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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

  3. I have been a self-proclaimed, solitary, dancing and writing monkess for almost 20 years.

    It was a surprise to discover this group. Glad to be with kindred souls.

    Reply

  4. Peaceful abidings, brothers and sisters of the dancing disorder – have I got that right? I don’t have coffee brewing yet and this is the cat’s fault (Olive, named after Mary Oliver).

    A while ago I bookmarked this website with the same feelings as one has planting bulbs, or baking a favorite desert to share with others; it would have to wait.

    The time for celebration is here, the winter is past and flowers appear on the shore.

    Thank you for being here, namaste.

    Reply

  5. Kia ora, I am inspired and sense deep welcome to my soul for the ‘coming home’ season in my life. Dancing turns life upside down and inside out, twirling, moving, stilling, breathing, flowering powerful ‘beingness’ present and enlightened to go ‘be’ the change I desire to see in our world. Arohanui, in Maori from New Zealand, big love, much love, Spirit love!!!! Susannah

    Reply

  6. I am honestly humbled to have found this and at the correct timing, no coincidences indeed! I am among the disordered dancing monks in this world…wishing and creating a compassionate and loving presence in this life.

    Reply

  7. I happened upon the Holy Disorder of Dancing Monks with perfect timing.

    “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”

    Reply

  8. I joyfully and eagerly commit to creative, dancing monkitude. (Don’t know who created this icon, but it is one of my favorites!)

    Reply

  10. Dancing Monks in the World…

    give Life
    breathe Love

    allow the Divine to flow through their movement

    as the Joy of all Joys is reflected from their hearts;

    Hope is manifest by their words

    Faith is increased by their actions

    Generosity is practiced through hospitality

    as Kindness shows it’s forgiveness when self control is lacking;

    Faithful to commitments
    Peaceful in silence

    Gentle with themselves and others

    these disorderly dancing monks are my teachers; my friends; my guides.

    Reply

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