Benedictine Core Values
Silence
It can be a form of meditation in the middle of our active daylight and night time, allowing the Holy Spirit within us to recognize and communicate with God. Through silence, it intoxifies our mind and body from all the stress we get in our everyday busy environment. But a moment of silence helps us to relax and rest to make us feel comfortable and rejuvenated. Also, in silence, we could pray and communicate with God. Benedictine value of silence stands in perhaps the greatest contrast to our culture. It is a value which says we can spend time with and give attention to things. The Benedictine lifestyle is a contemplative lifestyle. It is an attitude of openness, making space in our lives for God to enter in and fill us. The silence of the Benedictine lifestyle is a quietness of heart and mind and spirit.
It can be a form of meditation in the middle of our active daylight and night time, allowing the Holy Spirit within us to recognize and communicate with God. Through silence, it intoxifies our mind and body from all the stress we get in our everyday busy environment. But a moment of silence helps us to relax and rest to make us feel comfortable and rejuvenated. Also, in silence, we could pray and communicate with God. Benedictine value of silence stands in perhaps the greatest contrast to our culture. It is a value which says we can spend time with and give attention to things. The Benedictine lifestyle is a contemplative lifestyle. It is an attitude of openness, making space in our lives for God to enter in and fill us. The silence of the Benedictine lifestyle is a quietness of heart and mind and spirit.
Prayer
it is something that should always be present and done as we live our lives in this world. With prayer we are able to communicate with God, thank Him, ask for guidance, forgiveness and praise Him for His unconditional love and bountiful blessings he showers upon us. Isn’t it because we don’t’ pray that we always forget the things we need to do to help us live the good and happy life He has given. St. Benedict directs that nothing is to be preferred to prayer. This daily experience of prayer is supported and deepened by individual spiritual reading, a practice that Benedictines call by its Latin name, lectio divino. Lectio divina is the slow meditative reading of Scriptures and other sacred texts with the intention of discerning how God is at work right now in the world and calling within the individual’s own heart. For a monastic, the daily movement between common liturgical prayer and lectio divino opens up new space within where qualities and virtues such as compassion, integrity and courage can develop and grow strong. We should always remember the five things with Benedictine prayer. It should be regular, scripturally based, reflective meaning we have to reflect on the scriptures, should universal addressing others too not just ourselves, and lastly should be communal.
it is something that should always be present and done as we live our lives in this world. With prayer we are able to communicate with God, thank Him, ask for guidance, forgiveness and praise Him for His unconditional love and bountiful blessings he showers upon us. Isn’t it because we don’t’ pray that we always forget the things we need to do to help us live the good and happy life He has given. St. Benedict directs that nothing is to be preferred to prayer. This daily experience of prayer is supported and deepened by individual spiritual reading, a practice that Benedictines call by its Latin name, lectio divino. Lectio divina is the slow meditative reading of Scriptures and other sacred texts with the intention of discerning how God is at work right now in the world and calling within the individual’s own heart. For a monastic, the daily movement between common liturgical prayer and lectio divino opens up new space within where qualities and virtues such as compassion, integrity and courage can develop and grow strong. We should always remember the five things with Benedictine prayer. It should be regular, scripturally based, reflective meaning we have to reflect on the scriptures, should universal addressing others too not just ourselves, and lastly should be communal.
Obedience
Samuel 15:22 says, When we come to the place that we can say "Thy will be done in me", that is obedience. Benedictine life is unthinkable without obedience, a value that cuts against the grain of much in contemporary life. It is often forgotten that the root of the word obedience is found in audire, “to listen.” When St. Benedict begins the Rule with the exhortation “Listen,” he emphasises the stance of obedience required of all who seek wisdom. He asks for obedience not only to the spiritual head of the monastery, but to the other members of the community (RB 7i:l-2). Each has something of value to say about true fullness of life. For the monastic, obedience is putting into practice what is learned by listening to the other “with the ear of the heart”. Centuries of Benedictine experience show that such listening requires a willingness to submit to imperatives outside of the self, something that is never easy to do, but that is deeply rewarding.
