Question

Почему святой Бенедикт запрещал монахам получать письма от родных?

Answer 1

Преподобный Венедикт «хотел дать своим Уставом необходимый, по воззрениям эпохи, минимум требований, предъявляемых монаху, предоставляя дальнейшее самоусовершенствование личным усилиям, но в то же время не ослабляя и не принижая самого идеала. Умеренность требований отличает весь Устав, возьмем ли мы постановления о постах, или постановления, касающиеся одежды... Бенедикт видит задачу монастыря в переработке вновь вступающих в истинных монахов. Он не требует от всех одинакового совершенства, сообразуясь с различием характеров и сил, но ведет всех к одному, исключающему индивидуальные отклонения, идеалу»

Answer 2

Why did Saint Benedict forbid monks from receiving letters from their relatives?

Saint Benedict, also known as Saint Benedict of Nursia, was a Christian saint who lived in the 5th and 6th centuries. He is considered the founder of Western monasticism and is known for his influential work, the Rule of Saint Benedict. In this rule, Saint Benedict established guidelines for the daily life and spiritual practices of monks.

One of the guidelines set by Saint Benedict was the prohibition of monks receiving letters from their relatives. This rule was put in place for several reasons:

1. Avoiding distractions: Saint Benedict believed that receiving letters from relatives could be a source of distraction for monks. Monks were expected to focus on their spiritual journey and the communal life of the monastery. By prohibiting letters from relatives, Saint Benedict aimed to create an environment of solitude and inner reflection.

2. Detachment from worldly concerns: Another reason for this prohibition was to encourage monks to detach themselves from worldly concerns and attachments. By cutting off communication with their families, monks were able to fully dedicate themselves to their religious vocation and the pursuit of spiritual growth.

3. Preventing conflicts and favoritism: Saint Benedict also wanted to prevent conflicts and favoritism within the monastic community. Receiving letters from relatives could potentially create divisions and favoritism among the monks. By prohibiting such communication, Saint Benedict aimed to foster equality and unity among the monks.

It is important to note that the Rule of Saint Benedict was written in a specific historical and cultural context, and its guidelines may not necessarily apply to all monastic communities throughout history. Different monastic orders and traditions may have different rules regarding communication with relatives.

Overall, the prohibition of monks receiving letters from their relatives in the Rule of Saint Benedict was intended to create an environment of focus, detachment, and communal harmony within the monastic community.

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