Search Results (61)

This article focuses on the choice of the religious life for women during the early modern period, following a Rule that ensured harmony within the cloister. We trace the emergence of codes of life for female communities across time, with particular attention to the Rule of St. Benedict and its adoption by Cistercian communities, where silence assumed a particular significance. Silence, sounds, and monastic daily life as governed by the Rule, by the Tridentine decrees and, in the case of Portuguese Cistercian communities, obedience to the Autonomous Congregation of Alcobaça and to its supervisory mechanism of Visitations, were elements that shaped both the discourse presented here and its interpretive framework. While the Council of Trent emphasized the importance of vocation and simultaneously imposed upon women the so-called “fourth vow” (enclosure), documentary evidence allows us to observe to what extent the conventual milieu, composed of women from diverse social origins, remained engaged with the wider world outside cloister; nunneries became both a mode of existence and a space of affirmation for women, one that fostered creativity (in music, writing, painting) and upheld authority and power, embodied in the figure of the abbess and in the acts, rituals, and ceremonies associated with her. Full article

Despite being the most popular sutra tableau in Dunhuang, the utter lack of any comprehensive, or chronological academic analysis even in Chinese calls for a thorough research on the Medicine Buddha Sutra iconography at Dunhuang. This paper will explore the Medicine Buddha both in the literary form, the sutras, and the visual form, the sutra tableaux, when they first appeared in China during the Sui Dynasty. First, the relevant sections of the four Medicine Buddha Sutra translated in Chinese will be examined in detail. Then, the earliest four pictorial representations, namely Caves 417, 433, 436, and 394 at Dunhuang, will be scrutinized to establish a firm foundation of this said sutra tableau for later periods. By comparing the deities, and other special attributes presented in these images with what were recorded in the sutras, this paper reveals how the anonymous monastics and artists “re-presented” the Medicine Buddha from literary form to pictorial form, which embodies the intermediallity during the Sui Dynasty in Dunhuang. After analyzing how the textual elements such as the Medicine Buddha, attendant Bodhisattvas, Twelve Demigods, Four Heavenly Kings, and the magical life-prolonging instruments were depicted in the paintings, intermediality between the texts and imagery is brought to light. Two most decisive details, the small sizes of the cartouches for the inscriptions of the Twelve Demigods, and the number of Medicine statues that should be present at the ritual, clearly show the Medicine Buddha Sutra imagery painted during the Sui Dynasty in Dunhuang is based on the earliest Chinese edition, Sutra on the Initiation to Remove Unwholesome Deeds and Attain Salvation from Birth and Death Taught by the Buddha, translated by Śrīmitra. Full article

The mystical poetry of St. John of the Cross (born in 1542 in Spain and died in 1591), a collaborator of St. Teresa of Jesus in the reform of the Carmelite Order, reveals how the experience of God is indissolubly linked with compassion, and the practice of charity and hope. His life consistently reflects the virtues and attitudes celebrated in his poetry. This paper reinterprets three of his poems—Ascent of Mount Carmel, Of Falconry, and Spiritual Canticle—with a focus on the virtue and attitude of hope. It explores how hope is promoted and expressed through the lens of an ethics shaped by uncertainty and ambiguity, establishing a creative dialogue between classical and disruptive contemporary visions of Sanjuanist ethics. The text proposes an intersection of theology and ethics within a context of vulnerability, complexity, change, volatility, uncertainty, and ambiguity. It also addresses cases of spiritual abuse that distort the mystical and monastic meanings of the “dark night” metaphor. The experience of John of the Cross during his imprisonment is examined in relation to criteria for spiritual growth, with the aim of preventing spiritual misguidance. The paper aims to open the conversation in relation to the problem of abuse and its relation of how the cross may be understood and―in consequence―to help prevent the spiritual abuse that can take place through spiritual guidance. Full article

This essay examines a ninth-century collection of excerpts from Suetonius’s Lives of the Caesars compiled by Heiric of Auxerre (841–c.880), a monk, when he was a student of Abbot Lupus of Ferrières (c.805–c.862). Heiric later in his life presented the notes to Bishop Hildebold of Soissons (871–884). After reviewing the relationship between Christian learning and the pagan classics, the essay analyzes the Suetonian excerpts to determine why they were important to their monastic compilers and readers. Full article

This article explores “contestation” as a constitutive and enduring dimension of Christian monasticism. From its origins in the contemptus mundi and fuga mundi of the Desert Fathers to its modern cultural and ecological expressions, monasticism has embodied a form of resistance—spiritual, social, and existential—toward dominant models of life, thought, and power. This study examines the multiple modalities of monastic contestation: withdrawal and protest, spiritual combat, constructive critique, and the creation of alternative forms of living. Drawing upon sources ranging from Cassian and Benedict to contemporary thinkers such as Panikkar, Jonveaux, and Hervieu-Léger, the paper argues that monasticism’s critical stance toward the world is not mere negation but a creative search for simplicity, authenticity, and integral humanity. By analysing its expressions in education, economy, art, and ecology, the paper demonstrates that monastic contestation remains a vital, transformative force capable of renewing the dialogue between faith, culture, and society. Full article

