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Monk Manifesto

Sign the 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.
  • 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

 

1,701 Responses

  2. Christine ~ you continue to use your gifts of creativity and leadership to bring a higher awareness to others ~ and the world. I gladly join you and the other monks in this commitment to contemplation, creativity and compassion.
    Each of the 7 commitments addresses what I want and need to do at this point of my earthly pilgrimage. I particularly appreciate the reminder to be fully present to the work I do, whether paid or unpaid, being grateful for the ability to express my gifts in the world. This enables me to see the truth that what I do and how I do it does matter.

    Reply

  4. I am making this commitment, too, although I know it will take some work at me.

    I saw you mention a thought similar to #6 elsewhere some time ago, but it continues to be a revelation to me. It is so hard for me to step outside the culture of accomplishment and busyness we are immersed in, and it is a gift again and again to remember we are blessed simply by virtue of existing.

    Reply

  5. I definitely appreciate you naming these values and commitments. Today I particularly love the part about practicing hospitality to the “stranger within” and holding a heart of gratitude for being able to express my work/gifts in the world whether paid or unpaid. I love that I’m finally learning that Spiritual Practices take PRACTICE!

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  6. I happily and humbly make this commitment. I am very pleased to be part of this monastic community as I continue on this wonderful journey that is life.

    Shalom and Blessed Be.

    Reply

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