Monasticism (from
Greek μοναχός,
monachos, derived from μόνος,
monos, "alone") or is a
religious way of life in which one renounces
worldly pursuits to devote oneself fully to spiritual work. Monastic life plays an important role in many
Christian churches, especially in the
Catholic and
Orthodox traditions. Similar forms of religious life also exist in other faiths, most notably in
Buddhism, but also in
Hinduism and
Jainism, although the expressions differ considerably. By contrast, in other religions monasticism is criticized and not practiced, as in
Islam and
Zoroastrianism, or plays a marginal role, as in
Judaism.
