Benedict's Rule: A Translation and Commentary

Dumbarton Oaks Medieval Library #6

by Benedict of Nursia, Terrence G. Kardong

A line-by-line exegesis of the entire Rule

Genres: Religion, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Spirituality, Classics, History

641 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 530

About the author

Italian monk Saint Benedict of Nursia, considered the patriarch of western monasticism, founded the Benedictine order circa 529.

The Catholics and the Anglican Church honor this Christian patron of Europe and students.

With 12 communities at Subiaco, forty miles to the east of Rome, he moved to Monte Cassino in the southern mountains. The mere confederation of autonomous congregations, not commonly understood, originated later.

His main achievement, his "Rule of Saint Benedict," contains precepts. The writings of John Cassian heavily influences this book, which shows strong affinity with the Rule of the Master. This unique spirit of balance, moderation, and reasonableness (ἐπιείκεια, epieikeia) persuaded most religious communities, founded throughout the Middle Ages, to adopt it. As a result, his Rule most influences religious rules in Christendom.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read this for entertainment you will be sorely disappointed. If you read this as a guide to life, and you are not a monk, you will be sorely disappointed. If you read this with an eye toward how one might live a more calm and disciplined life, adjusting what was written in to Sixth century, to the present day, you might just find what you are looking for.

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this along with Esther de Waal's Seeking God for the Schole Sisters book club I led. It turned out to be a much more enjoyable read than I anticipated and it is now my new favorite book on authority and parenting with its gentle, stable, and realistic approach to life. I think this would be a great book to read in Morning Time.

[Bryce Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've often thought that the monastic order is the high-point of my religion. No power, no ambition, just simple and just service to God and man.

Therefore I thought I'd read the beginning of that order. My sympathies are much more in align with the Franciscans then the Benedictions which is to put it gently, a little harsh. A surprisingly large amount of the book deals with Benedict's disdain for laughter and or grumbling.

Alot of this slight volume is simply not very useful to the layman, unless you desperately want to know how you should perform you're cooking duties and sleeping arrangements should a monastery happen to visit you.

Still this book is the foundation for an order and way of life that I have nothing but the utmost respect for. And if more Christians (myself of course included) followed the wisdom of lines such as, "keep your tongue free from vicious talk, and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and your aim." I firmly believe that both the world and the church would be in much better standing.

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

October 21, 2024: So much more meaningful this time as I have become a Secular Carmelite and now pray the Divine Office daily. So, while not a Benedictine, the Catholic religious orders share much in common and St. Benedict’s good advice for monks is good for those of us in the world trying to grow in holiness. Worthwhile to review at least every other year, especially since it is such a quick easy read yet so full of practical wisdom.

July 2013: Although I’ve read and listened to The Rule of St. Benedict several times since first being introduced to it twelve or so years ago, a monastic retreat given by Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen O.S.B. from St. Gregory's University at the abbey breathed life into the words of this 1500 year old document. The Rule of St. Benedict, or simply ‘the Rule’ (or RB) was written by St. Benedict of Nursia, considered by some the Father of Western Monasticism and his Rule—which are guidelines for living in community—is the model for all others which came after. This well-deserved reputation is based on the Rule’s practical simplicity and moderate nature as well as a compassionate understanding of both sinful humanity and Divine Mercy. It is a very short and easy to read document, consisting of a Prologue and 73 chapters, some of which are only a couple of sentences.

Acknowledging that all the baptized (and not just the clergy) are called to lives of holiness, Abbot Lawrence invited us to look at how relevant the Rule can be as we strive to become incarnations of God’s Love. Holiness is first and foremost a work of God in us. We are being perfected and that is mostly through our cooperation with God’s Will and in, by and through His Love. Holiness is rarely mentioned in RB but one important place where Benedict reminds his readers where our priority must be: ‘Not to desire to be called holy before one is; but to be holy first, that one may be truly so called.’ (Chapter 4, Verse 62).

