…the prohibition of monasticism and asceticism… 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”.
- The Universal House of
Justice (‘The Notes section of the Kitab-i-Aqdas’)
