The word of God
which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the tenth leaf of the
Most Exalted Paradise is the following: O people of the earth! Living in
seclusion or practising asceticism is not acceptable in the presence of God. It
behoveth them that are endued with insight and understanding to observe that
which will cause joy and radiance. Such practices as are sprung from the loins
of idle fancy or are begotten of the womb of superstition ill beseem men of
knowledge. In former times and more recently some people have been taking up
their abodes in the caves of the mountains while others have repaired to
graveyards at night. Say, give ear unto the counsels of this Wronged One.
Abandon the things current amongst you and adopt that which the faithful
Counsellor biddeth you. Deprive not yourselves of the bounties which have been
created for your sake.
- Baha’u’llah (‘Tablets of Baha’u’llah revealed after the
Kitab-i-Aqdas’)