And how are we to BE HOLY? In the Prologue we learn, ‘And our Lord seeking His workers among the multitude, the Lord calls out to him and lifts His voice again: “Is there anyone here who yearns for life, and desires to see good days?” (Ps 34:13) If you hear this, and your answer is “I do,” God then directs these words to you: “If you desire true and eternal life, keep your tongue from vicious talk, and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil, and do good; let peace be your quest and pursue it. Once you have done this: My eyes shall be upon you, and My ears listen to your prayers; and even before you ask Me, I will say to you: Here I am. (Is 58:9) What, dear brothers, is more delightful, than this voice of the Lord, calling to us? See how the Lord in His love He shows us the way of life! Clothed then with faith and the performance of good works, let us set out on this way, and with the Gospel for our guide that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom.’ (1 Thess 2:12) In other words, the Benedictine maxim, Ora et Labora or Pray and Work.

Although we commonly think of praying as something we do, actually it is what God does in and for us. In the Rule we learn that prayer is called ‘the Work of God’. Our primary responsibilities so far as prayer are concerned are: promptness, presence and participation, i.e., we must first of all, show up on time and let nothing take precedence over time set aside for prayer. Next we must be truly present to God as He is always fully present to us. Whenever we become aware our minds have drifted from prayer, we must again bring focus back to God. There is great value in this constant striving to bring the attention back. Like so many other things in life, perseverance in this struggle is of great value and strengthens one spiritually much as exercise builds up the body. And finally we are called to participation in the prayer of community. Abbot Lawrence mentioned that we must never forget our inherent and singular worth as a Child of God. By the same token, we must also remember that we are not only children! All too often we think, ‘I can’t pray with so-and-so or at this church or in this manner. We want the god-of-my-terms, instead of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Spirit. Much is written in RB about the indispensability of obedience and humility to any growth in holiness. Abbot Lawrence said he has attended week-long conferences just on one of those virtues.

The Benedictines take the vows of obedience, stability and conversion of life. These vows are renewed annually. Obedience is self-explanatory. Stability means remaining with the same monastic community for life. Conversion of life refers to constantly seeking the perfection called for by Our Lord at the very end of the Sermon on the Mount when He says, So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Holiness is its own reward.

><><><><><><><><><><><><><

November 2010: One of those books to be read about every two or three years. A good staple of our Catholic heritage.

==========================

April 2010: Have read this before but not for quite some time. Am actually listening to the book-on-CD at home. Some parts very applicable, others not so much.

[J. Wootton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monasticism is widely misunderstood, one of those subjects on which otherwise well-informed people feel comfortable delivering very decided opinions which turn out, on examination, to have been based on flawed assumptions and stereotypes. It helps to go back to the source.

Benedict did not quite start the movement, but he did popularize it. His Rule (I was surprised to learn) is a gentler, more tolerant, more humane update of previous experiments in asceticism and purposeful communal living. As a book, the Rule is essentially reference material or curio collection-piece, about as good for casual reading as a book of etiquette. Interesting and occasionally useful.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favorite things about the Rule of St. Benedict is how kind it is. I think that the popular perception of medieval monks is still filled with hair shirts and flagellation, or, at best, an authoritarian abbot lording over servile monks. Those things aren't made up and they certainly had their place in a medieval monastery. But Benedict's writing gives a much better idea of what it was actually like most of the time - a rather difficult life, and a daunting lack of privacy, but overall a life that was deeply communal and by medieval standards, deeply productive. The basic thesis underlying the whole thing is that it's easier to get closer to God when you're surrounded by people to help you, and who are aiming for the same thing. Of course, there's still a big cultural gap - laughter is generally frowned upon and the heavy emphasis on absolute obedience will be distasteful to some people. But on the whole, the Rule is not looking to punish people, or to force them into unthinking servility. It is a "little rule for beginners" that on the whole is very flexible and compassionate.

It's also fun to read because there are all kinds of interesting historical bits - why was Benedict's Rule the one that has been in use for almost 1500 years and the one that dominated the first 500 or so years of monasticism? Why is militaristic language so prevalent? Why/how was Benedictine monasticism, despite some similarities, different from the monasticism that grew up in the East and in the British Isles?

Not the most action-packed of reads, but it offers a nice little window onto how spirituality in the 6th century was at the same time hugely different from today, but at the same time, somewhat similar in its ultimate cares and aims. And it's an absolute must for anyone interested in the history of monasticism.


Edit: At one point, the Rule states that monks should all sleep in the same room, partially in order to encourage each other upon waking. "For," as Benedict writes, "the sleepy like to make excuses." This may be my life motto.

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a set of rules that St. Benedict came up with for cloistered orders. Much of it holds true today and should be used in non cloistered life as well.