Samuel 15:22 says, When we come to the place that we can say "Thy will be done in me", that is obedience. Benedictine life is unthinkable without obedience, a value that cuts against the grain of much in contemporary life. It is often forgotten that the root of the word obedience is found in audire, “to listen.” When St. Benedict begins the Rule with the exhortation “Listen,” he emphasises the stance of obedience required of all who seek wisdom. He asks for obedience not only to the spiritual head of the monastery, but to the other members of the community (RB 7i:l-2). Each has something of value to say about true fullness of life. For the monastic, obedience is putting into practice what is learned by listening to the other “with the ear of the heart”. Centuries of Benedictine experience show that such listening requires a willingness to submit to imperatives outside of the self, something that is never easy to do, but that is deeply rewarding.
Stewardship
To appreciate and to care lovingly for all the goods of this place.
"Regard all utensils as if they were the sacred vessels of the altar." At its core the Rule seeks to foster a fundamental reverence toward the creation that God has made. St. Benedict exhorts his followers to regard all the tools and goods of the monastery as the sacred vessels of the altar. Benedictine monastics do not simply use up what has been given to them, nor do they aim to live in poverty. Instead, they prize good stewardship, the respectful use of material things for the good of all, with a special eye to frugality, integrity of form and function, and the capacity of beauty to communicate the presence and power of God.
To appreciate and to care lovingly for all the goods of this place.
"Regard all utensils as if they were the sacred vessels of the altar." At its core the Rule seeks to foster a fundamental reverence toward the creation that God has made. St. Benedict exhorts his followers to regard all the tools and goods of the monastery as the sacred vessels of the altar. Benedictine monastics do not simply use up what has been given to them, nor do they aim to live in poverty. Instead, they prize good stewardship, the respectful use of material things for the good of all, with a special eye to frugality, integrity of form and function, and the capacity of beauty to communicate the presence and power of God.
Listening
The first sentence in the Prologue admonishes the monks to "listen with the ear of your heart..." To hear keenly and sensitively the voices of persons and all created beings. To listen is to speak less. To help us think first and understand fully before we decide to life situations. It is also the basis for obedience to the abbot or prioress and other members of the community. Sometimes to speak less is to allow possible solutions sink in our minds. Listening is also one good way to observe and sense our environment. Listening carefully yields a more accurate understanding of self and the world around us. Mindfulness means being truly present in the moment, understanding or intuiting what needs to be said or done; not said nor done. We may be called to listen in situations such as these: Sometimes listening will mean attention to the word of God in the Scriptures, as in the practice of lectio divina. This practice of reading the Scriptures and other related texts in a prayerful, reflective manner accompanies and amplifies the listening integral to community worship. The word, through whatever channel it comes, awaits a response. Hence, we note Benedict's gently insistent encouragement as he recalls the psalmist's plea, "If today you hear God's voice, harden not your hearts" A significant portion of listening is done in solitude, in reflective moments of reading, studying, and writing. In a Benedictine environment, however, the gathering of the community is also an important environment for listening and can in itself be a sacramental experience.
The first sentence in the Prologue admonishes the monks to "listen with the ear of your heart..." To hear keenly and sensitively the voices of persons and all created beings. To listen is to speak less. To help us think first and understand fully before we decide to life situations. It is also the basis for obedience to the abbot or prioress and other members of the community. Sometimes to speak less is to allow possible solutions sink in our minds. Listening is also one good way to observe and sense our environment. Listening carefully yields a more accurate understanding of self and the world around us. Mindfulness means being truly present in the moment, understanding or intuiting what needs to be said or done; not said nor done. We may be called to listen in situations such as these: Sometimes listening will mean attention to the word of God in the Scriptures, as in the practice of lectio divina. This practice of reading the Scriptures and other related texts in a prayerful, reflective manner accompanies and amplifies the listening integral to community worship. The word, through whatever channel it comes, awaits a response. Hence, we note Benedict's gently insistent encouragement as he recalls the psalmist's plea, "If today you hear God's voice, harden not your hearts" A significant portion of listening is done in solitude, in reflective moments of reading, studying, and writing. In a Benedictine environment, however, the gathering of the community is also an important environment for listening and can in itself be a sacramental experience.