As the Buddhist monastic community in Korea has entered an era marked by aging demographics, the issues surrounding the welfare of the order’s monastics in their retirement years have become increasingly pressing. In response, in 2011, the Jogye Order enacted the Monastic Welfare Act and established the Monastic Welfare Society with the aim of enabling monks to fully devote themselves to their religious duties by assuming institutional responsibility for their healthcare, pension, residential welfare, and end-of-life needs. Over a decade since the system’s implementation, the Jogye Order has achieved notable progress towards achieving the Monastic Welfare Act’s aims. However, while the order has stabilized medical coverage for its clergy, there remain considerable gaps in its provisions for income and housing for elderly monastics. This article surveys the Jogye Order’s efforts to establish systemic care for its elderly monastics, with a particular focus on the Jogye Order’s 2011 Monastic Welfare Act and subsequent activities of the Monastic Welfare Society. It then critically examines the current state of eldercare within the order, along with its strengths and weakness, before engaging in a comparative discussion regarding the clerical eldercare and welfare systems provided by both the Korean Catholic Church and the Thai Buddhist community. Full article

This study examines the mural paintings of the Chapter House of the Monastery of Santa Catalina in Cusco within the context of Andean colonial architecture, aiming to analyze their iconography as a symbolic and theological resource. A qualitative methodology was employed, based on iconographic analysis according to Erwin Panofsky’s theory, complemented by documentary review, photographic recording, and thematic categorization of the pictorial elements. The results reveal that the paintings not only decorate but also structure a visual theological discourse representing the spiritual transition of the soul from the mundane to the divine through scenes such as penance, ascetic life, redemption, and glorification. This mural narrative, primarily directed at the female religious community of the convent, integrates European and indigenous motifs, hagiographical figures, Trinitarian allegories, and ornamental symbolism that reinforces the spirituality of the monastic space. It is concluded that these representations do not solely serve catechetical purposes but configure a symbolic architecture of contemplation and spiritual formation that visually articulates the doctrinal principles of the Christian tradition through a pictorial language coherent with Andean Baroque. Full article

Monastic life presents a contrast to many aspects of modern existence (the rule of ideology, consumerism, various forms of negativity, dominance of the virtual, forgetfulness). The following essay explores this contrast and its presence throughout the long history of monasticism, with a focus on early Northern and Western monasticism on the one hand, and the modern Benedictine tradition on the other. The counter-cultural dimensions of monastic life range from special landscapes and sacred space to the function of time, and from the transcendental role of prayer to the earthy nature of hard work. Not only do the traditions of monastic scholarship and the books gathered in monastic libraries help preserve the memory and reinforce the special counter-culture of monasteries, but the monasteries remain to this day places of healing and sources of hope. The poem “Pilgrimage” composed in 1929 by Austin Clarke captures the character of monastic life not only as something contrary, but as an essential way of life, which has survived from the founding of medieval Clonmacnoise up until today. Full article

In the past sixty years the institutions of religious life (perhaps now more broadly and accurately named “consecrated life”) within the Roman Catholic world have experienced something of a crisis. In the midst of this crisis, many have called for a rethinking of the meaning and practice of consecrated life. During this same period, Protestants have grown ever more interested in forms of committed Christian living appropriate to their own traditions. Furthermore, there is indication that changes in the socio-economic conditions surrounding “Non-Western” monastic traditions are giving rise to a degree of rethinking within their circles. In this article I trace what I identify as a “call”—an accumulating expression of the need for an ecumenical theology of consecrated life for the 21st century—through writings published largely within the past sixty years. I review developments in thought and practice from each tradition in turn. Ultimately, I conclude that there is, in fact, a need for some kind of formal ecumenical and interdisciplinary reflection on the meaning of consecrated life, reflection that has remained incomplete at best for five hundred years. Full article

This study explores spiritual resilience as a mechanism for sustaining cultural landscapes, focusing on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Studenica Monastery (Serbia). By analysing the monastery’s sacred network, which includes monasteries, hermitages, and churches, the study demonstrates how material heritage (architecture, art), intangible practices (monastic life, liturgy, traditional crafts), and the natural environment (UNESCO MaB Golija–Studenica Biosphere Reserve) form a cohesive system of resilience. The concept of spiritual resilience is examined as a dynamic process that links sacred architectural structures and enduring religious practices with authentic land use preserved over centuries. We have utilised a methodological framework combining historical mapping, GIS viewshed analysis in spatial planning, and multidisciplinary data synthesis (historical, architectural, artistic, ecological, ethnographic) with resilience indicators aligned with the UNESCO’s Cultural Landscape approach. The findings reveal that Studenica’s sacred network operates as a coupled socio-ecological system. Spiritual practices, including annual processions and land stewardship rituals, have been identified as key factors in enhancing biodiversity conservation while mitigating land-use conflicts. Historical mapping has been used to highlight the overlap between sacred sites and protected ecological zones, reflecting traditional stewardship practices. By reframing heritage as an adaptive process where spirituality serves as a conduit between tradition and innovation, the study proposes replicable strategies for UNESCO sites worldwide. The concept of sacred landscapes as resilience hubs is furthered by alignment with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Full article