The key word in this writing was Humility.

[Jason Ray Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not entirely sure what to make of this text: a guide for organizing a monastic community, written in 530 AD. Why would a 42-year-old English professor read it? At first, as a historical curio; second, in hopes of reading it allegorically, searching for insights applicable to modern life, perhaps even to my own teaching and studying vocation in 2025. On the surface, there isn’t much direct applicability: the Rule is concrete, concerned with appointing a porter, scheduling meals and prayers, prescribing clothing, and designating which Psalms to sing. I had hoped for more passages that might translate, at least conceptually, into contemporary wisdom, though a brief reflection on "spiritual zeal"--the virtue the Rule seeks to cultivate--did resonate. Even if I occasionally wondered why I persisted with such an esoteric work, I’m glad I read it; as a historical document, it clarified monasticism as a medieval way of life. Perhaps the deeper wisdom is there, and I simply need more time to let it surface.

[Carsten Thomsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My planned reading of spiritual classics have been quite slow. But here's one that I can recommend. These Rules have greatly influenced monasteries around the world until this day.

They begin with some general reflections on piety that all Christians can benefit from - then he goes on with more specific rules for the monks. There's a spirit here of love and humility and grace - but a lot of the Rules do seem very strict (specially on not talking and not laughing).

OK, there are also some funny Rules. Here's some with my comments:

* They sleep clothed, and girded with belts of cords; but they should remove their knives lest they accidentally cut themselves in their sleep . How considerate Benedict.

* Each will hasten to arrive at the Work of God before the others, yet with all dignity and decorum. He, he...how fast can you go with decorum intact. May the best man win.

* Without an order from the abbot, no one may presume to give, receive or retain anything as his own, nothing at all - not a book, writing tablets or stylus. No tablets? Oh no. I have to give up my iPad? I knew I was not cut out for this monkish business.

* We believe that half a bottle of wine a day is sufficient for each. I reconsider. Do let me be a monk.

* If anyone does not come to the table before the verse....his portion of wine should be taken away... That should do it!!.

[Eye of Sauron · Rating 4 out of 5]

You might think me strange, but I've always found monastic life appealing. Liberated from material worries, the unraveling catastrophe of popular culture, and really bad pop music, and free to spend all day in contemplation and prayer.

Yes, I know that's an odd worldview for a virtually reincarnated Lord of Evil, but let's just say I've seen the Light.

St. Benedict's Rule has been the foundation for monasteries for centuries, and it's a wonderful set of rules to ensure that the material world does not get in the way of Christian devotion. Sometimes some of the rules seem a bit harsh and/or extraneous, but it's important to remember that this is not a guide to holiness or a manual for spiritual ascendance; it's just a set of rules to ensure that one's environment is best suited for such work.

Certainly not an entertaining read, and not one I would recommend to any non-Christians except as a historical exercise. For the Christian, however, it's an edifying reminder of the sacrificial nature of the devotion to which man is called.

[Anne Michal]

St. Benedict is against yapping for sure

[Stephanie Greer]

Pros: Trendy Haircut, Read the Psalter every week, Eat 1 pound of bread a day


Cons: No jokesters, sleepyheads, or talking

[K.B. Hoyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I taught The Rule of St. Benedict for ten years when I was a teacher at a classical Christian school. What can I say other than this is a classic, and an important read for understanding the history of the church and western civilization. Everyone interested in the church, theology, and history should read it!

[Peyton Gunter]

Pro’s of being a Monk: people can get kicked out of the monastery for yapping.
Con’s of being a Monk: you could get kicked out of the monastery for being funny.
I wouldn’t last two days as a monk

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

For most of us to read this work is to enter another world. Not only is this written in the 6th century AD but it is written about a kind of experience, the truly monastic life, that few of us will experience, much less understand. So what is the worth of this work?

First of all, the choice of a monastic life is the choice to pursue a greater love of God and holiness of life through poverty, simplicity, submission, and stability in a community. For those who don't choose monastic communities, it seems there is much we can still learn from Benedict, if we are willing to accept the challenge implicit in the "rule" he develops.

Benedict covers all matters of life in the monastery from the qualifications of the abbot to entering the monastery to the ordering of Psalms used in the prayers of the hours to times for meals, amounts of food and drink, the care of the sick, the treatment of guests and even the qualifications of the porter and the cellarer (the person responsible for keeping the monastery in food and drink).

