Becoming A Monk...?

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A friend (who is GeorgeSword at this site) told me I’d make a great monk. He explained some things about it, but didn’t give me everything. What is a monk? What exactly do they do? What are the different orders? How does one become a monk? Can I play guitar as a monk? How old does one need to be to become a monk, and how much education is needed?

Thank you 🙂
 
Monk
Defined as a member of a community of men, leading a contemplative life apart from the world, under the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, according to a rule characteristic of the particular to which he belongs.

————
  • Published by Encyclopedia Press, 1913.
    Monk.t2—A monk may be conveniently defined as a member of a community of men, leading a more or less contemplative life apart from the world, under the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, according to a rule characteristic of the particular order to which he belongs. The word monk is not itself a term commonly used in the official language of the Church. It is a popular rather than a scientific designation, but it is at the same time very ancient, so much so that its origin cannot be precisely determined. So far as regards the English form of the word, that undoubtedly comes from the Anglo-Saxon munuc, which has in turn arisen from the Latin monachus, a mere transliteration of the Greek monachos. This Greek form is commonly believed to be connected with gk √Ǭµboor, lonely or single, and is suggestive of a life of solitude; but we cannot lose sight of the fact that the word /.w Ph, from a different root, seems to have been freely used, e.g. by Palladius, as well as monasterion, in the sense of a religious house (see Butler, “Palladius’s Lausiac History”, passim). Be this as it may, the Fathers of the fourth century are by no means agreed as to the etymological significance of monachus. St. Jerome writes to Heliodorus (P.L., XXII, 350), “Interpret the name monk, it is thine own; what business hast thou in a crowd, thou who art solitary?” St. Augustine on the other hand fastens on the idea of unity (gk √Ǭµova) and in his exposition of Ps. cxxxii, extols the appropriateness of the words “Ecce quam bonum et quam jucundum habitare fratres in unum” when chanted in a monastery, because those who are monks should have but one heart and one soul (P.L., XXXVII, 1733). Cassian (P.L., XLIX, 1097), and Pseudo-Dionysius (De Eccl. Hier., vi) seem to have thought monks were so called because they were celibate.
In any case the fact remains that the word monachus in the fourth century was freely used of those consecrated to God, whether they lived as hermits or in communities. So again St. Benedict a little later (c. 535) states at the beginning of his rule that there are four kinds of monks (monachi)—(I) cenobites who live together under a rule or an abbot, (2) anchorites or hermits, who after long training in the discipline of a community, go forth to lead a life of solitude (and of both of these classes he approves); but also (3) “sarabites” and (4) “girovagi” (wandering monks), whom he strongly condemns as men whose religious life is but a pretense, and who do their own will without the restraint of obedience. It is probably due to the fact that the Rule of St. Benedict so constantly describes the brethren as monachi and their residence as monasterium, that a tradition has arisen according to which these terms in Latin and English (though not so uniformly in the case of the corresponding German and French words) are commonly applied only to those religious bodies which in some measure reproduce the conditions of life contemplated in the old Benedictine Rule. The mendicant friars, e.g. the Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites, etc., though they live in community and chant the Divine Office in choir, are not correctly described as monks. Their work of preaching, mixing with their fellow men in the world, soliciting alms, and moving from place to place, is inconsistent with the monastic ideal. The same is to be said of the “clerks regular”, like the Jesuits, in whose rule the work of the apostolate is regarded as so important that it is considered incompatible with the obligation of singing office in choir. Again members of the religious congregations of men, which take simple but not solemn vows, are not usually designated as monks. On the other hand it should be noted that in former days a monk, even though he sang office in choir, was not necessarily a priest, the custom in this respect having changed a good deal since medieval times. Besides the Benedictines with their various modifications and offshoots, i.e. the Cluniacs. Cistercians, Trappists etc., the best known orders of monks are the Carthusians, the Premonstratensians, and the Camaldolese. The honorary prefix Dom, an abbreviation of Dominus is given to Benedictines and Carthusians.

HERBERT THURSTON
 
Keep in mind that the wonderful movie INTO GREAT SILENCE describes life at Grande Chartreuse, the mother house of the Carthusians.

Their observance has ALWAYS been very strict and austere.

The Cistercians, less so.

And St. Benedict called his rule “a little rule for beginners.”
 
