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56-430: The succentor ("under-singer") is the assistant to the precentor , typically in an ancient cathedral foundation, helping with the preparation and conduct of the liturgy including psalms , preces and responses . In English cathedrals today, the priest responsible for liturgy and music is usually the precentor, but some cathedrals, such as St Paul's , Southwark Cathedral , Durham , and Christ Church, Oxford , retain

112-592: A samanera (novice). Novices often ordain at a young age, but generally no younger than eight. Samaneras live according to the Ten Precepts , but are not responsible for living by the full set of monastic rules. Higher ordination, conferring the status of a full bhikkhu, is given only to men who are aged 20 or older. Bhikkhunis follow a similar progression, but are required to live as samaneras for longer periods of time, typically five years. The disciplinary regulations for bhikkhus and bhikkhunis are intended to create

168-888: A Jewish sect that flourished from the second century BC to AD 100 which some scholars claim seceded from the Zadokite priests. Being much fewer in number than the Pharisees and the Sadducees (the other two major sects at the time), the Essenes lived in various cities but congregated in communal life dedicated to asceticism , voluntary poverty , daily immersion (in mikvah), and abstinence from worldly pleasures, including (for some groups) marriage . Many separate but related religious groups of that era shared similar mystic , eschatological , messianic , and ascetic beliefs. These groups are collectively referred to by various scholars as

224-495: A Nazirite vow was for a specified time period and not permanent. In Modern Hebrew, the term "Nazir" is most often used to refer to non-Jewish monastics. Unique among Jewish communities is the monasticism of the Beta Israel of Ethiopia, a practice believed to date to the 15th century. A form of asceticism was practiced by some individuals in pre– World War II European Ashkenazi Jewish communities. Its principal expression

280-454: A commitment to a life of prayer, contemplation, and service to others. Teachings from Shenoute of Atripe, an influential figure in the development of the monastic tradition in Egypt and for his writings on monastic life were also implemented throughout monasteries. Sometimes written in the masculine gender as if exclusively applicable to the male congregations, despite the fact Shenoute commanded

336-513: A conference of the DIMMID in 1995, there are three significant similarities between Muslim and monastic spirituality. Firstly, the central place of obedience in the monastic tradition parallels the importance of surrender or submission in Islam. Secondly, similar to monastic communities which come together several times a day for prayer, Muslims practices ritual prayer (salāt) five times a day. Finally,

392-498: A crucial role in promoting and financing the monastic movement. Monasteries served as a space for communal living for monks and nuns many operated under different ranges of severity for rules and punishment of disobedience towards practices that largely originated from the Desert Fathers, these parameters were administer by a superior (Father/Mother). While the practices of female monastic communities varied, they were united by

448-541: A federation that included both male and female congregations. Later, during 379 CE the first monastery for women was founded in Jerusalem by Saint Melania the Elder. This was a significant moment in history: before then, female monasteries were solely adjunct to male monasteries, although the history of female ascetics predates even the earliest recognized female ascetic pioneers, such as Saint Mary of Egypt, who lived during

504-547: A life that is simple and focused, rather than one of deprivation or severe asceticism. However, celibacy is a fundamental part of this form of monastic discipline. Monasticism in Christianity, which provides the origins of the words "monk" and "monastery", comprises several diverse forms of religious living. It began to develop early in the history of the Church, but is not mentioned in the scriptures. The precise origins of

560-437: A living example for the laity, and to serve as a "field of merit" for lay followers—providing laymen and women with the opportunity to earn merit by giving gifts and support to the bhikkhus. In return for the support of the laity, bhikkhus and bhikkhunis are expected to live an austere life focused on the study of Buddhist doctrine, the practice of meditation, and the observance of good moral character. A bhikkhu first ordains as

616-521: A marginal role, as in modern Judaism . Many monastics live in abbeys , convents , monasteries , or priories to separate themselves from the secular world, unless they are in mendicant or missionary orders . The Sangha or community of ordained Buddhist bhikkhus ( Pali bhikkhu , like Sanskrit bhikṣuts , means 'simag; one who lives by alms ' ), and original bhikkhunīs (nuns) were founded by Gautama Buddha during his lifetime over 2500 years ago. This communal monastic lifestyle grew out of

