Monasticism and Unconditional love: Difference between pages

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'''Monasticism''' (from [[Greek language|Greek]]: ''monachos'' — a solitary person) is the [[religion|religious]] practice in which one renounces worldly pursuits in order to fully devote one's life to spiritual work.

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Many religions have monastic elements, including [[Buddhism]], [[Christianity]], [[Hinduism]], [[Islam]], and [[Jainism]], though the expressions differ considerably. Those pursuing a monastic life are usually called ''[[monk]]s'' or ''brothers'' (male), and ''[[nun]]s'' or ''sisters'' (female). Both monks and nuns may also be called ''monastics''.

==Buddhist monasticism==

{{Main|Buddhist monasticism}}

The order of [[Buddhist]] monks and original nuns was founded by [[Gautama Buddha]] during his lifetime of over 2500 years ago. The Buddhist monastic lifestyle grew out of the lifestyle of earlier sects of wandering [[Asceticism|ascetics]], some of whom the Buddha had studied under, and was initially fairly [[eremetic]] in nature. Monks and nuns were expected to live with a minimum of possessions, which were to be voluntarily provided by the lay community. Lay followers also provided the daily food that monks required, and provided shelter for monks when they were needed.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}

'''Unconditional love''' is a concept that means showing [[love]] towards someone regardless of his or her actions or beliefs. It is a concept comparable to [[true love]], a term which is more frequently used to describe love between lovers. By contrast unconditional love is frequently used to describe love between family members, comrades in arms and between others in highly committed relationships. It has also been used in a religious context to describe God's love for mankind.

After the death of the Buddha, the Buddhist monastic order developed into a primarily [[cenobitic]] movement. The practice of living communally during the rainy [[vassa]] season, prescribed by the Buddha, gradually grew to encompass a settled monastic life centered on life in a community of practitioners. Most of the modern disciplinary rules followed by monks and nuns – the [[Patimokkha]] – relate to such an existence, prescribing in great detail proper methods for living and relating in a community of monks or nuns. The number of rules observed varies with the order; Theravada monks follow around 227 rules. There are a larger number of rules specified for bhikkhunis (nuns).

Some secular authors make a distinction between unconditional love and conditional love. In conditional love: love is 'earned' on the basis of conscious or unconscious conditions being met by the lover, whereas in unconditional love, love is 'given freely' to the love one 'no matter what'. Conditioning love requires some kind of finite exchange whereas unconditional love is seen as infinite and measureless. Unconditional love should not be mistaken with unconditional dedication: unconditional dedication refers to an act of the will irrespective of feelings (e.g a person may consider they have a duty to stay with a person); unconditional love is an act of the feelings irrespective of will.

Buddhist monasticism with its tradition of [[Buddhist councils|councils]], missions, and being a source of knowledge and literacy spread from India to the Middle East and eventually west, with Christian monasticism following in its footsteps in the areas where Emperor [[Ashoka]] sent missions.

Author Harold W. Becker defines Unconditional Love as "an unlimited way of being." From his book of the same title, Becker goes on to say that "the greatest power known to man is that of unconditional love. Through the ages, mystics, sages, singers and poets all expressed the ballad and call to love. As humans, we searched endlessly for the experience of love through the outer senses. Great civilizations have come and gone under the guise of love for their people. Religions have flourished and perished while claiming the true path to love. We, the people of this planet, may have missed the simplicity of unconditional love. ...Simply stated, unconditional love is an unlimited way of being. We are without any limit to our thoughts and feelings in life and can create any reality we choose to focus our attention upon. The qualities of love are endless and the expressions are infinite. The power of unconditional love is within each of us."

The Buddhist, the male [[bhikkhu]] assembly, and the female [[bhikkhuni]] assembly. Initially consisting only of males, the Buddhist monastic order grew to include females after the Buddha's step-mother, [[Mahaprajapati]], asked for and received permission to live as an ordained practitioner.

