Monastic Life Across Religions: MONKS, NUNS, AND ASCETICS (Withdrawal from the world) (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798269369891)

MONASTIC LIFE ACROSS RELIGIONS
Monks, Nuns, and Ascetics - Withdrawal from the World, Devotion Beyond Borders

Explore the spiritual heart of global religions through the lives of those who step away from worldly pursuits to seek deeper truths. From the quiet halls of Christian monasteries to the remote Himalayan hermitages of Buddhist monks, this guide delves into the diverse expressions of monastic life across cultures and faiths.

Whether you're a student of religion, a seeker of wisdom, or simply curious about how different traditions interpret withdrawal, discipline, and devotion, this comprehensive guide reveals the shared patterns and unique expressions of monastic practice-from Christian Benedictines and Hindu sadhus to Sufi dervishes and Jain renunciates.

Inside this guide, you'll explore:

• Core concepts of monasticism in Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Islam (Sufism), and other traditions

• Daily rhythms and spiritual disciplines - meditation, prayer, fasting, silence, and service

• Famous monastic communities and sacred sites around the world

• The role of gender in monastic life - monks, nuns, and the evolution of female spiritual authority

• Modern expressions of monasticism, including urban monasteries, digital retreats, and interfaith movements

• Historical evolution - from ancient ascetics to contemporary spiritual seekers

• Challenges and controversies - power, politics, and the struggle for reform

Whether you're visiting a Zen temple in Japan or reading the Desert Fathers in the silence of your room, Monastic Life Across Religions offers a thoughtful, engaging lens into the profound human quest for transcendence, simplicity, and spiritual meaning.