Monastic spirituality is based on a person giving herself or himself to a contemplative life of prayer and worship or to an active life of love and mercy for others,such as in helping the poor or sick. These forms of commitment usually takes place in the context of a community of men or women, living out common values and religious beliefs.

If you feel you may be called to such a life, then a retreat at a Christian or Buddhist monastery and a discussion of your feelings with an appropriate member of that community will help.