==Unconditional love of self==

Monks and nuns are expected to fulfill a variety of roles in the Buddhist community. First and foremost, they are expected to preserve the doctrine and discipline now known as [[Buddhism]]. They are also expected to provide a living example for the laity, and to serve as a "field of merit" for lay followers – providing laymen and women with the opportunity to earn merit by giving gifts and support to the monks. In return for the support of the laity, monks and nuns are expected to live an austere life focused on the study of Buddhist doctrine, the practice of meditation, and the observance of good moral character.

Unconditional love of self is the Concept of loving yourself irregardless of external conditions. This includes not denying yourself/your feelings in favor of others. Ultimately in this action a person will have to move away from others who do not love without condition or teach them to.

[[Image:Young monks of Drepung.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Young [[Buddhist]] [[monk]]s in [[Tibet]]]]A monk, known as a ''Bhikkhu'' in [[Pāli|Pali]] or Bhikshu in [[Sanskrit]], first ordains as a ''Samanera'' (novice) for a year or more. Novices often ordain at a very young age, but generally no younger than 8. Samaneras live according to the [[Ten Precepts]], but are not responsible for living by the full set of monastic rules. Higher ordination, conferring the status of a full Bhikkhu, is usually given only to men who are aged 20 or older. Nuns follow a similar progression, but are required to live as Samaneras for a longer periods of time- typically five years.

The disciplinary regulations for monks and nuns are intended to create a life that is simple and focused, rather than one of deprivation or severe asceticism. Celibacy is of primary importance in monastic discipline, being seen as the preeminent factor in separating the life of a monk from that of a 'householder'. Depending on the tradition and the strictness of observation, monastics may eat only one meal a day, provided either by direct donations of food from lay supporters, or from a monastery kitchen that is stocked (and possibly staffed) by donations from lay supporters.

==Christian monasticism==

{{Main|Christian monasticism}}

Monasticism in [[Christianity]] is a family of similar traditions that began to develop early in the history of the Christian Church, modeled upon Scriptural examples and ideals, but not mandated as an institution by the Scriptures.

The focus of Christian monasticism is on an ideal called the religious life, also called the state of perfection. The words of Jesus which are the cornerstone for this ideal are "be ye perfect like your heavenly Father is perfect."

Christian cenobitic monasticism as it is mainly known in the West started in Egypt, which had warm temperatures ideal for living away from society. Originally, all Christian monks were hermits, and especially in the [[Middle East]] this continued to be very common until the decline of [[Syrian Christianity]] in the late Middle Ages. Saint [[Anthony the Great]] is cited by Athanasius as one of these early 'eremetic monks.'

But not everybody is fit for solitary life, and numerous cases of hermits becoming mentally unstable are reported. The need for some form of organized spiritual guidance was obvious, and around [[318]] Saint [[Pachomius]] started to organize his many followers in what was to become the first Christian monastery. Soon, similar institutions were establish throughout the Egyptian desert as well as the rest of the eastern half of the Roman Empire. Notable monasteries of the East include:

*[[Mar Awgin]] founded a monastery on Mt. Izla above [[Nisibis]] in [[Mesopotamia]] (~[[350]]), and from this monastery the cenobitic tradition spread in Mesopotamia, Persia, Armenia, Georgia and even India and China.

*[[St. Sabbas the Sanctified]] organized the monks of the Judean Desert in a monastery close to [[Bethlehem]] ([[483]]), and this is considered the mother of all monasteries of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] churches.

*[[Saint Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai]] was founded between 527 and 565 in the Sinai desert by order of Emperor [[Justinian I|Justinian]].

[[Image:UnescoMuestair.jpg|thumb|300 px|Benedictine Monastery of St John at [[Müstair]] (Switzerland) — Carolingian era]]

In the West, the most significant development occurred when the rules for monastic communities were set by [[Saint Benedict of Nursia]]. St. Benedict created the [[Rule of Saint Benedict]] at his monastery in [[Monte Cassino]], Italy ([[529]]), which was the seed of [[Roman Catholic]] monasticism in general, and of the [[Order of Saint Benedict]] in particular. The Rule of Saint Benedict would become the most common rule throughout the Middle Ages, spawning many other [[Catholic order|Religious Orders]], and it is still in use today.

