Monasticism
Prohibited[edit]
"The Bahá'í Faith...prohibits...monasticism..."
- (The Faith of Bahá'u'lláh: A World Religion, 14 July 1947, addressed to a United Nations Commission, p. 3; also in Redistribution of Wealth (compilation), sec. 2.1.1)
"In this Book [the Kitáb-i-Aqdas] He...prohibits...monasticism"
- (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 214)
"Monoasticism"
- (Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, item IV.D.1.y.iv, under "LAWS, ORDINANCES AND EXHORTATIONS" -> "Miscellaneous Laws, Ordinances and Exhortations" -> "Miscellaneous Laws and Ordinances" -> "Prohibitions")
Living in seclusion is prohibited; to enjoy bounties of the open world, engage in what will profit themselves and others, and marry and have children[edit]
"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, and hath not been remembered by God, the Revealer of Verses. Make not your deeds as snares wherewith to entrap the object of your aspiration, and deprive not yourselves of this Ultimate Objective for which have ever yearned all such as have drawn nigh unto God. Say: The very life of all deeds is My good pleasure, and all things depend upon Mine acceptance. Read ye the Tablets that ye may know what hath been purposed in the Books of God, the All-Glorious, the Ever-Bounteous. He who attaineth to My love hath title to a throne of gold, to sit thereon in honour over all the world; he who is deprived thereof, though he sit upon the dust, that dust would seek refuge with God, the Lord of all Religions."
- (Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 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 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"."
- (Notes to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, no. 61)
Monosticism not sanctioned as in this Cause occupation and labor are devotion, with all needing to obtain a livelihood by exertion and lifting burden of and being comfort to others (though not to be attached to such material services)[edit]
"It must not be implied that one should give up avocation and attainment to livelihood. On the contrary, in the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh monasticism and asceticism are not sanctioned. In this great Cause the light of guidance is shining and radiant. Bahá'u'lláh has even said that occupation and labor are devotion. All humanity must obtain a livelihood by sweat of the brow and bodily exertion, at the same time seeking to lift the burden of others, striving to be the source of comfort to souls and facilitating the means of living. This in itself is devotion to God. Bahá'u'lláh has thereby encouraged action and stimulated service. But the energies of the heart must not be attached to these things; the soul must not be completely occupied with them. Though the mind is busy, the heart must be attracted toward the Kingdom of God in order that the virtues of humanity may be attained from every direction and source."
Enjoinder to monks to marry and have children[edit]
"Enter ye into wedlock, that after you someone may fill your place. We have forbidden you perfidious acts, and not that which will demonstrate fidelity."
- (Bahá'u'lláh, cited in Promised Day Is Come, par. 256)
"Enter ye into wedlock, that after you another may arise in your stead. We, verily, have forbidden you lechery, and not that which is conducive to fidelity."
- (Bahá'u'lláh, cited in Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 49)
See also[edit]
To-dos for this page[edit]
- Integrate more from Promised Day Is Come, par. 256/Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 49 references.