The Inferno highlights many categories of sins and varieties of pains yet it has another unifying theme. From the earliest descriptions of Christian monastic discipline to the Benedictine Rule and beyond, “inner death” inspired contemplatives to confront the hell that awaits them if they succumb to pride, give way to sloth (acedia), or lack humility. Scholastic theologians (e.g., Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure) developed the notion, and mendicant preachers brought it to laypeople like Dante Alighieri. Inner death has ironic force in the Inferno because it contradicts the inscription on the gates of hell: “Abandon all hope you who enter”. Yes, one must abandon all hope upon entering hell unless, through the cultivation of inner death, one does so “nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita” (midway in the journey of our life—Singleton), while alive. Here is the irony; here is inner death. If living persons contemplate the consequences in hell of their faults in life, they transcend them and escape. Full article

This article is an attempt to analyse how monastic communities are presented in the latest Russian cinematography. It is an issue that has not been well researched so far, because scholars tend to focus primarily on broadly understood religious films. Considering the achievements of the last 25 years, two selected films were analysed in terms of the aforementioned themes, both at the level of visual and verbal representations, as well as at the level of interpretation. In addition, the attitude of the Russian Orthodox Church to individual visions of the artists was taken into account. The research results indicate that one can identify the most popular motifs in films about monastic life. Moreover, the monastery itself most often becomes a place of refuge and at the same time a place of transformation for the heroes. In recent years, the Russian Orthodox Church has had a significant impact on artists’ visions. Full article

In Hungary, the monastic orders were dissolved in 1950 during the harshest communist dictatorship. A total of 11,538 people were affected by the ban. The consequences of the dissolution of the monastic orders not only affected the people who were directly involved but also practically the whole society. The orders had an important role on the education, society and culture of the country, and their banning for ideological reasons had enormous consequences. The question is how dissolved monks and nuns managed to integrate into a society where they were marginalized. Through the life story of a nun, named Speravia (1914–2009), I present the behavioral patterns which helped to survive the persecution of religion during communism and then in socialism. I found that she maintained her religious identity through change and resilient means. Identity maintenance in modern society is a dynamic process in which there is room for change through constant adaptation to the environment. Her obedience was transformed into accommodation to the political system by making deals with the system. This behavior can be called resilience. Resilient behavior is characterized by both resistance and accommodation. To do this, she had to be active and have the support of her environment. In this study, I used the principles of Grounded Theory, which is a specific content analysis method. I analyzed the interview using the Grounded Theory approach, at least some of its techniques. I coded some parts of the interview line by line and other parts only as units of thought. Then, I aggregated the codes and I formulated categories. After this process, I compared the meanings of the categories and it became clear to me that my interviewee’s behavior could be understood as resilient. This is why I emphasized the role of resilience in identity maintenance in the title of the study. My conclusion is that while Sperávia flexibly adapted to the new political system, she could also preserve her identity as a nun. I call this survival strategy religious resilience. Full article

Master Chao Kung 照空 (Ignatius Trebitsch Lincoln, 1879–1943), who asserted to be the first European to undergo monastic ordination in China, possessed a multifaceted identity. According to the Chinese newspapers of the 1930s, Master Chao Kung was documented simultaneously as a clergyman, a British Parliamentarian, and a German spy before he transitioned into monastic life. Throughout his activities as a monk in China, Chao Kung garnered significant attention from both the public and the domestic Buddhist community and frequently engaged in matters concerning Japan and Tibet, where he elicited mixed evaluations. This paper endeavors to scrutinize Chao Kung’s monastic journey during his residence in China based on an array of historical sources, to analyze the distinctiveness of his role and its impact on Chinese Buddhism as well as on the global Buddhist network, by situating it within the broader framework of the globalization of Buddhism in the modern era and the context of the intricate political dynamics of the Republican period. Full article

This article delves into the perception of monastics from Larung Gar Buddhist Academy of Western China concerning the intertwining relationship between Buddhism and science, along with the impact of this perception on their worldview and life trajectory. Many monastics at Larung Gar Buddhist Academy initially held a high regard for science, dismissing Buddhism as superstition. However, upon gaining a comprehensive understanding of Buddhism through various opportunities, they came to believe that certain tenets of Buddhism are compatible with science, even suggesting that Buddhism could address some of the methodological and epistemological limitations of science and offer solutions to some issues that science is unable to resolve. This ultimately led them to embrace Buddhism and renounce worldly life. This study employs a case study to investigate the understanding of the relationship between Buddhism and science amongst the general public in contemporary China, an area underexplored by previous scholarship that predominantly concentrated on the philosophical scrutiny of the apologetic discourses towards the reconciliation between Buddhism and science of influential Buddhist ascetics and lay practitioners. Also, this study endeavors to demonstrate that despite the ongoing secularization of contemporary Chinese Buddhism in the “public sphere”, within the “private sphere” of Chinese Buddhism, there remain individuals who are pursuing the religious, sacred, and transcendental dimensions of Buddhism. Full article