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Monasteries are self-contained structures where monks or nuns can live their lives in isolation or as a community. They emphasize self-reliance and often have gardens and animals. Monasteries have a rich history and tradition and some are open to visitors. Individuals wishing to join a monastery must commit themselves through a series of vows and a probationary period.
A monastery is a structure that houses a religious community of monks or nuns. Generally, it is designed to be self-contained, so that the religious adherents within can potentially live their lives entirely within the walls. By choosing to live in isolation, inhabitants can explore the nature of faith alone or together, and these structures often become repositories of religious knowledge and contemplation.
Numerous religions have a monastic aspect, including Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism. The monastic tradition of these religions often includes vows of poverty and service, with monks and nuns humble themselves to God’s greatest service. In some cases, monasteries have a more hermetic feel, where there is little or no interaction among the residents as they explore the faith in private. The original Greek root of the word, meaning “to live alone,” reflects this aspect of monastic culture. In other cases, it reflects a more communal way of life, and some community-oriented monasteries also perform community service.
Monastery life places a strong emphasis on self-reliance. Many have large gardens and the monks and nuns can raise animals for fiber and food. A truly self-sufficient monastery will supply all its needs from within its own walls; more commonly, they trade services like mentorship or goods like artisanal cheese and handwoven weaves for food. Some also rely on the generosity of community members who can donate services, food and supplies to the facility as part of their religious practice.
Many monasteries are quite old and some have been in continuous operation for thousands of years. Some are open to visitors, and in fact welcome guests so they can share their rich history and traditions. Before a person visits a monastery, it is common to contact the abbot or head to express his desire to visit, and it is polite to bring a gift, such as candles for the altar. The person will also need to observe religious and cultural customs while there.
Some people visit monasteries for long periods of time to work, pray and think about religion. Individuals wishing to join a monastery, known as postulants, must commit themselves to the monastery and the faith through a series of vows, and are typically expected to abide as probationary monks or nuns for a set amount of time before they can do so. final grades. This probationary period allows both the establishment to decide whether or not the postulant is suitable, while he or she decides whether or not monastery life will be suitable.
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