Visit the Abbey of the Arts online retreat platform to access your programs:

Monk in the World Art Series

by Quynh Nguyen

Click the images below to see them full size.

This series of 8 artworks was created to companion the 8 principles of the Monk Manifesto.

Principle 1: Silence and Solitude
Principle 1: Silence and Solitude

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.

Principle 2: Hospitality
Principle 2: Hospitality
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.
Principle 3: Community

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.

Principle 4: Kinship with Creation
Principle 4: Kinship with Creation

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.

Principle 5: Work
Principle 5: Work

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.

Principle 6: Sabbath
Principle 6: Sabbath

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.

Principle 7: Conversion
Principle 7: Conversion

I commit to a lifetime of ongoing conversion and transformation, recognizing that I am always on a journey with both gifts and limitations.

Principle 8: Creative Joy
Principle 8: Creative Joy

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