Most monks follow the Rule of St. Benedict (Benedictines, Trappists, Cistercians, Camaldolese). You can read it here to get a feel for it: osb.org/rb/text/toc.html Carthusians follow a different rule and live more as hermits than in community.

If you go to this page you can look at the web pages for different Benedictine monasteries: atlas.osb-international.info/atlas/geo/WORLD/NameCat/1/en.html Just browsing through them should give you a little feel for what it’s like to be a monk. Just about every one should have information on vocations with contact info so you can ask questions.

The main work that monks do is to pray. They gather together for prayer several times a day as well as spending time in personal prayer. They also do some type of work to support themselves. This may take the form of running schools/colleges, preparing some type of food (preserves, fruit cakes, cheese), or other crafts (ranging from ceramics to caskets).
 
I came extremely close to becoming a Russian Orthodox monk not too long ago, but strayed away from it because I didn’t feel like it was my time yet.

I know that Eastern-Orthodoxy is different in many ways from Roman Catholicism, but a lot of things, like monasticism, are very similar, so I will elaborate on my knowledge.

A few things that you MUST realize about monasticism:
  1. Monasticism is a lifelong choice.
  2. You cannot decide to be a monastic impulsively. It will, literally, take years to even come close to a conclusion as to whether you want to or not.
  3. If you feel an internal calling, you should consider answering it. It’s better to go this way than just deciding.
  4. You should not become a monastic if life isn’t working out for you. While it’s not forbidden, it’s just generally not a good idea.
  5. You will be living a life of poverty in a community where everyone helps each-other.
  6. It will be one of the most difficult things you’ve ever done.
Please, though, don’t think that I’m discouraging becoming a monk. From time that I spent living in a monastery and living like a monastic, I have to say that I was the happiest I had ever been.

As a monk, you will be giving up every personal effect, including money, in order to live a life of poverty. This is done freely, as you’re imitating the life of Jesus and His Apostles.

St. Paul said to “pray without ceasing,” and this is one of the most important parts of monastic life. Prayer. Pray, and pray always.

The life of a monastic (a devout one, at any rate) won’t be filled with pleasure. Happiness, yes, but it is a life, if lived rigorously enough, of constant fasting and communion with God. I have read about some of the holiest people you could possibly imagine, and they still saw themselves as wicked sinners who were worthy of nothing more than eternal damnation, despite how pious they were.

Again, the choice must be made by yourself, with help from God, and not by someone else. DO NOT under ANY circumstances consider becoming, or become, a monastic just because of what someone else says, or because of what someone thinks you should do or suggests. This is COMPLETELY personal, and you will be extremely unhappy if it isn’t a personal choice. Yes, advice should be encouraged, but not poking, prodding, or pulling.
How does one become a monk?
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If you have decided you want to pursue monasticism, you should research monasteries in your area, or elsewhere in the country. If you have the money, then you can look into monasteries around the world! You need to call, mail, or email the abbot (head monk) of the monastery and inquire. He will invite you to come visit, and most likely to stay and live the life for a while. If you decide it’s something you’d be happy doing, then you can let him know and he will work with you from there.

When you decide you’d like to take it further, there is a period of one year (for Benedictine Monks, if memory recalls) of living the life of a monk, without being one. This is your “trial” period, in which you will be tested by God and by your Abbot to determine whether you are fit for that particular monastery. If you aren’t, don’t fuss! There are plenty of other opportunities elsewhere! After the year is up, you will be given the decision to take your first vows, by which you will become a Novice. The noviciate lasts for 3 years, by which you are bound to the monastery, but not for life just yet. When the 3 years expire, then you will have to make your final decision. If you decide it’s something you want to do, then you will take your final vows, which are similar to that of your noviciate (chastity, poverty, etc.) and you will become bound to that monastery (unless you receive a blessing from your abbot to leave for a different monastery) for the rest of your life. You will also be bound as a monk for the rest of your life.
Can I play guitar as a monk?
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Yes, of course you can, in your spare time. However, if it’s an electric guitar and rock music, you’ll want to confirm with the abbot and other monks first, or keep the volume down in your cell, as many monks love quiet and solitude 🙂

Being a monk doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your passions in life, like the arts. Some of the greatest works have come out of monasteries. Books, music, paintings, food…the list goes on.

