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13. The Soul's Entrance into the Body
When the Divine Spirit enters the infant, the soul has now taken residence within the mortal form of the human being.
This sacred divine body is then cloaked by the coarse energies of the lower spirit, which obscure its innate brilliance and clarity, leaving just enough spiritual light to guide the basic physiological functions necessary for the infant’s bodily systems to operate.
The physical form of the infant is composed of the refined essence borrowed from both parents. While still in the mother’s womb, it relies upon the spiritual vitality of the mother to grow.
However, once the Divine Spirit successfully integrates with this physical essence, the infant’s life becomes independent of the mother’s. In such a state, the child can survive even if the mother perishes.
Conversely, if for any reason the soul's entrance into the body does not occur, the physical form, upon leaving the mother’s body, will perish immediately.
The Supreme Being instructs:
"Within each of your mortal bodies, I grant to each of you a Divine Spirit to preserve the true essence of life and existence." (Sacred Words Compilation. TG. 1928)
In the process of growth and maturation, the wisdom and divine clarity of the soul will gradually manifest, in harmony with the development of the physical form.
Upon reaching the age for learning, the child is taught:
This serves as a method to stimulate the manifestation of the Divine Spirit's function in guiding both the spirit and the physical body.
The Supreme Being teaches:
"The Divine Spirit, the Holy nature within oneself, is not merely to be preserved for your children, but also to guide them." (Sacred Words Compiled, TG. 1928)
It is believed that the spirit of the child, in its nascent state, is still shrouded in ignorance.
Hence, when the light of the Divine Spirit manifests, one may feel that this spiritual illumination is something noble, distinct from the darkened ego of the child.
This light enters from beyond, above, and is thus referred to as the embodiment of the spirit.
This, however, is but a matter of the language used by humans to express a metaphysical phenomenon. In truth, Divine Spirit has already existed within the physical body since it descended into the infant.
As the individual matures, if they follow the righteous path of spiritual cultivation, the Holy nature of the Divine Spirit gradually reveals itself. This signifies that the process of embodiment reaches its fulfillment.
Thus, the embodiment of the Divine Spirit is a natural progression of spiritual ascension in the life of a human being. In the teachings of Caodaism, the disciple recites the prayer upon entering the class:
This prayer serves to hasten one's spiritual progression, guiding both body and soul towards completeness, in alignment with the path of holiness.