On a higher theological level, they're metaphoric representations of spiritual virtues and right living.

The Kumaras remained in form of children due to their spiritual virtues.

Mary became great in spiritual virtue until she was an ascetic in her own right.

Its objective is to develop moral, intellectual and spiritual virtues in people, regardless of race, gender, political ideology, religious beliefs or level of education.

According to the book the ladder "consists of 30 rungs, each step corresponding to a spiritual virtue.

The dog is praised for the useful work it performs in the household, but it is also seen as having special spiritual virtues.

Seven spiritual virtues guide the brotherhood of the faithful: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

As a spiritual virtue, upekkha means stability in the face of the fluctuations of worldly fortune.

O humanity, who became the bodily substance of the Word and for that reason became more honorable than the spiritual virtues of heaven!

Individuals who follow the temptations of the self and do not develop spiritual virtues are often described in the Bahá'í writings with the word satanic.