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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

1,631 Responses

Anthony Ordona says:

February 27, 2025 at 4:02 am

I make a commitment to grow further in contemplation, devotion to prayer, silence and solitude and be more attuned to the Divine.

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Jillian Reed says:

February 24, 2025 at 8:30 pm

I commit to intentionally developing a spiritual life while dedicating that life to truth and justice

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Joan Schoenhals says:

February 24, 2025 at 5:57 pm

It is with delight and joy that I join the Holy Disorder of Dancing Monks. I commit to the Monk Manifesto as I continue my spiritual path and take permission to explore my creative, artistic self through stained glass. May we contribute to love, peace and joy in our world.

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Macrina Cowan says:

February 23, 2025 at 2:15 am

I joyfully sign the Monk’s Manifesto as my ongoing commitment to live a compassionate, contemplative and creative life as a monk in the world.

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Marjorie Roccoberton says:

February 21, 2025 at 11:40 pm

I commit to solitude, prayer, & art each day. I also commit to serving others as I’m able.

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Kristin Freeman says:

February 17, 2025 at 5:09 pm

I commit to the Monk Manifesto by spending time each day in solitude, prayer and meditation with the divine.

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Joy says:

February 13, 2025 at 5:20 pm

I commit to the principles of The Monk Manifesto as Spirit leads. May this commitment be a blessing to me and those I encounter.

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T. Michael Rock says:

February 6, 2025 at 10:18 pm

At noon we buried our beloveds, in the afternoon we fought for justice, in the evenings we danced. This was a mantra of my gay community in the early 90’s. I keep dancing. Glad to be in a community of faithful justice seekers and dancers.

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Mira Evans says:

February 6, 2025 at 9:35 pm

I commit to being fully alive, to living intentionally and lovingly with God and others, to practicing the Presence of God both in my interior world and in the world around me, to living an contemplative, compassionate, and creative life. Finally.

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Judd Pippy says:

February 6, 2025 at 6:34 pm

I commit to the Monk manifesto by spending time with the devine in solitude and prayer.

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