Monasticism is a social and religious phenomenon which originated in antiquity and which still remains relevant in the twenty-first century. But what, exactly, is it, and how is it distinguished from other kinds of religious and non-religious practice? In this Very Short Introduction Stephen J. Davis discusses the history of monasticism, from our earliest evidence for it, and the different types which have developed from antiquity to the present day....

"Monk's Medicine is a quest for ancient and proven wisdom and practices - a pilgrimage to ten monasteries around the world, from the roots of monasticism at a Coptic monastery in the eastern desert of Egypt to Assisi, Greece, Bhutan Montserrat and more. We follow Sarah Sands on her personal journey as she identifies common characteristics from centuries of monastic life and how they can take us beyond the self-absorption of many contemporary self-help...

Pax is the motto of Brede Abbey. Yet its peace is the peace of God--"not," as Godden brings to her readers' notice, "the world's peace." The walls of Brede witness life of unceasing work and prayer, little creature comfort, persistent disappointment and misunderstanding--yet a life of peace all the same, unswervingly joyful and loving. Into this life enters Philippa Talbot, ambitious, independent, successful, forsaking her beautifully arranged career...

Describes what life was like living in a medieval monastery.

"An intimate voyage into Japanese culture and spirituality, culminating in one of Japan's most sacred places. Marie Mutsuki Mockett's family owns a Buddhist temple 25 miles from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. In March 2011, after the earthquake and tsunami, radiation levels prohibited the burial of her Japanese grandfather's bones. At the same time, Mockett grieved for her American father, who had died unexpectedly. As Japan mourned thousands...