If the health and well-being of the body be expended in the
path of the Kingdom, this is very acceptable and praiseworthy; and if it be
expended to the benefit of the human world in general — even though it be to
their material benefit — and be a means of doing good, that is also acceptable.
But if the health and welfare of man be spent in sensual desires, in a life on
the animal plane, and in devilish pursuits — then disease were better than such
health; nay, death itself were preferable to such a life. If thou art desirous
of health, wish thou health for serving the Kingdom. I hope that thou mayest attain
perfect insight, inflexible resolution, complete health, and spiritual and
physical strength in order that thou mayest drink from the fountain of eternal
life and be assisted by the spirit of divine confirmation.
- 'Abdu'l-Bahá (cited
in "Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era"; The Compilation of Compilations,
vol. I, Some Aspects of Heath, Healing, Nutrition and Related Matters)
