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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 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

Diana M Haynes says:

February 9, 2023 at 8:50 pm

This has been my personal path for a long time. I rejoice to find a community of friends to travel with… Thank you.

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Teri Darnall says:

February 8, 2023 at 11:31 am

As I strengthen my relationship with God and his creation, the Monk Manifesto will be my guide to achieve these aims.

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Jo Green says:

February 7, 2023 at 9:40 pm

I commit to the Monk Manifesto and look forward to moments of silence every single day this seventh day of February 2023.

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Anne says:

January 31, 2023 at 1:41 am

This very evening of the 30th of January 2023 I take upon myself the promises of the Monk Manifesto. So be it. Amen.

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Jan says:

January 29, 2023 at 4:17 pm

On Jan. 29, 2023, my soul dances with grateful joy as I sign this Manifesto and vow to continue to embody its call, not just for my benefit, but for the benefit of all beings. May it be so. Amen.

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Lissy says:

January 29, 2023 at 9:23 am

I have been holding this manifesto with curiosity for about 16 months and I now feel ready to say yes, I affirm my commitment to continuing to welcome and explore these eight paths of deepening life. Amen! 🎉🎉🙏🏼

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Sheryle Brown says:

January 29, 2023 at 5:20 am

Yes!! May this be so!! Thank you so much for this lovely and joyous opportunity to join you all and so grateful to be led to this website!!

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Richard Franklin Thomason says:

January 25, 2023 at 2:10 pm

On this day, January 25th, 2023, I take this Manifesto as my new rule of life. Thank you so much. I believe God sent me to this site. I need this in my life so very much right now.

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Linda Chidsey says:

January 17, 2023 at 6:59 pm

Yes, this signing of this Manifesto is the outward sign of an inward commitment, witnessed by other members of the community. So be it.

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David Agreda says:

January 16, 2023 at 6:56 pm

This day of the 16th of January 2023, I, David Agreda, hereby duly swear to abide by and maintain the Monk Manifesto.

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