Monasticism, also known as monachism or monkhood, is a religious way of life in which one renounces worldly pursuits to devote oneself fully to spiritual work
. It is characterized by seclusion or withdrawal from the world and is practiced in various religious traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism
. The basic idea of monasticism is self-abnegation or organized asceticism, and it has evolved into diverse forms of religious living
. Monasticism can be traced back to the early history of the Church, but it is not mentioned in the scriptures
. It has been regulated by religious rules, such as the Rule of St. Basil and the Rule of St. Benedict, and modern Church laws of the respective apostolic Christian churches that have forms of monastic living
. In many religions, monks and nuns practice monasticism, and the lifestyle can be either solitary or within a community that follows a common rule
. Some key aspects of monasticism include:
- Celibacy : Monastics are usually celibate, renouncing worldly pursuits and focusing on their spiritual work
- Asceticism : Monastic life often involves self-discipline, meditation, and prayer, with some form of asceticism being common
- Community : While some monastics live as hermits, many others live in communities, following a common rule and supporting each other in their spiritual journey
- Self-motion : Monasticism is a living thing, and it must be informed with a principle of self-motion, allowing for adaptation and change over time
Monasticism has played an important role in the development of various religious traditions, and its impact on society has been significant in terms of establishing institutions, ritual, and belief systems
