Visit the Abbey of the Arts online retreat platform to access your programs:

Monk Manifesto

Want to join us in starting a monk revolution?

For a PDF version of the Monk Manifesto click the link to download a printable file.

The Monk Manifesto is also available in Spanish, German, and Norwegian translations.  Click here for PDFs of Manifesto del MonjeMönchs Manifest, and Munkemanifestet.

We invite you to. . .

  • Sign the Monk Manifesto below (scroll all the way to the bottom for the comment box). State your solidarity with others who want to express their inner monk in everyday life.
  • Subscribe to the Abbey email newsletter and receive regular soul nourishment.
  • Watch the visual meditation version.
  • Share the monk love with others by sharing this page with others.
  • Join the Holy Disorder of Dancing Monks!

Monk: from the Greek monachos meaning 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.
  8. I commit to being a dancing monk, cultivating creative joy and letting my body and “heart overflow with the inexpressible delights of love.”*

*quote is from the Prologue of the Rule of Benedict

1,643 Responses

  1. I love this group and look forward to your classes your notes and mostly learning and growing into a dancing monk. Your members are inspirational, honest, and loving. This community is a gift and I appreciate all of you.
    Sandy

  2. I’ve been a part of this community for several years without making a commitment. Today I commit to live a compassionate, contemplative, and creative life. Thank you for holding space for me.

  3. Hello,
    It was a beautiful surprise to find this community on line, while I was googling monastic communities. I strive for daily spirituality and seek a life of solitude and silence.
    Best regards,
    Filipa

  4. Over 30 years ago, was given a book (in German) about living as a monk in the world – don’t know where that is anymore. This will be a reminder of that – and the priest who lived it.

  5. I look forward to dancing with you as I try to deepen my commitment to live gratefully, compassionately and creatively.

  6. Been in this mindset for many years… called myself an “Out of Order Franciscan” and “Tie Dyed Franciscan”. Adding the Benedictine ideals of balance and moderation helped flesh out my spirituality!

  7. I think I have been striving to become a Monk in the World for a very long time – not knowing there was such a place to belong. I feel very connected to the goals mentioned, especially in allowing my art (composing) to find expression on a daily basis in my life and allowing it to bloom; to continue a daily rhythm of meditation and contemplative prayer; to rejoice with gratitude my aliveness and my connectedness to this wonderful world and every living thing around me. Thank you so much for the video: it was inspiring, enlightening and motivating for me to sign up to be a Monk in the World!

  8. At 90 years I finally found a connection of spirit and creative energy! My time may be short lived but it will become an eternal treasure of my consciousness. Amen

  9. I’ve been wondering for many years how to find like-minded people in this world who have a desire for silence and solitude, and who seek ongoing spiritual conversion.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *