5 Easy Steps to Join a Monastery

Embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment by immersing yourself in the hallowed halls of a monastery. With its serene atmosphere, ancient rituals, and dedicated community, monastic life offers an unparalleled opportunity for introspection and connection to the divine.

The path to joining a monastery is not without its challenges and considerations. Before embarking on this sacred undertaking, it is essential to thoroughly research different monastic orders and discern which one aligns best with your beliefs and aspirations. Consider the specific rules, vows, and lifestyle associated with each order to ensure a harmonious fit.

Whether you are seeking a temporary retreat or a lifelong commitment, approaching a monastery with humility and respect is paramount. Reach out to the monastery’s abbot or abbess to inquire about their admissions process, which may involve a period of discernment or a formal application. Be prepared to share your motivations, spiritual experiences, and any relevant life experiences that may support your request.

Understanding the Process of Joining a Monastery

Joining a monastery is a multifaceted process that requires a deep understanding of monastic life, spiritual commitment, and practical considerations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the key steps:

Initial Inquiries and Discernment

The initial step involves exploring your spiritual inclinations, deepening your understanding of monasticism, and discerning whether it is the right path for you. This can include:

Visiting monasteries: Spending time in monastic environments can provide valuable insights into the lifestyle and practices.
Dialoguing with monks and nuns: Engaging in meaningful conversations with those already living the monastic life can offer invaluable guidance.
Attending retreats and workshops: Participating in organized activities focused on exploring monastic vocations can foster deeper self-reflection and discernment.
Reading about monasticism: Delving into books, articles, and online resources on monastic history, spirituality, and practices can enhance your understanding.
Prayer and contemplation: Spending quiet time in prayer and meditation can help you connect with your inner voice and seek divine guidance.

Identifying Different Types of Monasteries

Monasteries come in various forms, each with its unique set of rules, traditions, and practices. Here are some common types of monasteries:

Christian Monasteries

Christian monasteries are typically associated with the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican faiths. They may be either monastic orders (such as the Benedictines or Franciscans) or independent communities of monks or nuns living under a common rule.

Buddhist Monasteries

Buddhist monasteries are found in various traditions, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. They typically house monks and nuns who follow the teachings of the Buddha. Buddhist monasteries may also serve as centers for meditation, study, and pilgrimage.

Hindu Monasteries

Hindu monasteries, known as ashrams or mathas, are places where monks and nuns live and practice their faith. They may follow specific philosophies or teachings within Hinduism, such as Advaita Vedanta or Vaishnavism.

Interfaith Monasteries

Interfaith monasteries bring together people from different religious backgrounds to live and practice their spirituality gemeinsam. They may explore commonalities between faiths and promote interfaith dialogue.

Other Types of Monasteries

In addition to the main types listed above, there are also monasteries associated with other religious or spiritual traditions, such as Taoist monasteries, Sufi monasteries, and Zen monasteries.

Type of Monastery	Associated Religion	Monastic Order
Christian	Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican	Benedictines, Franciscans
Buddhist	Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana	N/A
Hindu	Advaita Vedanta, Vaishnavism	N/A
Interfaith	Various	N/A

Preparing Yourself for a Monastic Life

Embracing monastic life requires a thorough preparation to ensure suitability and readiness. Here are some crucial steps to undertake:

Assess Your Motives and Beliefs

Reflect deeply on your reasons for seeking monasticism. Examine your spiritual aspirations, beliefs, and values to ascertain if they align with the monastic lifestyle.

Familiarize Yourself with Monasticism

Read books, articles, and visit monasteries to gain insights into the monastic community, rules, and practices. Attend retreats or workshops to experience monastic life firsthand.

Seek Spiritual Guidance

Discuss your intentions with a spiritual director, priest, or experienced monastic to gain guidance and support. They can provide valuable advice, clarify expectations, and help you discern if monasticism is the right path for you.

Cultivate Discipline and Humility

Practice self-discipline in your daily life by observing regular prayer times, engaging in meditation, and adhering to a structured routine. Develop humility by recognizing your limitations and being open to learning from others.

Develop Patience and Perseverance

The monastic journey is often challenging and requires patience and perseverance. Accept that growth and transformation take time, and be willing to endure difficulties with grace and resilience.

Learn Basic Skills

Depending on the monastery, you may need to acquire basic skills such as cooking, cleaning, gardening, or woodworking. These practical abilities contribute to the smooth functioning of the community.

Submitting an Application

Begin the application process by thoroughly reading the monastery’s website and any available application materials to gather essential information. Familiarize yourself with the community’s values, rules, and daily life. After reviewing the requirements, prepare a thoughtful personal statement that highlights your motivations, beliefs, and why you’re drawn to the monastic life. Consider including details about your spiritual journey, life experiences, and any relevant skills or qualifications.

Initiating Contact

Once you’ve drafted your application, initiate contact with the monastery through the designated channels, typically either via mail or email. Be respectful and professional in your communication, introducing yourself and expressing your interest in joining the community. Briefly summarize your qualifications and motivations, and inquire about any additional steps or information required in the application process.

Contact Etiquette

Adhere to proper etiquette when contacting the monastery. Use formal language and maintain a respectful tone. Avoid sending multiple emails or letters within a short time frame. Allow the monastery ample time to respond and be patient during the application and discernment process. Remember that monasteries receive numerous inquiries, so it may take time for your application to be reviewed.

Proper Etiquette	Unprofessional Etiquette
Formal language and respectful tone	Casual or slang language
Single initial email or letter	Multiple emails or letters in quick succession
Allow ample time for response	Repeated inquiries within a short period

Undergoing a Period of Discernment

Discernment is a crucial stage in the journey towards monastic life. This period allows you to explore your vocation, assess your motivations, and determine if the monastic path is right for you. It typically involves:

1. Exploratory Visits

Visiting various monasteries to observe their daily routines, meet the monks, and ask questions.

2. Spiritual Direction

Seeking guidance from a spiritual director who can provide support and insights.

3. Retreats

Attending short-term silent retreats to deepen your spiritual awareness and connect with your inner self.

4. Integration of Monastic Practices

Participating in monastic practices, such as meditation, prayer, and manual labor, to experience the lifestyle firsthand.

5. Extended Stay

Spending an extended period (typically several months or years) at a monastery as a “postulant” or “novice” to fully immerse yourself in the community and its way of life. This involves living in the monastery, following the daily schedule, and participating in monastic activities. It provides a deeper understanding of the monastic vocation and helps you discern whether it is a suitable path for you.

Phase	Duration	Purpose
Explorations	Varies	Initial contact, observation, and inquiry
Extended Stay	Months/Years	Immersive experience, discernment
Discernment	Ongoing	Reflection, dialogue, and guidance

Entering the Monastic Community as a Postulant

The journey to joining a monastic community begins with a period of discernment as a postulant. This is a time for aspirants to immerse themselves in the religious practices, daily routines, and spiritual teachings of the monastery. Postulants are typically encouraged to participate in the community’s liturgical life, engage in prayer and meditation, and engage in manual labor. The following steps outline the process of becoming a postulant:

Contact the Monastery

Reach out to the monastery you are interested in and express your desire to become a postulant. Provide them with basic biographical information and a brief statement of your reasons for seeking monastic life.
Visit the Monastery

Arrange a visit to the monastery to experience the community firsthand. Participate in the daily services, meet with the monks or nuns, and observe the rhythm of monastic life.
Apply for Postulancy

Submit a formal application to the monastery, including letters of reference and a personal statement. The application will be reviewed by the abbot or abbess and the community.
Acceptance as a Postulant

If your application is accepted, you will be invited to enter the monastery as a postulant for a specified period, usually ranging from six months to a year.
Orientation and Immersion

During the postulancy, you will be guided by a mentor and participate in a structured program of instruction in the monastic tradition, spirituality, and practices.
Discernment and Evaluation

This period allows both the postulant and the community to discern whether the monastic life is a suitable path for the individual. The postulant will be evaluated based on their commitment, spiritual progress, and compatibility with the community.

Milestone	Timeline
Contact the Monastery	Varies
Visit the Monastery	Typically a few days to a week
Application Review	1-2 months
Acceptance as a Postulant	Formal ceremony
Period of Postulancy	6 months to 1 year

Making a Temporary Commitment as a Novice

As a novice, you will enter the monastery for a trial period before making a permanent commitment. This period typically lasts one to two years and is intended to allow you to experience monastic life firsthand and discern whether it is the right path for you.

During your novitiate, you will live in the monastery under the guidance of a novice master. You will participate in the daily life of the community, including prayer, work, and study. You will also have opportunities to meet with the abbot or abbess and other members of the community to discuss your progress and ask questions.

At the end of your novitiate, you will make a temporary commitment to the monastery. This commitment is usually for a period of three to five years. During this time, you will continue to live in the monastery and participate in the community’s life. You will also be given more responsibilities and opportunities for leadership.

After completing your temporary commitment, you will be eligible to make a permanent commitment to the monastery. This commitment is for life and involves taking the monastic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Phase	Duration	Purpose
Postulancy	1-2 years	To discern monastic life
Novitiate	1-2 years	To experience monastic life firsthand
Temporary Commitment	3-5 years	To continue living in the monastery and participate in the community’s life
Permanent Commitment	Life	To take the monastic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience

Taking Solemn Vows

Solemn vows are the final vows taken by monks or nuns, and they mark the completion of their formation. These vows are typically taken after a period of several years of training and discernment and are a lifelong commitment to the monastic community. The vows include:

Stability: A vow to remain in the same monastery for the rest of one’s life.
Conversion of Life: A vow to live according to the Rule of the Order.
Obedience: A vow to obey the abbot or abbess and other superiors.

Becoming a Professed Monk or Nun

Becoming a professed monk or nun is a process that typically takes several years. It begins with a period of postulancy, during which the candidate lives in the monastery and is introduced to the monastic way of life. After a year or two of postulancy, the candidate may be admitted to the novitiate, a period of more intensive training and formation.

At the end of the novitiate, the novice makes temporary vows and becomes a professed monk or nun. These temporary vows are typically taken for a period of three to five years, after which the monk or nun may make solemn vows.

Step	Description
Postulancy	A period of introduction to the monastic way of life.
Novitiate	A period of more intensive training and formation.
Temporary Vows	Vows taken for a period of three to five years.
Solemn Vows	Lifelong vows of stability, conversion of life, and obedience.

Preparation for a Monastic Life

Before applying to a monastery, it’s crucial to thoroughly research and prepare. Visit monasteries, attend monastic retreats, and engage in spiritual practices that align with the monastic way of life.

Discernment and Application

Discernment is essential to determine if the monastic life is right for you. Engage in prayer, meditation, and consultation with spiritual advisors to make an informed decision. Once you feel called, apply to the desired monastery and provide all necessary information.

Postulancy and Novitiate

Postulancy is a period of exploration and testing. You will live in the monastery and participate in daily routines, while deepening your understanding of monastic life and the community. After postulancy, you may enter the novitiate, a more formal stage of formation and training.

Profession and Ongoing Formation

Upon completion of the novitiate, you will make a temporary profession of vows. This is followed by ongoing formation and study, which may include theological and spiritual education, as well as practical training in monastic skills.

Sustaining a Monastic Community

Monasteries rely on the support of the community to thrive. Consider making financial contributions, volunteering your skills, or participating in prayer groups to sustain the monastic way of life.

Tips for Success in Monastic Life

1. Embrace Humility and Obedience

Monastery life requires humility and a willingness to follow the authority of the community and spiritual leaders.

2. Cultivate Patience and Perseverance

Monastic life is a journey of gradual transformation. Be patient with yourself and others, and persevere through challenges.

3. Develop a Strong Prayer Life

Prayer is the cornerstone of monastic life. Establish a regular prayer practice and seek spiritual guidance when needed.

4. Practice Community and Solitude

Monasteries balance solitude and community. Learn to appreciate both aspects and foster healthy relationships with fellow monastics.

5. Embody Discipline and Structure

Monastic life is characterized by discipline and structure. Adhere to the community’s rules and schedule to support your spiritual growth.

6. Engage in Meaningful Work

Monasteries often engage in various tasks, such as farming, crafts, or education. Find meaningful work that aligns with your interests and contributes to the community’s well-being.

7. Seek Spiritual Guidance

Seek guidance from experienced monastics, spiritual directors, or therapists to support your spiritual journey and address any challenges.

8.Embrace Simplicity and Renunciation

Monastery life involves renunciation of material possessions and distractions. Practice simplicity and contentment, focusing on your spiritual development.

9. Understand the Monastic Vows

The monastic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience are central to monastic life. Fully comprehend their meaning and implications before making a lifelong commitment.

Alternatives to Joining a Monastery

While joining a monastery may be a suitable path for some, it’s important to consider alternatives that can provide similar spiritual fulfillment without the strict commitment of monastic life.

1. Lay Associations and Benedictine Oblates

Lay associations are communities of non-monastic individuals who live according to the principles of a particular monastic order. Benedictine Oblates, for example, follow the Rule of Saint Benedict while living independently in the world.

2. Spiritual Retreats and Workshops

Attending spiritual retreats or workshops can provide an immersive experience of monastic life without the long-term commitment. These events typically involve meditation, contemplation, and spiritual guidance.

3. Daily Practice and Prayer

Incorporating daily prayer, meditation, and spiritual study into one’s life can create a monastic-like atmosphere within the context of daily life.

4. Spiritual Direction

Seeking guidance from a spiritual director can provide support and direction in developing one’s spiritual practice and deepening one’s connection to the divine.

5. Community Service and Outreach

Engaging in compassionate service and volunteer work can cultivate the same virtues of compassion, humility, and service that are central to monastic life.

6. Interfaith Dialogue and Religious Studies

Exploring different religious traditions and participating in interfaith dialogue can deepen one’s understanding of spirituality and foster a broader perspective.

7. Academic or Theological Study

Pursuing academic or theological studies related to monasticism or spirituality can provide intellectual insights and a deeper appreciation for the monastic tradition.

8. Nature and Wilderness Immersion

Spending time in nature and engaging in wilderness activities, such as hiking or camping, can provide a solitary and contemplative experience akin to monastic retreats.

9. Creative Expression

Expressing one’s spirituality through creative pursuits, such as writing, music, or art, can be a meaningful alternative to traditional monastic practices.

10. Living in Intentionally Spiritual Communities

Joining or creating a community that shares similar spiritual values and practices can provide support and a sense of purpose similar to monastic life, while allowing for greater freedom and flexibility.

How to Join a Monastery

Joining a monastery is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly. It is a commitment to a life of service, solitude, and contemplation. If you are considering joining a monastery, it is important to do your research and to understand the requirements and expectations of monastic life.

The first step in joining a monastery is to contact the monastery’s abbot or abbess. They will be able to provide you with information about the monastery’s history, traditions, and requirements for membership. You may also be invited to visit the monastery and to meet with some of the monks or nuns.

If you are interested in joining a monastery, you will need to submit an application. The application will typically include information about your personal history, your reasons for wanting to join the monastery, and your spiritual beliefs. You may also be asked to provide letters of recommendation from people who know you well.

Once your application has been accepted, you will be invited to enter the monastery as a novice. As a novice, you will learn about the monastery’s rules and traditions and begin to participate in the daily life of the community. After a period of time as a novice, you may be invited to take vows as a monk or nun.