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
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 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 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.
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60 And Among The People Is He Who Layeth Claim To Inner Knowledge #36
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