The inspirational work that has been guiding Benedictine monks for fifteen centuries Founder of a monastery at Monte Cassino, between Rome and Naples, in the sixth century, St Benedict intended his Rule to be a practical guide to Christian monastic life. Based on the key precepts of humility, obedience and love, its aim is to create a harmonious and efficient religious community in which individuals can make progress in the Christian virtues and gain eternal life. Here, Benedict sets out ideal monastery routines and regulations, from the qualities of a good abbot, the twelve steps to humility and the value of silence to such every day matters as kitchen duties, care of the sick and the suitable punishment for lateness at mealtimes. Benedict's legacy is still strong - his Rule remains a source of inspiration and a key work in the history of the Christian church. Carolinne White's accessible translation is accompanied by an introduction discussing Benedict's teachings, what is known of his life, and the influence and spread of his Rule. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Benedictus Cassinensis

Penguin Classics; Penguin

Ladybird Books Ltd

Penguin Books Ltd

United Kingdom and Ireland, United Kingdom

March 25, 2008

Penguin Classics

<p class="null1">The single most important document on monastic life that helped to shape Western society</p>
<p>Composed in Italy around 530 AD but based on earlier compilations, <i>The Rule of St Benedict</i> has been the defining guide to daily prayer and work for Benedictine communities for fifteen centuries. <i>The Rule</i> also embodies the idea of a written constitution, authority limited by law and under the law, and the right of the ruled to review the legality of their superiors' actions-ideas at the heart of the West's most treasured civic institutions. This is a fundamental contribution to the tradition of simple living that continues to experience a renaissance.</p>

The defining guide to daily prayer and work for Benedictine communities for fifteen centuries sets out ideal monastery routines and regulations, from kitchen duties and care of the sick, to the qualities of a good abbot and the value of silence

Filled with eloquence and fresh insight, encouragement and solace, St Benedict's rules of obedience, humility and contemplation will be ideal reading for all those seeking a more substantive understanding of mankind's relation to the divine

2024-03-29