Perhaps most challenging are some of the rules pertaining to excommunication. It seems on first reading harsh, because one can be excommunicated for even minor faults. Reading more carefully, it is evident that much of this has to do with resistance to the authority necessary to sustain such a community. There also are clear provisions for the abbot to work with the excommunicate to restore him and specific steps to restoration. What all this speaks into is the recognition that sin is deceitful and its roots go deep into our lives and that if one cares deeply about pursuing a holy life, such drastic measures may be necessary and that we cannot do it ourselves but only as we come under the authority of Christ and those who minister on his behalf.

Much of this challenges our "I'm basically a good person" culture that embraces radical personal freedom. It recognizes that freedom often comes through submission to the rule of another that brings order to lives out of control. And so, I think there are a number of insights from Benedict's "Rule" that apply to those of us not living as monastics:

1. If loving God above all else is indeed the one thing in our lives, then this implies the simplicity that removes all that distracts from this pursuit.

2. Some "rule of life" is necessary for all of us--a rhythm of ordering our hours and days around the pursuit of our first love.

3. We cannot do this alone. Work and prayer in community with others of like mind is important to sustaining our resolve.

4. "Submission" is a nasty word to most of us in contemporary society and yet if we do not submit to Christ and those seeking genuinely to act on his behalf as shepherds to us, how can we hope to flourish "in green pastures and beside still waters"?

This particular edition is preceded by an essay by Thomas Moore and a helpful chronology of monasticism. Even if all the details of monastic life seem irrelevant, I would recommend reading the first seven chapters which include discussions of humility, the restraint of speech and seeking the counsel of others that have relevance for all of us. But the rest will not take a great deal of time, the whole "Rule" only occupies 70 pages in this edition.

[Audrey Monahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously, St. Benedict’s Rule has been foundational for the way monasteries are run and monastic life is lived. I am certainly not the first to think this but, these general principles and guidelines are also applicable outside of monasteries and for lay-people. This is mainly due to St. Benedict’s insistence on discipline, humility, and obedience.

Reading The Rule provided me with insights for how far I have yet to go on such virtues—especially pertaining to the humility and obedience that is expected from the monks towards their superiors. Additionally, the level of discipline in the Benedictine Rule is alluring. St. Benedict’s notion that “idleness is the enemy of the soul” is infused throughout the schedule and expectations. While it could be easy to assume that St. Benedict encourages hyper-productive and utilitarian conduct at all times, he goes out of his way to emphasize the importance of being charitable towards others. I especially liked when he explained how guests, invited or otherwise, ought to be received: “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomes as Christ, for He Himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Finally, the amount of detail and breadth of topics St. Benedict covers was impressive—almost to a humorous extent. For example, in the chapter on the sleeping arrangements of the monks, St. Benedict writes: “They sleep clothed, and girded with belts of cords; but they should remove their knives lest they accidentally cut themselves in their sleep.” So, for all of you knife-dwellers out there, if there’s anything you take away from this review, St. Benedict says to put your knife away before bed!

St. Benedict of Nursia, pray for us!

[Scott Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great wisdom weighed out by minute specific methodology for monastic asceticism. Seeped in Scripture and filled with helpful takeaways.

Wanted to familiarize myself with the Rule of Benedict before I spend a sabbatical at a Benedictine Abbey for a self-guided retreat.

[Marjolein (UrlPhantomhive) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com

I'm nearing the end of the Little Black Classics collection and The Rule of Benedict was next up.

Ever wondered what rules you would have to follow as a medieval monk?
- Me neither.

Part of this book is which prayers need to be said by whom at what hour on what day during which period of the year. This would maybe be interesting for people very much into this topic, but I got very little from it. Some more general parts on how one should live where slightly more captivating but contained also quite some repetition.

This was not really for me.

~Little Black Classics #122~

[Hannah Notess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean, there's not a lot of books this old that people are using for guidance to live their daily lives. Everyone gets kitchen duty. Minus one star for the suggestion that if children are out of line, you should beat them, because they won't understand getting excommunicated. I guess times do change.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I'm going to be joining a nunnery anytime soon.

