A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
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61. How many a man hath secluded himself in the climes of India, denied himself the things that God hath decreed as lawful, imposed upon himself austerities and mortifications # 36 |
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These verses constitute the prohibition of monasticism and
asceticism. See the Synopsis and Codification, section IV.D.
1.y.iii.-iv. In the Words of Paradise Bahá’u’lláh amplifies
these provisions. He states: “Living in seclusion or practising
asceticism is not acceptable in the presence of God,” and He calls
upon those involved to “observe that which will cause joy and
radiance”. He instructs those who have taken up “their abodes
in the caves of the mountains” or who have “repaired to
graveyards at night” to abandon these practices, and He
enjoins them not to deprive themselves of the “bounties” of
this world which have been created by God for humankind.
And in the Tablet of Bishárát, while acknowledging the
“pious deeds” of monks and priests, Bahá’u’lláh calls upon
them to “give up the life of seclusion and direct their steps towards
the open world and busy themselves with that which will profit
themselves and others”. He also grants them leave “to enter into
wedlock that they may bring forth one who will make mention of
God”.
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