Ambassador to Humanity – Episode Eight: The Life of the Spirit

What does it mean to be spiritual in a material world? How do we develop noble human qualities like generosity, kindness, and forgiveness? What is the value of prayer? What is the relationship between religion and spirituality?  

We explore these essential questions in this episode of Ambassador to Humanity.

The prominent American educator and founding president of Stanford University David Starr Jordan famously described Abdu’l-Baha as walking the mystical path with practical feet. At the core of the teachings that Abdu’l-Baha promoted is the injunction to all people to make a contribution to the life of society. Through that, spiritual growth is achieved. 

The Baha’i teachings say that the very purpose of religion is for individuals to manifest the spiritual qualities latent in their hearts. As the perfect exemplar of Baha’u’llah’s teachings, Abdu’l-Baha embodied those attributes of the soul that all may strive to develop.

Countless people, including those who met Abdu’l-Baha and those who aspire to follow his example today, have been inspired by his all-embracing love, the force at the heart of spiritual development. 

“What a power is love!” He said in London. “It is the most wonderful, the greatest of all living powers. Love gives life to the lifeless. Love lights a flame in the heart that is cold. Love brings hope to the hopeless and gladdens the hearts of the sorrowful. In the world of existence there is indeed no greater power than the power of love.” 

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Credits:

Narrated by Parisa Fitz-Henley and Rainn Wilson, with contributions from Ann Boyles, Michael Day, Wendi Momen, Bahiyyih Nakhjavani, Anne Perry, Steven Phelps, Robert Stockman, and Lesley Taherzadeh O’Mara

Featuring the voice of Penn Badgley

Written and produced by Rob Weinberg and Nathan Rainsford

Assistant Editor: Noah Matthews

Executive producers include Rainn Wilson, Shahin Sobhani, Steve Sarowitz, Maia Reneau, and Ford Bowers for Spring Green Media, in collaboration with 239Days.com and BahaiTeachings.org.