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672-603: A means to "serve God with joy" (Deut. 28:47). However, until the Destruction of the Second Temple , about two thousand years ago, taking Nazirite vows was a common feature of the religion. Nazirite Jews (in Hebrew : נזיר ) abstained from grape products, haircuts, and contact with the dead. However, they did not withdraw from general society, and they were permitted to marry and own property; moreover, in most cases

728-607: A message to some companions who wanted to put an end to their sexual life, pray all night long or fast continuously, Muhammad said: "Do not do that! Fast on some days and eat on others. Sleep part of the night, and stand in prayer another part. For your body has rights upon you, your eyes have a right upon you, your wife has a right upon you, your guest has a right upon you." Muhammad once exclaimed, repeating it three times: "Woe to those who exaggerate [who are too strict]!" And, on another occasion, Muhammad said: "Moderation, moderation! For only with moderation will you succeed." Monasticism

784-431: A monastic life are generally called nuns, religious sisters or, rarely, canonesses, while monastic men are called monks, friars or brothers. During the fourth and fifth century monasticism allowed women to be removed from traditional lifestyles such as marriage and childbearing to live a life devoted to God. Guided by daily rules and lifestyle guidelines, monasticism afforded women great spiritual autonomy. Women also played

840-427: A permanent home nor any possessions, wandering barefoot from place to place except during the months of Chaturmas . The quality of life they lead is difficult because of the many constraints placed on them. They don't use a vehicle for commuting and always commute barefoot from one place to another, irrespective of the distance. They don't possess any materialistic things and also don't use the basic services like that of

896-514: A phone, electricity etc. They don't prepare food and live only on what people offer them. Judaism does not encourage the monastic ideal of celibacy and poverty. To the contrary—all of the Torah 's commandments are a means of sanctifying the physical world. As further disseminated through the teachings of the Yisrael Ba'al Shem Tov , the pursuit of permitted physical pleasures is encouraged as

952-407: A precentor is a person (man or woman, not necessarily clergy) who leads the singing, often by means of conducting techniques, but sometimes just by singing from amongst the congregation. Churches that use a call and response method of singing called lining out (used primarily when sufficient numbers of psalm books are unavailable, or the congregation insufficiently literate, as was the case in

1008-453: A small patch of hair on the back of the head, while Saivite monks let their hair and beard grow uncut. A sādhu's vow of renunciation typically forbids him from: Islam forbids the practice of monasticism. In Sunni Islam , one example is Uthman bin Maz'oon ; one of the companions of Muhammad . He was married to Khawlah bint Hakim , both being two of the earliest converts to Islam. There

1064-402: A succentor as well. Lichfield used the title subchanter . Westminster Abbey also retains the tradition; Brecon Cathedral previously had only a succentor, and no precentor, but this changed in 2022 with the appointment of The Rev'd Canon Steven Griffith to the post of precentor. The succentor is normally a minor canon . Radley College appears to be unique in having a lay succentor, who

1120-556: A vocation from God. His objective is to imitate the life of Christ as far as possible in preparation for attaining eternal life after death. Titles for monastics differ between the Christian denominations. In Roman Catholicism and Anglicanism, monks and nuns are addressed as Brother (or Father, if ordained to the priesthood) or Mother, Sister, while in Eastern Orthodoxy, they are addressed as Father or Mother. Women pursuing

1176-549: 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 , Orthodox and Anglican traditions as well as in other faiths such as Buddhism , Hinduism , and Jainism . In other religions, monasticism is generally criticized and not practiced, as in Islam and Zoroastrianism , or plays

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1232-579: Is a Sunni narration that, out of religious devotion, Uthman bin Maz'oon decided to dedicate himself to night prayers and take a vow of chastity from his wife. His wife got upset and spoke to Muhammad about this. Muhammad reminded Uthman that he himself, as the Prophet, also had a family life, and that Uthman had a responsibility to his family and should not adopt monasticism as a form of religious practice. Muhammad told his companions to ease their burden and avoid excess. According to some Sunni hadiths , in

