Return

While not believing in reincarnation, one may refer one's friends to 'return' as used in the Iqan and 'Some Answered Questions' whereby the attributes but not essence or individuality of things returns

"It is clear from the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh about the nature of the soul and of life after death as published in 'Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh', that the Bahá'í position on this subject is wholly incompatible with the theory of reincarnation. We suggest that you refer this friend to the explanation of 'return' as given by Bahá'u'lláh in the Kitab-i-Iqan and the statements made by Abdu'l-Bahá in 'Some Answered Questions'.

"...for your additional information we give the following quotations from letters written on behalf of the beloved Guardian on this subject:

...

'The Bahá'í view of 'reincarnation' is essentially different from the Hindu conception. The Bahá'ís believe in the return of the attributes and qualities, but maintain that the essence or the reality of things cannot be made to return. Every being keeps its own individuality, but some of his qualities can be transmitted. The doctrine of metempsychosis upheld by the Hindus is fallacious.' (To an individual believer, March 27, 1938)

...

'Man's identity or rather his individuality is never lost. His reality as a person remains intact throughout the various states of his development. He does not preexist in any form before coming into this world.' (To an individual believer, November 26, 1939)

...

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Monaco, August 5, 1969, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1820)

'Return' in the Iqán implies no return of the essence, not reincarnation

"While we have not located any references to Madame Blavatsky, the founder of Theosophy, there are a number of statements, in letters written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, on Theosophy itself. For example:

The idea of Masters as expounded by the Theosophists is contrary to the Teachings. The doctrine of 'return' as set forth by Bahá'u'lláh in the Iqán is essentially different, implying no incarnation or return of the essence, but simply the return of the attributes and qualities. It is just like the return of fragrance and colour in flowers. The individuality is neither lost nor identified. It is untransferable.

It is therefore sheer superstition to believe that holy souls can voluntarily return to this world and serve the people.

(22 April 1939 to an individual believer)

(On behalf of the Universal House of Justice, "New Religious Movements, Tolkien, Marriage", 6 July 1994)

See also

• reincarnation

To-dos for this page

• Add quotes from the Íqán and Some Answered Questions, etc.