The Rule of St. Benedict: An Introduction to the Contemplative Life

A timeless source of wisdom for people looking to lead a life of simplicity, purpose, and serenity

The Rule of St. Benedict has governed monastic communities for centuries, but it is far more than a standard religious text. The Rule is, above all, a handbook for living a deliberate life—no matter your religious background or beliefs. It teaches the importance of contemplation and silence, of solitude, and the power of community and unity.

With lessons focusing on the simple acts of everyday life, like eating and daily work, along with wisdom for the deeply personal and internal facets of living, such as cultivating humility and practicing forgiveness, The Rule of St. Benedict is a profound guide to living a good and meaningful life.

An award-winning translator, Philip Freeman's version of The Rule is beautifully accessible in its language. With a simple and direct style, the book lays out a way of living that is transformative in its simplicity and striking in its power.

© 2025 St. Martin's Essentials (Ebook): 9781250246509

Release date

Ebook: 16 October 2025