1288-595: Is also mentioned in the following verse of Qur'an : Then We caused Our messengers to follow in their footsteps; and We caused Isa(A.S.), son of Mariam, to follow, and gave him the Injil, and placed compassion and mercy in the hearts of those who followed him. But monasticism they invented – We ordained it not for them – only seeking Allah's pleasure, and they observed it not with right observance. So We give those of them who believe their reward, but many of them are evil-livers. Nevertheless, as Christian de Chergé laid out in

1344-546: Is called a sanyāsī , sādhu , or swāmi . A nun is called a sanyāsini , sādhvi , or swāmini . Such renunciates are accorded high respect in Hindu society, because their outward renunciation of selfishness and worldliness serves as an inspiration to householders who strive for mental renunciation. Some monastics live in monasteries, while others wander from place to place, trusting in God alone to provide for their physical needs. It

1400-430: Is considered a highly meritorious act for a lay devotee to provide sadhus with food or other necessaries. Sādhus are expected to treat all with respect and compassion, whether a person may be poor or rich, good or wicked. They are also expected to be indifferent to praise, blame, pleasure, and pain. A sādhu can typically be recognized by his ochre-colored clothing. Generally, Vaisnava monks shave their heads except for

1456-800: Is regarded by many historians and theologians as the "cradle of the Reformation ", as it is where Martin Luther lived as a monk from 1505 to 1511. Today new expressions of Christian monasticism , many of which are ecumenical , are developing in various places such as the Bose Monastic Community in Italy, the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem throughout Europe, the Anglo-Celtic Society of Nativitists,

1512-507: Is the college organist and assistant to the lay precentor, the director of music. This Anglicanism -related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This Christian music -related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Precentor The chief precentor was the highest position in many ancient Mesopotamian cities (see Music of Mesopotamia ). Jewish precentors are song or prayer leaders, leading synagogue music . A Jewish precentor

1568-558: Is typically called a hazzan or cantor . In the Middle Ages, women precentors leading prayers in the vaybershul (women's gallery) were known as firzogerin , farzangerin, foreleiner, zogerin, or zogerke. A precentor is a member of a church who helps facilitate worship. The role of precentor was carried over from the synagogues into the early Christian church. The term precentor usually described an ecclesiastical dignitary, an administrative or ceremonial officer. Anciently,

1624-399: Is usually held in a large church. Most cathedrals have a precentor in charge of the organisation of liturgy and worship. The precentor of a cathedral is usually a residentiary canon or prebendary and may be assisted by a succentor (particularly in the daily task of leading choral singing). In some cathedrals (including Canterbury ), the precentor is a minor canon and therefore part of

1680-531: The parinibbāna (Final Passing) of the Buddha, the Buddhist monastic order developed into a primarily cenobitic or communal movement. The practice of living communally during the rainy vassa season, prescribed by the Buddha, gradually grew to encompass a settled monastic life centered on life in a community of practitioners. Most of the modern disciplinary rules followed by bhikkhus and bhikkhunis—as encoded in

1736-552: The Hebrew Bible which were untouched from as early as 300 years before Christ until their discovery in 1946. Some scholars, however, dispute the notion that the Essenes wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls. Rachel Elior , a prominent Israeli scholar, even questions the existence of the Essenes. While Sikhism treats lust as a sin, it at the same time points out that man must share the moral responsibility by leading

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1792-583: The Lectio Divina , the meditative reading of Sacred Scripture interpreted as God's word directed to the reader is echoed by the Muslim conviction that in and through the Qur'ān, God speaks to each individual. Islam does encourage one to abstain from pursuing the life of the world solely, but it does not obligate that believers must abandon the worldly life entirely, and this is known as zuhd in Islam. At best,

1848-519: The Patimokkha —relate to such an existence, prescribing in great detail proper methods for living and relating in a community of bhikkhus or bhikkhunis. The number of rules observed varies with the order; Theravada bhikkhus follow around 227 rules, the Vinaya . There are a larger number of rules specified for bhikkhunis (nuns). The Buddhist monastic order consists of the male bhikkhu assembly and

1904-593: The Taizé Community in France, the Eastern Orthodox monasteries of New Skete , New York, and the mainly Evangelical Protestant New Monasticism . In their quest to attain the spiritual goal of life, some Hindus choose the path of monasticism ( Sannyasa ). Monastics commit themselves to a life of simplicity , celibacy , detachment from worldly pursuits, and the contemplation of God. A Hindu monk

