108 Suggestions for Monks & Nuns

Preface

These precepts are set forth as a help, not a burden.
Let whoever desires a steadier life consider them and take up what he can.

If they are kept, let them be kept simply.
If they are left, let them be taken up again.

For a little, done faithfully, is better than much left undone.

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I. Daily Orientation (1–12)

1. Wake at a fixed time — monastic horarium.
2. Begin in silence — Psalm 46:10 (Book of Psalms).
3. Keep a short morning practice — prayer or meditation.
4. Remain still briefly upon waking — contemplative custom.
5. Keep evening reflection — Psalm 139 (Book of Psalms).
6. Follow a simple daily rhythm — stability tradition.
7. Set 1–3 priorities — Luke 10:42 (Jesus Christ).
8. Avoid early distraction — desert vigilance.
9. Keep one lighter day weekly — Sabbath tradition.
10. Review actions daily — examen.
11. Correct small faults — monastic discipline.
12. Begin again each day — beginner’s mind (Zen Buddhism).

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II. Simplicity & Solitude (13–24)

13. Keep your space clean — cell discipline.
14. Handle objects with care — stewardship.
15. Own only what you use — Luke 9:3 (Jesus Christ).
16. Clean daily — order of life.
17. Keep surroundings simple — austerity.
18. Maintain quiet — contemplative tradition.
19. Limit media and input — sense restraint (Tibetan Buddhism).
20. Repair before replacing — poverty principle.
21. Dress simply — Gospel teaching.
22. Prepare a place for practice — Zen Buddhism custom.
23. Leave spaces orderly — communal ethic.
24. Spend time alone daily — eremitic tradition.

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III. Body Discipline (25–36)

25. Rise without delay — discipline.
26. Wash mindfully — preparation.
27. Sit daily — meditation practice.
28. Move daily — labor or walking.
29. Keep upright posture — Zen Buddhism.
30. Eat at set times — discipline.
31. Eat moderately — Dhammapada.
32. Avoid intoxication — Fifth Precept (Buddhism).
33. Keep food simple — ascetic tradition.
34. Sleep regularly — ordered life.
35. Accept mild discomfort — askesis.
36. Care for the body responsibly — 1 Corinthians 9:27.

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IV. Speech & Silence (37–48)

37. Speak only when needed — silence discipline.
38. Do not interrupt — listening practice.
39. Avoid gossip — Psalm 34:13 (Book of Psalms).
40. Do not complain unnecessarily — Philippians 2:14.
41. Speak gently — Proverbs 15:1.
42. Do not lie — Fourth Precept (Buddhism).
43. Listen fully — James 1:19.
44. Keep daily periods of silence — monastic custom.
45. Avoid unnecessary arguments — 2 Timothy 2:23.
46. Do not speak in anger — Dhammapada 133.
47. Keep confidences — Proverbs 11:13.
48. Practice right speech — Eightfold Path (Buddhism).

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V. Mind Training (49–64)

49. Meditate daily — watchfulness.
50. Return attention when distracted — mindfulness.
51. Do one task at a time — Zen Buddhism.
52. Finish what you start — diligence.
53. Reduce distractions — contemplative teaching.
54. Read a small amount daily — sacred reading.
55. Reflect briefly — lectio divina.
56. Limit unnecessary stimulation — desert fathers.
57. Pause during the day — stillness.
58. Observe thoughts — Dhammapada.
59. Resist impulses — Proverbs 25:28.
60. Note recurring patterns — examen.
61. Stay present — Zen Buddhism.
62. Let go of excess thinking — no-mind.
63. Use difficulty as practice — lojong (Tibetan Buddhism).
64. Guard the heart — Proverbs 4:23.

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VI. Ethics & Conduct (65–80)

65. Do no harm — First Precept (Buddhism).
66. Speak truth — commandment tradition.
67. Do not take what is not given — Second Precept.
68. Keep commitments — Ecclesiastes 5:5.
69. Be punctual — discipline.
70. Admit faults — James 5:16.
71. Reconcile quickly — Matthew 5:23–24.
72. Avoid blaming others — desert teaching.
73. Treat all with respect — Matthew 25:40.
74. Avoid manipulation — simplicity teaching (Jesus Christ).
75. Keep clear boundaries — wisdom tradition.
76. Practice restraint — Third Precept.
77. Do not exploit others — moral teaching.
78. Seek peace — Matthew 5:9.
79. Forgive — Matthew 18:22.
80. Act with integrity even when unseen.

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VII. Work & Service (81–92)

81. Work with attention — ora et labora.
82. Complete assigned tasks — obedience.
83. Do not delay simple duties — discipline.
84. Take responsibility — Galatians 6:5.
85. Help others when possible — Galatians 6:2.
86. Avoid seeking praise — Matthew 6:1–4.
87. Do necessary work first — order of life.
88. Keep tools and space organized — stewardship.
89. Work carefully — Proverbs 22:29.
90. Maintain integrity — ethical teaching.
91. Value quality — Colossians 3:23.
92. Let work be part of practice — Zen Buddhism.

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VIII. Stability & Perseverance (93–108)

93. Sit even when restless — Zen Buddhism.
94. Continue when unmotivated — Luke 16:10.
95. Keep your routine — stability.
96. Do not follow moods — ascetic teaching.
97. Accept gradual progress — Mark 4:26–29.
98. Avoid comparison — Galatians 6:4.
99. Remain consistent — desert fathers.
100. Reduce dependence on comfort — asceticism.
101. Keep your word — Psalm 15:4 (Book of Psalms).
102. Guard the senses — Buddhist teaching.
103. Spend time alone regularly — eremitic tradition.
104. Stay present in simple tasks — Zen Buddhism.
105. Keep the path simple — Matthew 7:14.
106. Return to basics often — beginner’s mind.
107. Remain inwardly steady — vigilance.
108. Continue steadily — enduring path (Tao Te Ching).

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End Word

These things are simple, though not always easy.
Take up what seems fitting, and keep it as you are able.

There is no need to hold them perfectly or all at once.
It is enough to return to them, again and again, in your own time.

If they are forgotten, they can be remembered.
If they are set aside, they can be taken up again.

Let the practice be modest and steady.
Let it remain quiet and sincere.

In time, what is practiced outwardly may begin to settle inwardly,
and what is repeated may become more natural.

So continue in a simple way, without strain.