Monastic Practices (Volume 75)

by Charles Cummings

Monks and nuns have preserved courtesies, devotions, and contemplative disciplines which the rest of the christian world has lost. In this introduction to the world of the cloister, Fr Cummings explains the origins, and the continuing value, of monastic practices.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Theology, Christian, Christianity

217 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Tom Canuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, first and foremost, a fantastic book to get to know more about Benedictine spirituality for any monk or nun getting used to the conversatio of a new way of life. With that said, I think this is a great book too for anyone interested in Benedictine spirituality more broadly too.

Just a few examples to give some context:
1. The chapter on work is incredibly insightful for a modern world that desperately needs balance. Cummings addresses both workaholicism and Benedict’s understanding of murmuring in the context of work.

2. The chapter on Lectio Divina gives some profound insights into the history of and experience of praying Lectio, which is perfect for a general overview with some tips of how Benedictines implement it into their life.

3. The chapter on communication can be applicable to any community life or even marriage.


With that said, some weird kind of interesting comparisons about other forms of monasticism outside the Christian tradition appear throughout, but an easy and good read.

[Br. Thanasi (Thomas) Stama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Good coverage about western monasticism.

Reading it, I reflected on community and being more kind and loving. Chapter X on Community and Communications gave many insights that we can all use.

When I read the chapter on Stability, I wonder if he ever came across the early Christian work called the Shepherd of Hermas? If I remember it correctly, this work pushed to be less double minded and steadfast.

[Dom William OSB]

This is a nuts and bolts look at the monastic life and very finely written, we use it for training those who are hoping to become novices....and also within the novitiate...

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt engaged by the spirit of monastic life and practice. I wanted to embrace these patterns into my own life and felt most encouraged by the organization of prayer and reading rhythms.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible, insightful, practical. A seasoned insider's view of what it means to be a monk. Anyone interested in monasticism should read this.

[Allison Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book for anyone curious about monastic life or discerning religious life. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter are thought provoking and allow you to examine yourself.

[Abby Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

hard for me to relate to because i'm in an age of hedonism and monastic life is the polar opposite. but i still had a good time with this. good is a strong word. uh. cool. a cool time with this.

[Sarah Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not finished with this yet, but so far it's a good 4.5 stars. It's both practical and spiritual, a good reminder to those of us who have been in the religious life for a while as well as a great introduction for those considering it. (I'm told it's worthwhile reading for others, too, but I can't speak to that!) I would have been grateful for this book as a novice.

2024:
We have started over to use this as a jumping-off point for community discussion. It's still good on rereading.

[Joshua Booher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read as part of the Oblation Formation program at the local convent. At times, the author seems out of touch with life outside his monastery. In spite of this, he provides helpful gems for making monastic practices part of your daily life.

[Aventurera Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Makes me want to be in a monastery again. Just hope to take some ideas for my busy life.