Humility
if we remain humble, we remain true to ourselves. No pretenses and arrogance. To be humble does not mean not to be proud, but to be able to keep your feet on the ground and not to forget all else over the things you have acquired or become. Humility is St. Benedict’s word for wisdom. He begins his extended description of the twelve degrees of humility by describing awe at the abiding presence of God and ends depicting a love that casts out fear . The Benedictine way of life seeks an accurate knowledge of self, a pervasive awareness of God’s presence in their lives and their dependence on others and creation itself. They recognise their limitations without losing hope and accept their gifts without becoming arrogant because the measure of their lives is not found in themselves alone. There is always room for additional personal growth, for giving one’s self for the good of others. St. Benedict provided twelve steps to achieve humility.
if we remain humble, we remain true to ourselves. No pretenses and arrogance. To be humble does not mean not to be proud, but to be able to keep your feet on the ground and not to forget all else over the things you have acquired or become. Humility is St. Benedict’s word for wisdom. He begins his extended description of the twelve degrees of humility by describing awe at the abiding presence of God and ends depicting a love that casts out fear . The Benedictine way of life seeks an accurate knowledge of self, a pervasive awareness of God’s presence in their lives and their dependence on others and creation itself. They recognise their limitations without losing hope and accept their gifts without becoming arrogant because the measure of their lives is not found in themselves alone. There is always room for additional personal growth, for giving one’s self for the good of others. St. Benedict provided twelve steps to achieve humility.
Peace
To strive for peace on all levels: with self, others, and God. The aim of the Benedictine life is to find peace. It is not something that we sit about and wait for - we must pursue it, work for it, set out trying to achieve it . Peace is not another word for passive or disengaged or removed from the world. It is an active ordering of life so that peace is the outcome. Benedict is offering us a way to fine peace in our hearts and beyond. Peace is a feature of just communities - disharmony and injustice create tension, jealousy and annoyance. Peace cannot exist in that environment. For peace to reign, justice is fundamental. So a Benedictine community has an inherent desire to bring about justice. This means that we recognise that there is nothing in the world that is not first in the human heart. In all hearts and in our communities, we must seek peace and pursue it.
To strive for peace on all levels: with self, others, and God. The aim of the Benedictine life is to find peace. It is not something that we sit about and wait for - we must pursue it, work for it, set out trying to achieve it . Peace is not another word for passive or disengaged or removed from the world. It is an active ordering of life so that peace is the outcome. Benedict is offering us a way to fine peace in our hearts and beyond. Peace is a feature of just communities - disharmony and injustice create tension, jealousy and annoyance. Peace cannot exist in that environment. For peace to reign, justice is fundamental. So a Benedictine community has an inherent desire to bring about justice. This means that we recognise that there is nothing in the world that is not first in the human heart. In all hearts and in our communities, we must seek peace and pursue it.
Work
St. Benedict in Chapter 48 of the Rule says: “Idleness is the enemy of the soul. Therefore let there be specified periods for manual labor as well as for prayerful reading… when they live by the labor of their hands as those before us did, then they are really monks. Yet all things are to be done with moderation on account of the fainthearted.” To appreciate the dignity of work in God's creation.
"... they live by the labor of their hands." A busy everyday work life routine, sounds of people here and there, traffic jams, and all other clatter that we get used to. We forgot the sound of living we used to live life with. To help us remember and redeem ourselves, the Benedictine Core Values will help us contemplate in the real meaning of life. Listening, Silence, Simplicity, Humility, Frugality and Prayer are only some of the Benedictine Core Values we should able to understand and apply to aid us live life in utmost good and happiness
St. Benedict in Chapter 48 of the Rule says: “Idleness is the enemy of the soul. Therefore let there be specified periods for manual labor as well as for prayerful reading… when they live by the labor of their hands as those before us did, then they are really monks. Yet all things are to be done with moderation on account of the fainthearted.” To appreciate the dignity of work in God's creation.
