61 How Many A Man Hath Secluded Himself In The Climes Of India

Categories: NOTES
Sources: The Kitab-i-aqdas

denied

himself the things that God hath decreed as lawful, imposed upon himself

austerities and mortifications 36





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 Baha'u'llah amplifies these provisions. He states: Living in

seclusion or practising asceticism is not acceptable in the p esence 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 Bisharat, while acknowledging the pious

deeds of monks and priests, Baha'u'llah 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.