Who Is A Monk?

I just started reading The New Monasticism: An Interspiritual Manifesto for Contemplative Life by Rory McEntee and Adam Bucko. I’ll post more while I work my way through this very thought provoking book. 

McEntee and Bucko list what they have come to believe are the "Nine Vows of the New Monastic".

 

The Nine Vows of the New Monastic:

    - I vow to actualize and live according to my full moral and ethical capacity.

    - I vow to live in solidarity with the cosmos and all living beings.

    - I vow to live in deep nonviolence.

    - I vow to live in humility and to remember the many teachers and guides who assisted me on my spiritual path.

    - I vow to embrace a daily spiritual practice.

    - I vow to cultivate mature self-knowledge.

    - I vow to live a life of simplicity.

    - I vow to live a life of selfless service and compassionate action.

    - I vow to be a prophetic voice as I work for justice, compassion and world transformation.

 This quote by Brother David Steindl-Rast really spoke to me…

“Who is a monk? If the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning is God, you are a monk!”

Peace, Love & Light!

Kevin (Cloud)