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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 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

1,594 Responses

  1. I’ve always been drawn/interested in the monastic life as if I carry a genetic memory from an earlier time? My desire is to draw closer to Christ in all things, to enjoy, preserve the beauty of creation for all. I know I need to slow, pray, and be more in the moment and Christ centered. I have been gifted with talents of an artist and want to continue to share that gift with the world. I write poetry and thank God for these ways of expression.

  2. This manifesto is such a great distillation and enumeration of what I basically believe and value in my own life and spiritual path. I sign this manifesto with gusto!!

  3. I just discovered this community today, and feel inspired to connect and deepen my sense of calling with such awesome and playful companionship. Yay!

  4. As I read through the Manifesto and other postings my heart soared. Looking to make changes in my life becoming a Monk FITS. I look forward to learning, participating and enjoying the Monk lifestyle. Many blessings to you. jack cook sr. Sage, Coach, Life Time Learner, Seeker of Truth.

  5. For many years I’ve seen myself as a Maverick Quaker Solitary in the Christ Tradition. My Spiritual direction has been informed by The Christ, the Gospel of Thomas, The Desert Fathers & Mothers, Thomas Merton, George Fox, The Shakers, Julian of Norwich, Earth informed Spiritual traditions, AA 12-Step Program, along with encounters with like minded men & women with whom we’ve shared what we’ve learn & experience along the way of our individual journeys.
    Playing & making banjos, writing poetry & essays making furniture & sculpture, along with fly fishing & canoeing are all part of my practice.
    I truly look forward engaging with other like minded souls!!!!

  6. I attended one of your online meetings and immediately felt a connection. Since then I have been listening to some of the Abbey of the Arts podcasts and they resonate very much.

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