Monasticism

Term Paper Title	Monasticism
# of Words	305
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	1.22

Monasticism

Monasticism, also commonly called monachism, is a special form of religious
community life where the people separate themselves from normal the ways of life
to pursue an idea of perfection or a higher religious experience. Monasticism
entails Asceticism, the practice of disciplined self-denial. This asceticism may
include fasting, silence, a prohibition against personal ownership, and an
acceptance of bodily discomfort. It usually includes poverty, celibacy, and
obedience to a spiritual leader. The goal of such practices is usually a more
intense relationship with God, some type of personal enlightenment, or the
service of God through prayer, meditation, or good works such as teaching or
nursing.

The word monasticism originates from the Greek word "monos" meaning
alone; the early Christian monastic people, or hermits, were called the
"ones that lived alone" because they went into the desert alone to
live a life of solitude. Both men and women practiced monasticism. The men were
called monks and lived in monasteries. The women were called nuns and...

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