Monk Manifesto
Want to join me in starting a monk revolution?
Let's spread a commitment to contemplation, creativity, and compassion far and wide!
State your solidarity with others who want to express their inner monk in their everyday lives by signing the Monk Manifesto below (scroll all the way to the bottom for the comment box).
- For a PDF version of the Monk Manifesto click the link to download a printable file
- The Monk Manifesto is now available in Spanish translation! Click here for a PDF of Manifiesto del Monje
- Scroll down for a Monk Manifesto Button for your blog or website
- Read some intial reflections and musings about the Monk Manifesto at the Abbey blog
- Subscribe to the free 7-day e-course on becoming a Monk in the World.
- Listen to a free series of monthly podcasts which explore each principle of the Monk Manifesto
Monk: from the Greek monachosmeaning single or solitary, a monk in the world does not live apart but immersed in the everyday with a single-hearted and undivided presence, always striving for greater wholeness and integrity
Manifesto: from the Latin for clear, means a public declaration of principles and intentions.
Monk Manifesto: A public expression of your commitment to live a compassionate, contemplative, and creative life.
1. I commit to finding moments each day for silence and solitude, to make space for another voice to be heard, and to resist a culture of noise and constant stimulation.
2. I commit to radical acts of hospitality by welcoming the stranger both without and within. I recognize that when I make space inside my heart for the unclaimed parts of myself, I cultivate compassion and the ability to accept those places in others.
3. I commit to cultivating community by finding kindred spirits along the path, soul friends with whom I can share my deepest longings, and mentors who can offer guidance and wisdom for the journey.
4. I commit to cultivating awareness of my kinship with creation and a healthy asceticism by discerning my use of energy and things, letting go of what does not help nature to flourish.
5. I commit to bringing myself fully present to the work I do, whether paid or unpaid, holding a heart of gratitude for the ability to express my gifts in the world in meaningful ways.
6. I commit to rhythms of rest and renewal through the regular practice of Sabbath and resist a culture of busyness that measures my worth by what I do.
7. I commit to a lifetime of ongoing conversion and transformation, recognizing that I am always on a journey with both gifts and limitations.
Eager to explore these principles more deeply?
Subscribe to the free 7-day e-course on becoming a Monk in the World.
Monk Manifesto Button
In addition to the printable PDF version of the Monk Manifesto, now you can also post a badge on your blog or website. Simply right-click and save the image and then posting an image with a clickable link to: http://abbeyofthearts.com/about/monk-manifesto/.
This last week of being a monk has strengthened me. It is wonderful to have such a lovely, organized approach to what my heart has been calling me toward. Its a gift to have found this. Thank you.
I will begin today to follow the Monk Manifesto.
May I make it manifest!
Some of these things come naturally to me, I greatly appreciate this manifesto and commit to it wholeheartedly. Thank you very much!
It is refreshing to see structured approach that honors a respectful and balanced way of existing in the world.
I look forward to my "week." This provides some structure to things I already do, for the most part.
The last week helped me look and experience a different way of being in the world and may part in it. I commit to the Monk Manifesto. Thank you for the opportunity.
Love this…it so speaks to my heart…
I am taking a moment to re-commit myself to this community and to this process. Thank you for sharing your gifts so freely.
It s a gift from God
Thank you
What the universal church needs for real renewal and revival and conversion — individuals committed to hearing the Word deep in their hearts and responding in all charity to how the Word will move each of us. . . . God Bless this ministry and all who come here. . .
I AM A CAREGIVER FOR MY HUSBAND WHO HAS HAD A STROKE AND HAS EARLY ALZHEIMERS..
I DAILY PRAY FOR DEEPER LOVE, COMPASSION, ENERGY AND COURAGE TO FULFILL MY DAILY TASKS
MAY THE MANIFESTO BLESS OTHERS AND MYSELF IN LIVING OUR VOCATIONS
THANK YOU
MAY THE MANIFESTO BLESS OTHERS AND MYSELF IN LIVING OUR DAILY VOCATIONS… PRAYING FOR DEEPER LOVE,COMPASSION,ENERGY AND COURAGE IN BEING A CAREGIVER FOR MY HUSBAND WHO HAS HAD A STROKE AND HAS ALZHEIMERS…
THANK YOU
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I've been a mystic my whole life without really understanding the full potential for the monastic spirit in the everyday. This has helped me to "bring the monastery to the machine" and live in the thin places with God. Thank you.
The Monk Manifesto is right on par with the way I (try to) live my life. Thank you so much, and blessed be!
I commit to following the Monk Manifesto. Peace to all of you.
I commit to living the Monk Manifesto in my life. Blessings and peace to all who strive to journey on the way to deepest awareness and stillness.
Not long ago my wife and I told our pastor that we feel we are part of an invisible monastary and that we are longing for more companions who want to committ to a regular practice of silence and creativity. We lamented that we have found few like minded souls in our congregation. Then today I received this email and discovered that there is a community out there who think and practice as we do. Allelulia!
With the help of God, I will.
How dark the sky,
Bright the water
When silver fish
Reflect the moon.
Copyright 2010
St. John of the Cross, guide me on the way to Jesus.
I am so blessed to have found this community. I have been a lonely monk for a number of years.
I want to express my agreement to live according to the Monk Manifesto…it is completely in harmony with my intentions to embody the teachings of Yoga in my daily life.
I am so grateful to have found this community and embrace the principles of the manifesto.
I gratefully sign this Monk Manifesto and by the grace of God, strive to live by its principles.
Yes, this is who I am and who I wish to be. It's wonderful to find so many people whose hearts are leading them in the same direction. God's blessings on you all.