"... they live by the labor of their hands." A busy everyday work life routine, sounds of people here and there, traffic jams, and all other clatter that we get used to. We forgot the sound of living we used to live life with. To help us remember and redeem ourselves, the Benedictine Core Values will help us contemplate in the real meaning of life. Listening, Silence, Simplicity, Humility, Frugality and Prayer are only some of the Benedictine Core Values we should able to understand and apply to aid us live life in utmost good and happiness
Community
To become who we are by our relationships with others.
"Let all things be common to all." Benedictine monastic community is rooted in a particular place in which mutual service, especially in the mundane areas of everyday life, is demanded of all with no expectation of individual reward. It is a challenge to contribute to a living, flesh and blood community on such terms. The qualities of character that are required are nurtured by the individual community’s sense of its mission, the witness of monastic forebears and the broader communion of saints across the ages. The imagination to persevere and thrive in such a life is enriched through the example of communities across the world - monastic and nonmonastic, Christian and non-Christian, religious and non-religious - that make sustained practical efforts to foster human well-being, often in the face of overwhelming obstacles. Though directly grounded in a particular place, the commitments and aspirations of Benedictine life can only bear fruit if they stretch to horizons that are truly universal.
To become who we are by our relationships with others.
"Let all things be common to all." Benedictine monastic community is rooted in a particular place in which mutual service, especially in the mundane areas of everyday life, is demanded of all with no expectation of individual reward. It is a challenge to contribute to a living, flesh and blood community on such terms. The qualities of character that are required are nurtured by the individual community’s sense of its mission, the witness of monastic forebears and the broader communion of saints across the ages. The imagination to persevere and thrive in such a life is enriched through the example of communities across the world - monastic and nonmonastic, Christian and non-Christian, religious and non-religious - that make sustained practical efforts to foster human well-being, often in the face of overwhelming obstacles. Though directly grounded in a particular place, the commitments and aspirations of Benedictine life can only bear fruit if they stretch to horizons that are truly universal.
Hospitality
To offer warmth, acceptance, and joy in welcoming others.
"Let all ... be received as Christ." St. Benedict sees Christ present within the monastery in Scripture and liturgy, and in the person of the abbot, prioress, the sick, and each of the members of the monastic community. However, St. Benedict accords special attention to Christ’s unexpected arrival from outside in the person of the guest, whom he describes alternately as poor and as a stranger. Christ presents himself in the outsider’s vulnerability and calls the monastic to put aside individual plans and pre-occupations in order to let the unexpected person in, to help them get established, to respond to their most pressing needs. And when the outsider comes to experience being “at home” in this new place, for however brief the stay, the monastic discovers new awareness of the common journey in which all are engaged. A blessing accompanies both the offering and the receiving of hospitality.
To offer warmth, acceptance, and joy in welcoming others.
"Let all ... be received as Christ." St. Benedict sees Christ present within the monastery in Scripture and liturgy, and in the person of the abbot, prioress, the sick, and each of the members of the monastic community. However, St. Benedict accords special attention to Christ’s unexpected arrival from outside in the person of the guest, whom he describes alternately as poor and as a stranger. Christ presents himself in the outsider’s vulnerability and calls the monastic to put aside individual plans and pre-occupations in order to let the unexpected person in, to help them get established, to respond to their most pressing needs. And when the outsider comes to experience being “at home” in this new place, for however brief the stay, the monastic discovers new awareness of the common journey in which all are engaged. A blessing accompanies both the offering and the receiving of hospitality.
http://www.csbsju.edu/sjualum/Benedictine-Values.htm
http://www.osb.org/acad/benval1.html
http://benedictinevalues.weebly.com/how-to-transform-the-world-through-benedictine-core-values.html
http://www.stpaulsmonastery.org/2-vocations/documents/rulebenedictscreen_vocation.pdf
http://www.osb.org/acad/benval1.html
http://benedictinevalues.weebly.com/how-to-transform-the-world-through-benedictine-core-values.html
http://www.stpaulsmonastery.org/2-vocations/documents/rulebenedictscreen_vocation.pdf
