The Rule Of Saint Benedict

[luciusosb]

:liturgy: Has anyone read the Rule Of Saint Benedict? It's a very well written book about the Rule of Western Monasticism. It also has some tidbits for secular life as well. When I was living in the monastery, we had to learn that book, but, even when I'm not in the monastery, I still live by the Rule. Not saying that I don't live my life by the bible, I pretty much live my life by both. If you get the chance, just check it out. :liturgy:

[Voegelin]

Haven't read it but should. See there are a few business books which use it as a model*. A nice change from always hearing how Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" works for business.

*Doing Business With Benedict: The Rule of Saint Benedict and Business Management, a Conversation

St. Benedict's Rule for Business Success

[FaithAbove360]

It's really good! I go to Benedictine for school, so a lot of my classes are based around it. It really is like a rule of thumb for life.

[Ravenonthecross]

Cool I never knew there was such a thing!

[Rising_Suns]

St. Benedict's Rule can be a little difficult to understand without the proper context and commentary. As such, I would strongly recommend; "Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict", by Dom Paul Dilatte.

http://www.amazon.com/Commentary-Rule-Benedict-Paul-Delatte/dp/1579104606/sr=8-3/qid=1166388828/ref=sr_1_3/104-1466088-3155928?ie=UTF8&s=books

Dom Paul Dilatte is the Abbot of Solesmes, and Superior General of the Congregation of Benedictines of France. This is probably the most authoritative commentary on the rule today. This book is often used as a text book for novice monks entering into Benedictine life....a must for anyone who is serious about studying St. Benedict's Rule.

-Davide

[faerieevaH]

I had an internet list of the rule of Saint Benedict in my links before I moved. I printed out the rules itsself and discussed them with my class. Some of them are monastic specific, but a lot of them are very appliccable to every day life and a great inspiration for discussion and ideas with young people.

[Crucifix]

If I'm not mistaken, the Rule of St. Benedict is the rule by which most religious cloistered orders follow. I know the Trappists as well as the Benedictines use it. I'd have to find out about the Franciscans, Dominicans and the Augustinians to comment more thoroughly.

[Catrione]

me being stupid nvm this post

[Crucifix]

If I'm not mistaken, the Rule of St. Benedict is the rule by which most religious cloistered orders follow. I know the Trappists as well as the Benedictines use it. I'd have to find out about the Franciscans, Dominicans and the Augustinians to comment more thoroughly.

After posting this last night, I found a book on the Rule of St. Benedict. I started reading it and what I read so far is interesting. It's more historic in nature than it it is instructive of his Rule.

[DaleM]

St. Benedict's Rule can be a little difficult to understand without the proper context and commentary. As such, I would strongly recommend; "Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict", by Dom Paul Dilatte.

Davide, thank you for suggesting this commentary. I will have to look into it. :)

For persons who are interested in the Rule of Benedict, but do not want to purchase a book, you may want to subscribe to a mail list which receives Br. Jerome's daily commentary. He is a Benedictine monk at St. Mary's Monastery in Petersham, Massachusetts (USA). Br. Jerome sends out the daily reading ,and his reflections on it, to several different mail lists such as Monastic Life (its a Yahoo group) or an international mail list for Benedictine oblates. Unfortunately, I can not provide links to these lists since I am new here.

Of course, subscribing to such mail lists will get you mail about more than the daily reading of the Rule and a commentary about it. So, perhaps that is not such a good alternative.

Okay, if you google
rule of benedict daily reading
about the sixth hit will be called "The Online Guide to Saint Benedict". It has the daily reading, and if you click on the left hand side of the page where it says "Daily Reflection" you can get a commentary on the reading.

I've mentioned "daily reading" several times in this post. Were you aware that the Rule of Benedict is read aloud to the monks (or nuns) in daily portions so that the entire Rule is heard three times every year? I would imagine that would help memorization, if nothing else!

[Fantine]

Davide, thank you for suggesting this commentary. I will have to look into it. :)

For persons who are interested in the Rule of Benedict, but do not want to purchase a book, you may want to subscribe to a mail list which receives Br. Jerome's daily commentary. He is a Benedictine monk at St. Mary's Monastery in Petersham, Massachusetts (USA). Br. Jerome sends out the daily reading ,and his reflections on it, to several different mail lists such as Monastic Life (its a Yahoo group) or an international mail list for Benedictine oblates. Unfortunately, I can not provide links to these lists since I am new here.

Of course, subscribing to such mail lists will get you mail about more than the daily reading of the Rule and a commentary about it. So, perhaps that is not such a good alternative.

Okay, if you google
rule of benedict daily reading
about the sixth hit will be called "The Online Guide to Saint Benedict". It has the daily reading, and if you click on the left hand side of the page where it says "Daily Reflection" you can get a commentary on the reading.

I've mentioned "daily reading" several times in this post. Were you aware that the Rule of Benedict is read aloud to the monks (or nuns) in daily portions so that the entire Rule is heard three times every year? I would imagine that would help memorization, if nothing else!
Kathleen Norris, a Benedictine Oblate, has written extensively about Benedictine life. She is an award-winning poet and her books are just beautiful--very accessible.