Around the 12th century, [[mendicant order]]s chose to live in city [[convent]]s among the people instead of secluded in monasteries.

==Hindu monasticism==

In their quest to attain the spiritual goal of life, some Hindus choose the path of monasticism (sanyāsa). Monastics commit themselves to a life of simplicity, celibacy, detachment from worldly pursuits, and the contemplation of God.<ref>Swami Bhaskarananda, ''Essentials of Hinduism'' 112 (Viveka Press 1994) ISBN 1-884852-02-5</ref> A Hindu monk is called a s''anyāsī, sādhu'', or ''swāmi''.<ref>R.S. McGregor, ''The Oxford Hindi-English Dictionary'' (5th ed. 1999) ISBN 0-19-563846-8</ref> A nun is called a ''sanyāsini''. Such renunciates are accorded high respect in Hindu society, because their outward renunciation of selfishness and worldliness serves as an inspiration to householders who strive for ''mental'' renunciation. Some monastics live in monasteries, while others wander from place to place, trusting in God alone to provide for their physical needs.<ref>Alex Michaels, Hinduism: Past and Present 316 (Princeton 1998) ISBN 0-691-08953-1</ref> It is considered a highly meritorious act for a lay devotee to provide sadhus with food or other necessaries. Sādhus are expected to treat all with respect and compassion, whether a person may be poor or rich, good or wicked. They are also expected to be indifferent to praise, blame, pleasure, and pain.<ref>Swami Bhaskarananda, ''Essentials of Hinduism'' 112 (Viveka Press 1994) ISBN 1-884852-02-5.</ref> A sādhu can typically be recognized by his ochre-colored clothing. Generally, [[Vaisnavism|Vaisnava]] monks shave their heads except for a small patch of hair on the back of the head, while [[Saivism|Saivite]] monks let their hair and beard grow uncut.

A ''Sadhu's'' vow of renunciation typically forbids him from:

*owning personal property apart from a bowl, a cup, two sets of clothing and medical aides such as eyeglasses;

*having any contact with, looking at, thinking of or even being in the presence of women;

*eating for pleasure;

*possessing or even touching money or valuables in any way, shape or form;

*maintaining personal relationships.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}

:''See also: [[Dashanami Sampradaya]]

==Islamic monasticism==

While many Muslims do not believe in monasticism (emphasizing the Qur'anic injunction (57:27), in which [[Allah]] rebukes monasticism as a man-made practice that is not divinely prescribed), various Sufi orders, or 'tariqas' encourage practices which resemble those of monastic brotherhoods in other faiths.

[[Dervish]]es &mdash; initiates of [[sufi]] orders &mdash; believe that love is a projection of the essence of [[God]] to the [[universe]]. Many of the dervishes are mendicant [[ascetic]]s who have taken the vow of poverty. Though some of them are beggars by choice, others work in common professions; many Egyptian [[Qadirites]], for example, are fishermen.

All genuine dervish brotherhoods trace their origins from the close companions of the [[Muhammad]], [[Ali ibn Abi Talib|Ali]] and [[Abu Bakr]]. They differ from spiritual brotherhoods of [[Christianity]] in that they usually do not live together in a 'monastery' setting; in this sense they do not go 'around' the world. Rather, they go 'through' it; it is actually a stipulation that they have families, and earn an ethical living.

Whirling dance, which is the practice of the [[Mevlevi]] order in Turkey, is just one of the physical methods to try to reach religious ecstasy (''majdhb'') and connection with Allah. [[Rif'ai]]'s, in their mystical states, apparently skewer themselves without engendering any harm. Other groups include the [[Shadhili]]'s, a gnosis based order who practice the 'hadra' or 'presence' a dance-like breathing exercise involving the repetition of divine names. All genuine brotherhoods and subgroups chant verses of [[Qur'an]], and must follow the [[sharia]], or Islamic sacred law.

