The Benedictine rule offers a comprehensive directory for reaching the main idea of both spiritual and physical well-being of a monastery or monk. The latter is expected to integrate manual labor, prayer, and study into a daily routine. Developed by St. Benedict in AD 480-550 for monks in the abbey of Monte Casino, by the 7th century the rule was applied to nuns who were patronized by St. Scholastica, Benedict’s sister.
Explanation:
The rule of St. Benedict is strict, with its key theme rooted in the complete obedience to the Abbot. The majority of people who live in modern times would find the rule demanding because it limits the freedoms and luxuries of life. However, life in medieval Europe was poorer and more restricting, which is why the rules laid out by St. Benedict were considered manageable.
A long list of chapters in the Saint Benedict Rule encourages its readers to be obey without delay as if commanded by God Himself. Silence is another important provision within the Benedictine rule and implies being humble by refraining from useful speech for the sake of abstaining from evil words.
Humility, as one of the key teachings of the Benedictine rule, implies always having the fear of God and remembering His commands. Furthermore, humility is characterized as the ability to meet injuries or unfortunate events with patience and acceptance, and never giving up in the face of threat or trouble.
With the help of a reverent prayer, one is allowed to ask God a favor as well as communicate pure devotion to the highest deity. Thus, the Benedictine rule definition implies obedience to the community environment in which monks and nuns used to live for strengthening their faith in God and reaching spiritual growth through asceticism.