All religious orders were subject to a rule, that is, a set of rules resulting from all monastic activities. In it, the hours dedicated to prayer, reading sacred texts and the work of each monk or nun were established: copying the Latin manuscript of the scriptorium (library) to cultivate the garden or take care of patients.
Monastic life is a reality closely linked to Christianity; its roots go deep into the Christian tradition until they reach the Gospel itself. The first monks saw in Christ their teacher and finished the model, and tried to adapt their lives to the evangelical demands, to live them according to the ideal of total detachment, and abandonment of earthly or civic occupations and escape to the desert, to which they felt called.
To shape their lifestyle, they turned to the example of the first Christian community in Jerusalem which, after handing over its wealth to the apostolic college, or distributed among the poor, “lived in common, persevered in prayer and the breaking of bread. and they had but one heart and one soul "(Acts 2.42 ff., 4.32 ff). From these models, as well as from the experience of the first parents of monasticism (S. Antonio Abad, v. S. Pacomio, v., Etc.), monastic laws and rules were emerging.
Augustine of Hippo (354 - 430 AD) was the first to develop a monastic rule to organize the communal life of Augustinian monks. Its main foundations are the following:
The monks should live in community, share their goods and foster a fraternal atmosphere among the members of the community, An important part of the day should be dedicated to prayer, You must lead an austere life and practice fasting periodically,
A hospitable attitude is proposed with visitors and travelers,
Regarding the government of the community, we must obey the superior of the monastery.
In the document of the Rule of Saint Augustine you can find interesting reflections on humility, caring for the sick, chastity or forgiveness of offenses. In Chapter Xlll of the rule of St. Augustine, the monks are recommended to read the content of the rule weekly.
Saint Benedict of Nursia, born at the end of the 5th century AD, is considered the father of Western monasticism. Before his death in 547, he wrote a rule laying down useful hints for Benedictine monks and also for all those who seek guidance in finding God.
However, in its different chapters, the importance of silence, obedience and humility is emphasized as guidelines of conduct that must be respected. On the other hand, the rule explains what the behavior of the monks has to do with respect to guests, the poor, the use of goods or the timing of meals.