==Unconditional love within marriage==

==Jain monasticism==

Psychotherapist [[David Schnarch]] compares traditional views of unconditional love versus 'conditioned' love in marital relationships. He believes that genuine love, as he understands it, in committed relationships requires conditions. He questions the idea that unconditional love is indeed 'true' love within intimate relationships. He calls for a kind of 'rising in love' where each lover establishes conditions vis a vis the other lover that improve (or end) the love relationship. This differs from the more conventional constructs of love where people 'fall into love' unconditionally. Schnarch focuses on passionate love as essential to committed sexual relationships and paradoxically as a condition for personal growth as well.

[[Jainism]] has two branches, each has a slightly different take on monasticism. [[Digambara]] monks do not wear [[clothing]]; however, they do not consider themselves to be [[nudity|nude]] &mdash; they are wearing the [[natural environment|environment]]. Digambaras believe that practice represents a refusal to give in to the body's demands for comfort and [[private property]] &mdash; only Digambara [[ascetic]]s are required to forsake clothing. Digambara ascetics have only two possessions: a [[peacock]] [[feather]] [[broom]] and a [[water]] [[gourd]]. They also believe that women are unable to obtain [[moksha]]. As a result, of the around 6000 Jain [[nun]]s, barely 100 are Digambaras. The [[Shvetambara]]s are the other main Jainist sect. Svetambaras, unlike Digambaras, neither believe that ascetics must practice nudity, nor do they believe that women are unable to obtain moksha. Shvetambaras are commonly seen wearing face masks so that they do not accidentally breathe in and kill small creatures.

In this kind of analysis much depends on what the author or his subjects regards as "true" love — there is no universally agreed definition. Lady [[Heather Mills]] in replying to accusations that she was "a gold digger" in marrying former [[Beatle]] Sir [[Paul McCartney]] said that she "fell in love unconditionally" as well as highlighting her charitable work.<ref>''"I Am Not A Goldigger"'', Entertainment Wise, Chris Taylor, 19 November 2006, retrieved 22 May 2007.[http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news.asp?id=24951&view=all]</ref>

==Monasticism in other religions==

[[Judaism]] Even though modern day Judaism does not support the monastic ideal, two thousand years ago [[Nazirite]] Jews were a common feature of the religion. Most belonged to [[Essene]] sects throughout the Land of Israel. [[Nazir]] is the Hebrew word for monk.

==Unconditional love as a tool for authoritarian control==

[[Sikhism]] specifically forbids the practice of monasticism. Hence there are no Sikh monk conclaves or brotherhoods.

Authors Kramer and Alstead assert that the concept of unconditional love, is false, misleading, and a pervasive cause of authoritarian control in religion, relationships and families. They believe that unconditional love, along with what they perceive to be the closely related religious concept of 'unconditional forgiveness', are false concepts used to perpetuate ongoing cycles of injustice and abuse. To them, the entire concept of Christian unconditional love is embedded within one of the "most authoritarian, thus conditional, structures on the planet" and is therefore far from condition-free.

[[Manichaeism]] had two types of followers, the auditors, and the elect. The elect lived apart from the auditors to concentrate on reducing the material influences of the world. They did this through strict celibacy, poverty, teaching, and preaching. Therefore the elect were probably at least partially monastic.

They note "that in order to get Christ's love, one has to believe in him; in order to be forgiven, one must not only repent and plead for it, but one must acknowledge the authority that designates what the wrong-doing is." In their view, Christ's love depends upon obedience to his authority. Therefore, to them, Christ's love is, in fact, highly ''conditional'' despite being called 'unconditional'.

[[Scientology]] maintains a "fraternal order" called the [[Sea Organization]] or just [[Sea Org]]. They work only for the [[Church of Scientology]] and have signed billion year contracts. Sea Org members live communally with lodging, food, clothing, and medical care provided by the Church.

They make a similar analysis of so-called unconditional forms of love and compassion in Eastern 'Oneness' religions.

