"A commentary on parts of the Rule of St. Benedict (prologue and chapters 53, 58, 72, and 73)"--Provided by publisher.

For all who are on a spiritual journey or starting out on a search for meaning in their lives, there is a vast array of competing belief systems, therapies, and guides available. Above the noise and clamor of this busy marketplace, a centuries-old voice speaks words of invitation: Who is there with a love of true life and a longing for days of real fulfillment? If you should hear that call and answer 'I, ' this is the answer that you will receive from God. . . . So begins the ancient Rule of St. Benedict, written fifteen hundred years ago as a simple manual for monks living in community together. Because of its gentle wisdom, realism, and depth, the Rule has always stretched beyond the walls of monasteries. Today, growing numbers of men and women are discovering that it can teach them something invaluable about themselves and how to live meaningful lives. Wisdom from the Monastery contains a contemporary translation of the Rule of St. Benedict and short reflections on the seven basic elements of Benedictine spirituality that are a tried and true recipe for healthy, balanced, and purposeful living. An ideal place to begin a lifetime of exploration and discovery, Wisdom from the Monastery is an excerpt from The Benedictine Handbook, also available from Liturgical Press.

Intro -- Titlepage -- Copyright -- Contents -- Preface -- Chapter 4: The Instruments of Good Works -- Chapter 5: On Obedience -- Chapter 6: On Keeping Silent -- Chapter 7: About Humility -- Conclusion -- List of Abbreviations -- Bibliographies -- I. Editions of the Rule of Benedict and of the Rule of the Master -- II. Patristic and Monastic Texts -- III. Secondary Sources and Studies

The Rule of St. Benedict forms the foundation for one of the oldest ongoing institutions in all of Western civilization. The Rule not only defines life for men and women in monasteries but has also become central to the spirituality of lay Christians across the globe. This gender-neutral translation is true to the original text but provides an alternative for individuals and groups who prefer such a version over the masculine language of the original as it was written for St. Benedict’s monks. See also version with daily commentary by Judith Sutera, OSB

In Conversations with Saint Benedict, renowned Benedictine scholar Terrence Kardong considers the interface between the Rule of Benedict and contemporary culture. In several of the chapters, Kardong considers several aspects of modern culture that he considers worrisome, and he tries to look at them in the light of the Rule. In other chapters, he takes up specific aspects of the Rule itself that he finds difficult to deal with. The book, then, is a kind of dialectic, which does not shrink from criticizing both our culture and Benedict's own ideas.

This reflective commentary explores the Rule of St Benedict from the perspective of someone whose life and faith has been shaped by its gentle wisdom and realism. Its approach is personal and contemplative; it is written for all who seek to deepen their Christian understanding and discipleship.

Inspired by the words of the Rule, each prayer and reflection in this collection is prefaced by an excerpt from one of the Rule's 73 chapters, and then explores the Benedictine themes of humility, prayer, community, compassion, justice, hospitality, moderation, and reverence. (Catholic)