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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

 

1,705 Responses

  2. I believe that being “like a Monk” helps bring a person into closer reflection within themselves for a better purpose to be used by our Creator while we are alive.

    Thanks for the beautiful music and art clips!

    Reply

  3. Stepping into and claiming space for comtemplation and connection in this modern world. In gratitiude!

    Reply

  4. What a joy to discover this website! I am so thankful to find that there are others out there like me! I commit to the Monk Manifesto in the understanding that my supreme commitment is to the Word of God above all others. I am excited about discovering the resources here to help me become a monk in the world.

    Reply

  5. With gratitude for this site, I commit whole-heartedly and joyfully to following the ideals expressed in this Manifesto and incorporating them into my journey as I strive to be a monk in the world.

    Reply

  6. Thank you for this site. I loved the Monk in the World. This has renewed me! I look forward to being a part of this community.

    Reply

  8. I haven’t been so excited about anything, ever! Thank you Christine for providing online what is not available to me in the world–the ability to be a monk! With great joy and gratitude I join this community. God bless you!

    Reply

  9. With a grateful heart, I join the monk revolution! So exciting to find a group of like-minded soul mates.

    Reply

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