[Keira Konson · Rating 4 out of 5]

a brief little journey into monastic life with a lot of emphasis on self denial, obedience, and a well ordered life. i am a little bit surprised that so many modern evangelical authors, especially john mark comer, are always referring to this work as the basis for the current understanding of a rule of life because aside from the format of simply structuring one’s life, there seems to be very little that they would agree on content wise.

“we must surely understand nothing else than this, that we descend by self-exaltation and ascend by humility. and the ladder erected is our life in this world, which for the humble of heart is raised up by the Lord unto heaven. now the sides of this ladder are our body and soul, into which sides our divine vocation has fitted various degrees of humility and discipline which we have to climb.”

[Nathan Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader, I must admit that aside from my passionate interest in the Brother Cadfael series of history novels [1], and the fact that I live a rather monk-like existence in general, the rules of monasteries have not generally been of profound personal interest.  This is not least because I come from a religious tradition where there are no such practices and where acesticism and celibacy in general are highly frowned upon at best.  That said, as someone who reads a great deal outside of my own particular religious traditions, it came time for me to read this book as part of a challenge [2], and I have to say that I found this book to be an interesting one.  That is not to say that I found a great deal of agreement with the asceticism of the author or his perspective of what others have considered the "white martyrdom" of monasticism, but rather I saw this book as an interesting human attempt to manage people under less than ideal circumstances that shows a great deal of humanity and moderation, and there is something at least to appreciate about that.

This particular rule is a short one, at just under 100 very small pages that can be comfortably fit inside of a pocket, containing 73 very small chapters, some as short as a single paragraph.  After a preface from the editors and an introduction from the author (namely Benedict himself) explaining why he has taken the task of writing this rule, the author discusses a wide variety of practical topics, beginning with a look at the kinds of monks (1), the qualities of abbots (2), and the consensual workings of monasteries (3).  The author talks about tools for good works (4) in the aims of obedience (5), restraint of speech (6), and humility (7).  A fair amount of space is given to the divine office at night (8) including the number of psalms (9) and the arrangement of the night offices in summer (10).  A discussion of the celebration of lauds on Sunday (11) and their solemnity (12), and the celebration of lauds on ordinary (13) and saint's days (14) takes up some time as well.  Later chapters of the book deal with the subject of reverence in prayer (20), the sleeping arrangements of the monks (22), and a few chapters that look at excommunication for faults (23), degrees of excommunication (24), serious faults (25), unauthorized communication with those who have been excommunicated (26), the abbot's concern for those who have been excommunicated (27), the treatment of those who refuse to repent with other punishments (28), and the readmission of monks who seek to return to the monastery after having departed (29).  A few of the chapters deal with offices, including the deans (21), the cellarer (31), kitchen servers (35), the reader (38), the porter (66), and the elections of abbots (64) and the selection of priors (65).  The author also shows himself deeply interested in the practical task of life together in a religious community, discussing the importance of manual labor (48), dealing with monks who work outside the monastery (50) or are traveling (51, 67), receiving guests (53), avoiding favoritism in who sits at the abbot's table (56) and in encouraging good zeal among monks (72), noting at the end that this rule is only the beginning of perfection and not the end (73).

What struck me the most about this rule, and this is perhaps due both to the author as well as to the translators of it, is the way that the rule strikes this reader at least as being highly moderate.  It is typically thought that the life of monks was extremely austere and ascetic to an extreme, but although some of the rules were severe, like the fact that monks were forbidden any private property, including books and writing implements, without the express permission of the abbot, the rule as a whole recognizes that the monks were human beings subject to foibles and imperfects and makes arrangements for their sleeping and eating arrangements that are certainly moderate and also even allows for a certain amount of drinking in moderation as a way to aid their duties.  In short, this book is not one that appears, at least if one looks at it as a human effort, to be that far beyond the sort of faith that a conscientious believer of a works-based religion would have, and there is even a bit of grace here, more than one would expect at any rate.  Let us consider this book a triumph over low expectations.

[1] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/tag/...

[2] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this kindle version of the Rule of St. Benedict after reading about this religious text in The Cloister Walk, and wanting to see for myself what was contained in this book that the Benedictines base their lifestyle on.

