An organization of ideas for a monastic Rule.
(Image description: A photo of a white quill in a small, dark inkpot with a rolled up piece of parchment next to it. They are positioned in a softly lit black background.) Credit: Mushki Brichta – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59282797
With this entry, I’m circling back to the topic of making a monastic Rule. My initial efforts had fallen to the wayside, and I would like to return to creating one. However, I think that writing an outline of sorts (or you could consider it a questionnaire) could help with fleshing out what I want out of a Rule. Additionally, it could also serve as an example for other monastics who want to make their own.
I still plan to take inspiration from Clann Bhríde’s nine Touchstones and other available Rules. You can create your own Rules based on what’s suitable to your life and the relationships you have with your deities, ancestors, or other Holy Powers.
As always, Polytheistic Monasticism is in its early days, and there are only a few path-specific Rules out there. Do your own thing.
Beliefs (if applicable)
What are the important beliefs within your practice? Are they flexible enough to evolve as your practice does?
Daily
How many prayer sets are done and when?
If applicable, when are offerings given? What kind of offerings are appropriate?
What other activities besides prayer and work are done? These can include meditation, projects, and physical recreation.
Weekly/Monthly
What tasks need to be handled on a weekly or monthly basis? As a personal example, flamekeeping would fall under this category.
Seasonal
What festivals and holidays are celebrated?
Are there any vow renewals during a festival? What does this entail?
Attire
What sort of garments are required or feel appropriate during devotions?
Spiritual Tenets
What sort of morals, ethics, or virtues are important in your path and devotion? To name a few, simplicity, joy, justice, compassion, and creativity.
Monastic Work
What does this monastic job relate to and how does it relate back to the spiritual tenets? Some examples could include academic research, financial support, and land tending (these can overlap).
These aspects are ones that initially came to mind. There could possibly be more, and I can add them on as needed. For now, they will work as more concrete concepts through which I can shape my Rule.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions about the subject, please feel free to add them in the comments.
Best wishes with creating your own Rules!
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