1960-515: The rubrics and explained the ceremonies , ordered in a general way the Divine Office and sometimes composed desired hymns, sequences , and lessons of saints . He was variously styled capiscol (from the Latin caput scholæ , head of the choir-school), prior scholæ , magister scholæ , and primicerius (a word of widely different implications). Hugh of Saint Victor tells us that in

2016-506: The "Essenes". Josephus records that Essenes existed in large numbers, and thousands lived throughout Roman Judaea . The Essenes have gained fame in modern times as a result of the discovery of an extensive group of religious documents known as the Dead Sea Scrolls , which are commonly believed to be the Essenes' library—although there is no proof that the Essenes wrote them. These documents include multiple preserved copies of

2072-535: The 5th century CE. In fourth century Egypt, Christians felt called to a more reclusive or eremitic form of living (in the spirit of the "Desert Theology" for the purpose of spiritual renewal and return to God). Saint Anthony the Great is cited by Athanasius as one of the early "Hermit monks". Especially in the Middle East, eremitic monasticism continued to be common until the decline of Syriac Christianity in

2128-459: The baton cantoral, the insignia of his office". This "baton cantoral" is a silver or white staff. "In the dioceses of Aix, Carcassonne, Coutances, Dijon, Metz, Orléans, the dignity of Precentor is still the highest in the chapter.... Some chapters have sub-chanters, those of Arras being among the honorary resident canons", where also the quoted statutes of the Bishop of Dijon may serve to illustrate

2184-587: The black church in Harper Lee 's To Kill a Mockingbird ) are usually led by the precentor, much as with other non-instrumental churches. The title "precentor" is also used at two English public schools , Radley College and Eton College , and a private school in Sri Lanka , S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia , to refer to the head of music. These school precentors have no specific religious duties although, as part of their musical function, they may conduct

2240-468: The care of the primicerius were placed the acolytes , exorcists , lectors , and psalmists (chanters). In the Middle Ages the principal dignitaries of cathedral , collegiate chapters , and monastic orders, imitated the example of St. Gregory the Great in acting as directors of chant-schools. The schola was always in attendance when the bishop officiated in his cathedral, and to the precentor

2296-435: The college chapel choir. At Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge and Magdalene College, Cambridge , the precentor's main responsibility is as director of the college choir, which provides music for chapel services. Monastic Monasticism (from Ancient Greek μοναχός ( monakhós )  'solitary, monastic'; from μόνος ( mónos )  'alone'), also called monachism or monkhood ,

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2352-436: The duties of librarian and registrar. From the fourteenth century the title and dignity were largely handed over to incumbents whose musical knowledge did not fit them for the duties to which the name of precentor owed its origin; the dignities remained, but the duties became obscured. "In France, some chapters retain traces of the dignity of Precentor, and sometimes an archdeacon, sometimes a titular or honorary canon, carrying

2408-445: The female bhikkhunī assembly. Initially consisting only of males, it grew to include females after the Buddha's stepmother, Mahaprajapati , asked for and received permission to live as an ordained practitioner. Bhikkhus and bhikkhunis are expected to fulfill a variety of roles in the Buddhist community. First and foremost, they are expected to preserve the doctrine and discipline now known as Buddhism. They are also expected to provide

2464-414: The foundation but not part of the chapter. Traditionally the precentor's stall (seat) in the cathedral is on the opposite side of the quire from that of the dean, leading to the traditional division of the singers into decani (the dean's side) and cantoris (the precentor's side). In Presbyterian churches that worship in the historical fashion (i.e., sing a cappella ; see Presbyterian worship ),

2520-630: The late Middle Ages. Around 318 Saint Pachomius started to organize his many followers in what was to become the first Christian cenobitic or communal monastery . Soon, similar institutions were established throughout the Egyptian desert as well as the rest of the eastern half of the Roman Empire. Notable monasteries in the East include: In the West, the most significant development occurred when

