St. Benedict's Rule

A valuable book on the quality of life to be maintained by monks, The Rule of Benedict, became the golden standard. Benedict, sickened by the immorality of Roamn society, lived as an ascetic and began the monastry at Monte Cassino in 529 AD, when he wrote this book.Though initally produced as an outcome of his own struggles with his community of monks, by the 7th century is was widely accepted as the guide for all monastic communities, including those of women. Though he never intended to start an individual order, the Benedictines have used this book for over 15 centuries! As his Rule was intended for self-sufficient, autonomous communities, all Benedictine Houses remain self-governing even today. His writings have been influenced by others like Basil, Augustine of Hippo, and St John Cassian.