The human spirit, which distinguishes man from the animal,
is the rational soul, and these two terms—the human spirit and the rational
soul—designate one and the same thing. This spirit, which in the terminology of
the philosophers is called the rational soul, encompasses all things and as far
as human capacity permits, discovers their realities and becomes aware of the
properties and effects, the characteristics and conditions of earthly things.
But the human spirit, unless it be assisted by the spirit of faith, cannot
become acquainted with the divine mysteries and the heavenly realities. It is
like a mirror which, although clear, bright, and polished, is still in need of
light. Not until a sunbeam falls upon it can it discover the divine mysteries.
As for the mind, it is the power of the human spirit. The
spirit is as the lamp, and the mind as the light that shines from it. The
spirit is as the tree, and the mind as the fruit. The mind is the perfection of
the spirit and a necessary attribute thereof, even as the rays of the sun are
an essential requirement of the sun itself.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table talks in Akka,
authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised
translation by the Baha’i World Centre)
