The Carthusians, an enclosed religious order founded by St. Bruno of Cologne in 1084 have this very profound motto: “The Cross is steady while the world turns.”
It is no wonder that even today, not much of their way of life has changed. With monasteries across America, Europe and Asia, they are a witness to the truth embodied by their motto. Much of the world has indeed changed, but the truth found in Christ remains.
The Carthusians, however, do not live an easy life. What they stood for has been wrought through an austere way of life dedicated totally to God.
In today’s changing world where much is fleeting and life seems so uncertain, what can we learn from the Carthusians who seem to have stood the tests of time?
Here are just some of the things we can learn from this cloistered order of monks:
1. Silence is important to the soul
“…the cloister monks who seek the same goal must do as they did; they must retire to deserts remote from men and to cells removed from the noise of the world…” – The Carthusian Statutes 3-1
The Carthusians maintain silence in their daily lives and may only speak when permitted by their statutes. They are not to interrupt this silence even when working with their brothers. Information that can be passed on through writing is not given verbally.
In contrast, we live in a world that is filled with noise. Do we ever pause for a moment of silence during the day? We are barraged by noise even as we look at our mobile phones.
When we come to think of it, this has grown to be a world that is afraid of silence.
But silence is needed if we want to nourish our souls. The kind of silence that reaches through our hearts and souls.
“In the silence of the heart God speaks. If you face God in prayer and silence, God will speak to you.” – Mother Teresa
2. Our life should be centered on prayer
“God has led us into solitude to speak to our heart. Let our heart then be a living altar from which there constantly ascends before God pure prayer, with which all our acts should be imbued.” – The Carthusian Statutes 4-11
The Carthusians aim to live life in such a way that their whole life becomes a prayer. This is the aim of silence. To give space for God in prayer.
In today’s busy world, we hardly have time to utter a prayer, and even if we hurriedly do get to say a prayer, we forget about it later on.
Prayer should not be confined to short moments when we recite it. Rather, it should permeate our whole lives and life should be centered in prayer.
3. Nature can refresh our weariness
“Since, as St. Bruno says, when wearied by our quite austere rule and application to spiritual things, our rather delicate natures can often be refreshed and renewed by the charms and beauties of woods and countryside, the fathers have a walk every week — with the exception of Holy Week.” – The Carthusian Statutes 22-10
Even a saintly monk who lived a very austere life urged his brothers to consider being refreshed by nature.
Nature is God’s gift to us, and it is through nature that we can often be reminded about God.
If we are stress today, we must remember that we can find refreshment also in nature. So take a little walk, breathe some fresh air and spend some time to gaze at the stars.
It is good for us both physically and spiritually.
4. We must find support in each other
“Our walks should be such as to further brotherly union and also the spiritual progress of our souls. Hence all are to walk together, taking the same route so that each one can, in turn, talk with the others…” – The Carthusian Statutes 22-12
Even if the monks live a solitary life, they are still reminded that we all need human connection. Having brothers and sisters who can support us can tremendously help us in our journey in life.
5. Manual work helps even the mind and soul
“By working with his hands the monk practices humility; he also brings his whole body under control so as better to attain stability of mind.” – The Carthusian Statutes 5-3
When the body is ill, it also affects us mentally and spiritually. We need some form of physical exertion whether it be manual labor or physical exercise to keep us fit and whole.
The Carthusians usually spend time gardening, and this is also a hobby that we can try. Let us not confine ourselves in front of our computers when we can take a break once in a while.
These physical activities can relieve much of our stress and keep us grounded. It can help us overcome our anxieties.
Living a Balanced Life
While the Carthusians were focused on their spiritual growth, they did not disregard their bodily needs. We, too, must learn to live a balanced life that can make us healthy physically and spiritually.
Nevertheless, we must never forget that we must prioritize above all else our relationship with God. God should always be at the very center of our lives. Only by doing that can everything else fall into place and we can live a happy and meaningful life.
Jocelyn Soriano is the author of the book Defending My Catholic Faith.
“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” – 1 Peter 3:15 (NABRE)
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