Also, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to be secluded. The monks at the monastery I visited go out to dinner from time to time at restaurants and go to some venues, like local markets and national parks, in order to get out and stretch their legs.

Video games, TV, and computer aren’t allowed, as far as I know, so you will have to ween yourself off of the latter and get used to reading in place of it.
How old does one need to be to become a monk, and how much education is needed?
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The age most monasteries request is that you are at least 18, because that is the age you legally become an adult. Many ask that you be at least 20, but I don’t doubt that they allow the age limit to be lifted from time to time in order to accomodate very faithful inquirers. Many saints entered the monastic life at young ages.

You will not need to have a degree in anything, but you will need to have a very extensive education on what you’re getting yourself into. Again, the abbot will be able to help you further on what you need to know. You should also re-familiarize yourself with your faith, and become very learned with scripture.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I will do what I can to answer them, from a general perspective. I can’t give any specifics on Roman Catholic monasticism, as I’m not familiar enough with it, but I can give general information. I suggest you read the Rule of St. Benedict, which SuscipeMeDomine posted in the previous thread.

Best of wishes to you!

Blessings,

Erich
 
ErichK said:
Video games, TV, and computer aren’t allowed, as far as I know, so you will have to ween yourself off of the latter and get used to reading in place of it.
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Actually, some orders may allow computers. I’ve seen a monk or two on the forums before, and I even know one who plays online games.
 
SuscipeMeDomine said:
Most monks follow the Rule of St. Benedict (Benedictines, Trappists, Cistercians, Camaldolese). You can read it here to get a feel for it: osb.org/rb/text/toc.html Carthusians follow a different rule and live more as hermits than in community.

If you go to this page you can look at the web pages for different Benedictine monasteries: atlas.osb-international.info/atlas/geo/WORLD/NameCat/1/en.html Just browsing through them should give you a little feel for what it’s like to be a monk. Just about every one should have information on vocations with contact info so you can ask questions.

The main work that monks do is to pray. They gather together for prayer several times a day as well as spending time in personal prayer. They also do some type of work to support themselves. This may take the form of running schools/colleges, preparing some type of food (preserves, fruit cakes, cheese), or other crafts (ranging from ceramics to caskets).
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Hi Tristan Cross,

As it happens we have a Benedictine Spirituality Forum here at CAF . . . **St. Benedict is the Father of Western Monasticism **. . . and his Order of Saint Benedict (OSB) is credited with the evangelization of Europe . . . he is also the Patron Saint of Europe . . .

We post the daily readings of the Rule of St. Benedict each day on the Forum . . . which Holy Rule is used by hundreds and thousands of monastics every day . . . all over the world . . . and has been greatly blessed of God and so used with extraordinary success for over fifteen centuries . . . We just started the new cycle of daily readings in the Holy Rule today . . . having just finished our first daily run through of same . . . if you are really interested . . . drop on by and read and reflect with us . . . we have religious, oblates, dicerning priesthood candidates, monastic candidates, oblate candidates, and lay Christians, all as members . . . ranging all ages . . . all of whom have a love for monastic life and share in the blessings of same . . . most of us the Lord has led to connections with particular monasteries/abbeys . . . we’ve lots of information re monastic life posted in our basic forum post library also . . . from our last tour through the Holy Rule . . . and there are quite a few monastery links posted there in the reflections on same . . .

Here’s the link to our Benedictine Spirituality Forum: forums.catholic-questions.org/group.php?groupid=35

Great that you play the guitar . . . so did I for many years . . . music and Benedictines very much go together . . . Benedictines encourage the flourishing of individual gifts . . . to God be the glory * . . . God bless . . . *

. . . all for Jesus+​
 
GeorgeSword said:
Actually, some orders may allow computers. I’ve seen a monk or two on the forums before, and I even know one who plays online games.
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Interesting. I can understand the abbot using a computer, and maybe such being allowed for the monks to keep email correspondence, but video games? That’s not a good thing, in my opinion. But that’s not my business to determine.
 
Well he wasn’t simply playing the video game. He was using it as a tool for evangelization, modifying it to a Christian theme (he changed it from being a fantasy kill fest into an educational experience about Solomon’s temple). Perhaps that is why it was acceptable.
 
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