CultureAugust 19, 2026

monastics

muh-NAS-tiks

Definition

People who live as members of a religious community under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, often living a life of seclusion and spiritual devotion.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'monakhos', meaning 'solitary' or 'single', the term entered English via late Latin to describe individuals who live apart from society to pursue a religious life.

In the news

The article describes Swami Sarvapriyananda as one of the first Hindu monastics to join an academic exchange program at Harvard Divinity School. It highlights his role in bridging traditional Eastern religious life with Western scholarly traditions.

Swami Sarvapriyananda to deliver special Vedanta lecture in Sydney on August 23

Read the full article ↗

The Australia Today

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