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Monk Manifesto

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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 Monje, Mönchs 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.
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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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I commit to a lifetime of ongoing conversion and transformation, recognizing that I am always on a journey with both gifts and limitations.
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

1,603 Responses

Irene says:

December 27, 2022 at 8:51 am

I commit to and sign the Monk Manifesto.

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Kathy says:

December 26, 2022 at 12:29 pm

Finding moments of silence and solitude…..to listen

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Lisa says:

December 26, 2022 at 5:27 am

I have come to love this practice of finding a word to guide the year ahead. I recommit my covenant to the Monk Manifesto.

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Casnis Uatia says:

December 25, 2022 at 4:32 pm

I commit to and sign the Monk Manifesto.

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Adriana Cavina says:

December 25, 2022 at 4:31 pm

I commit to “make space for the unclaimed parts of myself” with joy and gratitude

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Andria King says:

December 24, 2022 at 7:51 pm

I commit to and sign the Monk Manifesto. By Grace I’ve found the Abbey of the Arts. Without words … but with so much gratitude.

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Aileen says:

December 24, 2022 at 2:46 pm

What if you feel called by all of it except the last one and simply cannot commit to joy because your heart so often overflows with grief?

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1. Linda Lyzenga says:
  
  December 26, 2022 at 6:27 pm
  
  Aileen – dear heart – I hear you.
  I light a candle for you & pray that you will know love. joy. peace. patience. kindness. goodness. faithfulness. gentleness. self-control.
  Here, in this community, an invitation is extended to you to sit with each intention of the Manifesto & see where you can you can welcome even the grief.
  Breathe and be well.
  
  Reply
2. Sandra K. Seidel says:
  
  January 8, 2023 at 6:49 pm
  
  Dear Aileen. As someone who has lost my spouse in the last year, my heart recognizes that feeling. Just yesterday I was given a dream where I was shown to know we are immersed in a “sea of Love”. Praying you will feel your heart overflow with that love.
  
  Reply
Jill says:

December 24, 2022 at 2:29 am

I commit to and sign the Monk Manifesto.

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Laurel pepin says:

December 20, 2022 at 10:55 am

Radical hospitality within and without, calls me.

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Magdala says:

December 19, 2022 at 7:50 pm

I commit to and sign the Monk Manifesto.

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