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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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Watch the visual meditation version.
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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

1,669 Responses

Mick Collins says:

January 31, 2014 at 4:12 am

OK

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Sandra Vander Schaaf says:

January 30, 2014 at 12:46 pm

With humility and joy, I step into the embrace of this community of Monks in the World. Onward, pilgrims, onward.

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Liz Leon says:

January 30, 2014 at 12:22 pm

How wonderful to devote oneself to a contemplative and creative life!

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Deana says:

January 30, 2014 at 12:25 am

In prayer I found you. The message floated in very quietly. I wondered what was next. Benedictine spritiuality I heard, so after my prayer was done, I searched online. Your website caught my eye first and everything that was in my heart came tumbling out in your words, everything I was thinking about, being an artist, being a contemplative, longing for community. What a blessing I was guided to you!

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Nancy says:

January 29, 2014 at 5:18 pm

A breath, a prayer, a sigh. It feels like a call to come home. I trust the Guidance!

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Barb Schipper says:

January 29, 2014 at 6:40 am

I who love solitude, stillness, the woods and the wilderness, have been stretched and admittedly challenged by this winter season. Yesterday I became a dancing monk … I am reviving and feeling gratitude. Amen!

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Karen Fisxher says:

January 29, 2014 at 3:27 am

I have been in the wilderness. Exodus has been my word. I am happy to be coming home. I am looking forward to the dance and reconnecting with the unfolding mystery.

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Jeanie Gonering says:

January 28, 2014 at 1:46 pm

A friend guided me to this website, suggesting it was ‘time to come home to myself..’
I’m so grateful for her ‘gift’..and looking forward to sharing this journey with the ‘Monks in the World’

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Stephanie Bell says:

January 28, 2014 at 9:28 am

I am excited to continue to live a compassionate, contemplative, and creative life. Embracing my inner Monk and grateful for this community.

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Jean Van Camp says:

January 27, 2014 at 6:19 pm

Food for the soul, guidance for the way. Yeah, I commit to this.

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