Medieval Monasticism

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Monasticism Reflected Through Art and Humanities
Monasticism refers to a way of life in which an ideal of perfection or a higher level of religious experience is pursued through living together in a community. Medieval monasticism requires a return to God through attention to the spiritual disciplines of silence, chastity, prayer, fasting, confession, and obedience. Monasticism played a role in the development of the arts of this period because they helped restore and preserve architecture, sculptures, and paintings. It played a role in the humanities of this period because people seeking refuge from the temptations of the medieval world, or seeking monastic life as their true calling to serve God; monks, nuns, and some aristocrats sought refuge behind the walls of monasteries and the convent.
Monasticism posed a challenge for builders of monasteries because there was always a belief that monastic life would grow best in environments most conductive to it. The plan preserved at the abbey of Saint Gall in Switzerland represents an ideal meant to inspire both mimicry and dedication. In most plans, each monastery had a church at the heart of the community which was constructed of stone made for the most resonant acoustic. Most monasteries were only meant for the nuns or monks that were residing there while others had accommodations for visiting pilgrims …show more content…
Practicing meditation is valued by some because they can express a sense of community with the others residing in the monastery. Individuals in the monastery provide support, encouragement, inspiration, and the challenge of others to devote themselves to a deeper form of commitment. Also, individuals that become monks feels as if modern life lacks meaning, spiritual focus, and

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