[[Ananda Marga]] has both monks and nuns (i.e. [[celibacy|celibate]] male and female [[acharya]]'s or [[missionary|missionaries]]) as well as a smaller group of family acharyas. The monks and nuns are engaged in all kinds of direct services to society, so they have no scope for permanent retreat. They do have to follow strict celibacy, poverty and many other rules of conduct during as well as after they have completed their training.

==Religious perspective==

Yungdrung [[Bön]] is believed to have a rich monastic history. Bön monasteries exist today, however, the monks there practice Bön-Buddhism.

In [[Christianity]] the term is commonly encountered but vaguely defined. It may be used to indicate God's love for a person irrespective of that person's love for God. The term is not explicitly used in the Bible and advocates for God's conditional or unconditional love, using different passages or interpretations to support their point of view, are both encountered. It may be considered to be closely associated with another non-explicitly biblical, but commonly encountered and vaguely defined, saying: "God loves the sinner, but hates the sin". Once again people have argued, based on variant interpretations of biblical texts, that God does not love the sinner nor the sin.

Whilst the phrase has never been used in its official teachings documents the then head of the [[Roman Catholic Church]], [[Pope John Paul II]] was recorded as saying during a [[homily]] in San Francisco, in September 1987, that God "loves us all with an unconditional, everlasting love". He explored issues touching upon this theme in his work [[Dives in Misericordia]] (1980) in which the parable of the [[Prodigal Son]] becomes a framework for exploring the issue of God's mercy. The [[civil rights]] leader [[Martin Luther King]] Jr. was quoted as saying “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality”.

==See also==

*[[Order (religious)]]

*[[Monastery]]

*[[Christian monasticism]]

*[[New Monasticism]]

*[[Pachomius]] &mdash; early example of monastic organizer

*[[Rule of St Benedict]]

*[[Matha]]

[[Neopaganism]] in general, and [[Wicca]] in particular, commonly use a traditional inspirational text, [[Charge of the Goddess]] , affirming that the [[Goddess]]'s "law is love unto all beings".

==Further reading==

*Gruber, Mark. 2003. "Sacrifice In the Desert: A Study Of An Egyptian Minority Through The Lens of Coptic Monasticism." Lanham: University Press of America. ISBN 0-7618-2539-8

*Johnston, William M. (ed.). 2000. ''Encyclopedia of Monasticism''. 2 vols., Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers.

*Lawrence, C. H. 2001. ''Medieval Monasticism: Forms of Religious Life in Western Europe in the Middle Ages'' (3rd Edition). New York: Longmans. ISBN 0-582-40427-4

*Zarnecki, George. 1985. The Monastic World: The Contributions of The Orders. pp. 36-66, in Evans, Joan (ed.). 1985. ''The Flowering of the Middle Ages.'' London: Thames and Hudson Ltd.

==ExternalReference linksWorks==

*Kramer, J. and Alstead D., The Guru Papers: Masks of Authoritarian Power, 1993, ISBN 1-883319-00-5

*http://st-takla.org/Links/Coptic-Links-04_Monasteries.html Links to Coptic Orthodox Monasteries of Egypt and the world

*Schnarch, David, Passionate Marriage: Keeping Love and Intimacy Alive in Committed Relationships, 1998, ISBN 0-8050-5826-5

*http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ab88 history of monasticism.

*Schnarch, David, ''Constructing the Sexual Crucible; An Integration of Sexual and Marital Therapy'',

*[http://doc0mr.tripod.com/id23.html Monasticism] - Immaculate Heart of Mary's Hermitage

*Schnarch, David, ''Resurrecting Sex: Resolving Sexual Problems and Revolutionizing Your Relationship''.

*[http://www.atmajyoti.org/mo_woman.asp "Woman" – The correct perspective for the monastic] – An eastern point of view

*[[Stendal]], ''On Love: The Classic Analysis of Romantic Love''

*Tennov, Dorothy, ''Love and Limerence: The Experience of Being in Love'', 1999

==Notes & References==

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