far otherwise. These are the things which shall be added unto us once we seek the Kingdom of God, and are not themselves the objectives for which the Bab gave His life, Baha'u'llah endured such sufferings as none before Him had ever endured, the Master and after Him the Guardian bore their trials and afflictions with such superhuman fortitude. Far deeper and more fundamental was their vision, penetrating to the very purpose of human life. (Ridvan Msg 1967)
(34:23)
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