Note 61

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".

62. Whoso layeth claim to a Revelation direct from

God, ere the expiration of a full thousand years # 37

The Dispensation of &Baha'u'llah will last until the coming of the next Manifestation of God, Whose advent will not take place before at least "a full thousand years" will have elapsed. &Baha'u'llah cautions against ascribing to "this verse" anything other than its "obvious meaning", and in one of His +P196 Tablets, He specifies that "each year" of this thousand year period consists of "twelve months according to the &Qur'an, and of nineteen months of nineteen days each, according to the &Bayan".

The intimation of His Revelation to &Baha'u'llah in the &Siyah-Chal of &Tihran, in October 1852, marks the birth of His Prophetic Mission and hence the commencement of the one thousand years or more that must elapse before the appearance of the next Manifestation of God.

63. This is that of which We gave you forewarning when We were dwelling in &Iraq, then later while in the Land of Mystery, and now from this Resplendent

Spot. # 37

The "Land of Mystery" refers to Adrianople, and "this Resplendent Spot" is a reference to &Akka.