"The Rule of Saint Benedict" is a compendium of rules by which monks are supposed to live by. The 73 chapters of the rule describe how a community of monks has to behave in order to not only be pleasing to God but also be able to persevere for the lifetime of each member. The rule written by St. Benedict was a breakthrough as it discussed non-spiritual matters such as conflict between brothers.
While the book is divided up into 73 chapters, the content can be divided up into distinct themes. The first chapters discuss humility and obedience. Benedict of Nursia describes what a prospective monk has to expect when he enters a monastery. The book discusses the complications with lifelong commitment, the strict order within a monastery and even has a clear ranking of humility. One should be aware that speech is a present from God and should only be used when necessary.
After this introduction, the book discusses the order of the day, clearly defined by the holy masses and the psalms that are to be recited at specific times. This second part of the book defines a monk's life from waking up to sleeping the whole year round. The third part of the book is the longest one, as it regulates the everyday life of the monks. While the second part dictates the spiritual time plan, the third part dictates rules on pretty much everything else. This includes instructions on how to vote a new abbot and deans, how sleeping arrangements are to be made and even how each individual monk has to behave during meals. This part also includes strict instructions on how to approve new members. It also discusses how to treat guests and differentiates them by their clerical affiliation.
The last part of the book talks to the monks individually. It discusses how to deal with personal injury, how to defend oneself and how to treat your brothers. The book ends with a final chapter that states that what is written within is not a perfect guide for all times, but meant for beginners to find it easier to cope with life in a monastery.
