Rules of the Monastery

The rules of the Monastery of very important. Without rules in a chaotic world, we can be swept up in the currents eager to draw us in. We are strengthened by the rules and regard them as a protection from the temptations of the world. 

These are the rules of the order:

"Be ye therefore sober." 

1 peter 4:7

The consumption of alcohol and the use of drugs is prohibited.  We put nothing in our body that is going to jeopardise our health and wellbeing or the wellbeing of others.

"Flee fornication." - 

1 Corinthians 6:18

We avoid fornication with self and others.  Sexual relations are reserved within the marriage bonds between a man and woman. The use of pornography is forbidden.

"But above all things, my brethren, swear not."  

James 5:12

 We do not curse or speak with a foul tongue. We enjoy good natured humour and let our speech reflect our respect for ourselves, others and for God. 

pursue virtue and Eschew Vice 

2 peter 1:5-8

The virtuous life leads to greater happiness, the path of vice leads to misery. We avoid to the best of our strength the following:

Sloth

Wrath

Envy

Gluttony

Pride

Lust

Vanity 

Despair

A Man will tend to his garden

Every man shall have a garden he can tend to. He will raise up crops as he can with the plot he has available to him. The process is not the fruit so much as the journey to getting there. By tending to the garden we are mindful of the parables of the Saviour and the lessons we can learn through gardening.

Engage in arts and/or craftmanship

Every man shall engage in some meaningful way with the arts. Whichever art form he chooses let him aim to master the skills necessary to create beautiful art.