I find the monastic lifestyle facinating, and can highly respect their ascetic beliefs, and their reasonable, moderate, balanced approach to faith and life. The book is a guide written by St. Benedict, which covers basically everything relating to the monastic lifestyle, including recommendations on prayer, work, clothing, eating, treatment of guests, sleeping arrangements, you name it.

This specific kindle version of the text appears to be designed for continual reading throughout the year, with the entire book designed to be read 3 times in total each year. The book is divided into short sections, and each section is headed by three dates for the year, such as April 22 - August 22 - December 22, meaning you should read this part on each of those dates. I did not follow these reading guidelines, and instead read the book straight through in about 10 days time, but I can see how this format would be appreciated by a follower of the Benedictine faith.

I would actually like to revisit this text later in the future, and would like to read RB 1980: The Rule of St. Benedict in Latin and English with Notes, which is the same book in a format which includes multiple an extra 500 pages of footnotes and essays.

[Andres Mosquera Salazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decidí leer La Santa Regla después de leer Tres Monjes Rebeldes; necesitaba entender mejor en qué consistía esta forma de vivir de los monjes. Definitivamente esta lectura ha llenado mis expectativas, pues permite entender con mucho más detalle la vida monástica.

Al leer este libro, tan sólo la regla, pude imaginarme la vida de estos monjes: desde su manera de vestir, hasta su forma de rezar. Hay que decir que San Benito proponía un estilo de vida radical y difícil, pero que, sin duda alguna, le daba gloria a Dios en una de las máximas expresiones humanas.

La Regla de San Benito nos remite a los primeros cristianos; qué gran oportunidad nos da este libro de viajar en el tiempo, de recordar lo esencial, de entender que debemos ser santos, y que somos tan sólo peregrinos en este mundo.

[Ilze LA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lasīju Benedikta likumus, klausoties agrīno viduslaiku vēstures kursu. Neesmu ticīga, kristiete vēl mazāk, drīzāk agnostiķis parastais ( vai skdriņa Tipa, kas ticēja - neticēja).
Pazemība, paklausība, sods, T.sk. miesas sods, pašnoliegšana - tās ir kategorijas, pretrunā manai dvēseles būtībai. Tomēr lasot sajutu savu neizbēgamo piederību pasaulei, ko gadsimtiem un paaudzēm veidojusi kristīgā pasaules uztvere, cik daudz kas pašsaprotams tāds ir tieši rietumu kristietības kontekstā, nevis pats par sevi . Un Benedikta likumos ļoti konkrēti aprakstīta ideālas kristīgās dzīves kvintesence.
Lasās raiti un brīžam ar smaidu - iespraudumi (which God forbid) pie īpaši pretdievīgām iespējamībām vien ko vērti.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you review a book like this? I mean, there are many nuggets of wisdom throughout that can be beneficial for any reader. But the whole purpose of writing it was to create a rule for monks. Thus, many of the rules on excommunication and daily order of life for monks are more difficult to apply to contemporary non-monastic life. It would be tempting to give it fewer stars since I did not enjoy it nearly as much as a book like Foster's Celebration of Discipline. But that is more my problem then Benedict's - this is a tremendously influential classic and for that reason alone deserves a high rating. I'd recommend it for those who like reading classics.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this mainly so I could get an idea of how a medieval Christian monastery worked. For, ya know, fun.

Here's a taste of some of the inspiration to be found in these pages:

"Day by day remind yourself that you are going to die." (Same.)
"Admit with your tongue and be convinced in your heart that you are inferior to all and of less value." (Even better.)
"If anyone is caught grumbling let him undergo more severe discipline." (Okay, but I mean...)
"Death is stationed near the gateway of pleasure." (Wait a minute.)
"Boys are to be disciplined in everything by everyone." (What the fu-)

An absolute hoot.

[Shawn Enright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Benedict’s rule is a contemporary scandal. think about it: an elite and exclusive group of men who starve themselves, never talk or disobey a superior, work all the time, and — if the abbott permits it — could be flogged or excommunicated for heresy or refusal to respect your superior’s authority. also, you can’t move, have sex, or own anything

do NOT let Mike Cosper or Christianity Today read this book! Driscoll is junior varsity compared to these guys

[John Angerer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect, simple, well translated rule of st. Benedict. Short of the brief history of how the rule came to pass, it is purely the rule with little explication. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in Benedict's order, rule or monastic life.

[Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good insights, but monkishness was a bad idea in the first place.