The Rule of St. Benedict is a religious guide for monastic life written by St. Benedict of Nursia in the early 6th century. It is a foundational text for Western monasticism and has influenced countless religious communities throughout history. The rule is divided into 73 short chapters and is based on moderation, balance, and common sense.
Key aspects of the Rule of St. Benedict include:
Obedience: Monks must obey their abbot, the head of the monastery, in order to achieve spiritual growth and live in harmony.
Stability: Monks commit to a single monastery, fostering a deep sense of community and personal growth.
Conversion of Manners: Monks strive for continuous improvement and spiritual transformation through daily prayer, work, and study.
The rule also outlines the daily schedule for monastic life, emphasizing the importance of prayer, work (labora), and reading (lectio divina). It prescribes a balanced lifestyle, focusing on hospitality, humility, and the practice of silence.
While the Rule of St. Benedict was initially intended for monastic communities, its principles have been widely adopted and adapted for laypeople, as it offers guidance on living a purposeful and spiritually-centered life.
Read the Rule of St. Benedict here.