2576-416: The life of a householder. According to Sikhism , being God-centred while being a householder is better than being an ascetic. According to Sikhism, ascetics are not on the right path. When Guru Nanak visited Gorakhmata , he discussed the true meaning of asceticism with some yogis. Asceticism doesn't lie in ascetic robes, or in walking staff, nor in the ashes. Asceticism doesn't lie in the earring, nor in

2632-425: The lifestyle of earlier sects of wandering ascetics , some of whom the Buddha had studied under. It was initially fairly eremitic or reclusive in nature. Bhikkhus and bhikkunis were expected to live with a minimum of possessions, which were to be voluntarily provided by the lay community. Lay followers also provided the daily food that bhikkhus required, and provided shelter for bhikkhus when they needed it. After

2688-499: The modern idea of the office of precentor: "The Précenteur or Grand Chantre is the head of the choir and ... brings the antiphon to the bishop when officiating pontifically. Sacristans , chanters, choir-boys, and employés of the Cathedral are placed under his surveillance. He will also preserve order and silence in the sacristy." A precentor is a person, usually ordained, who is in charge of preparing worship services. This position

2744-667: The most common rule throughout the Middle Ages and is still in use today. The Augustinian Rule , due to its brevity, has been adopted by various communities, chiefly the Canons Regular . Around the 12th century, the Franciscan , Carmelite , Dominican , Servite Order (see Servants of Mary ) and Augustinian mendicant orders chose to live in city convents among the people instead of being secluded in monasteries. St. Augustine's Monastery , founded in 1277 in Erfurt , Germany

2800-451: The movement are obscure but it seems that it originated in more than one place with Egypt and Syria as important early centres. It has come to be regulated by religious rules (e.g. the Rule of St Basil, the Rule of St Benedict) and, in modern times, the Church law of the respective apostolic Christian churches that have forms of monastic living. The Christian monk embraces the monastic life as

2856-575: The only monasticism of Islam is Jihad, as mentioned by Hadith and Tafsir. Imam Ahmad recorded that Anas bin Malik said that the Prophet said, "Every Prophet has Rahbaniyyah (monasticism); Jihad in the cause of Allah, the Exalted and Most Honored, is the Rahbaniyyah of this Ummah." In Jainism , monasticism is encouraged and respected. Rules for monasticism are rather strict. A Jain ascetic has neither

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2912-419: The precentor had duties such as being the first or leading chanter, who on Sundays and greater feasts intoned certain antiphons , psalms , hymns , responsories , etc.; gave the pitch or tone to the bishop and dean at Mass (the succentor performing a similar office to the canons and clerks ); recruited and taught the choir , directed its rehearsals and supervised its official functions; interpreted

2968-656: The rules for monastic communities were written down, the Rule of St Basil being credited with having been the first. The precise dating of the Rule of the Master is problematic. It has been argued that it antedates the Rule of Saint Benedict created by Benedict of Nursia for his monastery in Monte Cassino , Italy (c. 529), and the other Benedictine monasteries he had founded as part of the Order of St Benedict . It would become

3024-503: The shaven head, nor blowing a conch. Asceticism lies in remaining pure amidst impurities. Asceticism doesn't lie in mere words; He is an ascetic who treats everyone alike. Asceticism doesn't lie in visiting burial places, It lies not in wandering about, nor in bathing at places of pilgrimage. Asceticism is to remain pure amidst impurities. Throughout the centuries, Taoism especially Quanzhen School , have developed their own extensive monastic traditions and practices. Particularly well-known

3080-580: Was prishut , the practice of a married Talmud student going into self-imposed exile from his home and family to study in the kollel of a different city or town. This practice was associated with, but not exclusive to, the Perushim . The Essenes (in Modern but not in Ancient Hebrew : אִסִּיִים ‎, Isiyim ; Greek : Εσσηνοι, Εσσαιοι, or Οσσαιοι; Essēnoi , Essaioi , or Ossaioi ) were

3136-468: Was assigned a place near the bishop and high in dignity. His office demanded much learning and executive ability, and his dignity corresponded with his duties. In the cathedrals of England, France, Spain, and Germany, a precentor sometimes ranked next to the dean, sometimes next to the archdeacon . In some instances a precentor's sphere of activity was more broad, including the duty of installing deans, canons, and other dignitaries; and in some monasteries ,

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