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Demythologizing Celibacy: Practical Wisdom from Christian and Buddhist Monasticism

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Demythologizing Celibacy: Practical Wisdom from Christian and Buddhist MonasticismWhen St. Benedict compiled his Rule for Monasteries in the early decades of the sixth century, the Buddhist monastic code had already been in existence for about nine hundred years. Since monastic life is shaped by spiritual practices that are very similar across different religious traditions, it should not be too much of a stretch to suggest that Christians can learn from the accumulated wisdom of Buddhist monasticism. For Buddhists, celibacy,

When St. Benedict compiled his Rule for Monasteries in the early decades of the sixth century, the Buddhist monastic code had already been in existence for about nine hundred years. Since monastic life is shaped by spiritual practices that are very similar across different religious traditions, it should not be too much of a stretch to suggest that Christians can learn from the accumulated wisdom of Buddhist monasticism.

For Buddhists, celibacy, accompanied by skillful reflection on their personal reactions to it, is a means of letting go of attachment to sensory pleasure. Buddhist monks do not marry; they strive to relinquish the desire for sexual pleasure because this form of gratification obstructs the one-pointed stillness that leads to insight.

For Christians, celibacy--like marriage--is ultimately about love: responding to God's love for us and expressing selfless love for others. In light of the Christian understanding of marriage as an authentic--indeed, the ordinary--path to holiness, Skudlarek proposes a demythologized view of celibacy, presenting it as an alternate and equally valid spiritual practice for those who choose not to accept the demands of a committed sexual relationship. Drawing on the monastic interreligious dialogue, Skudlarek considers the Buddhist view of celibacy, which is not mythologized as a response to a divine call or as a superhuman way of life. He examines their regard for it as simply--and profoundly--a path to freedom, peace, and happiness. As Christians become aware of the benefits of celibacy for monks who observe it without reference to the Gospel, they may be able to appreciate all the more its importance and value for those who wish to follow Christ as celibates, and in this way come to share in the freedom of the children of God.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Liturgical Press
Published: 03/01/2008
ISBN: 9780814629475
Pages: 136
Weight: 0.35lbs
Size: 8.25h x 5.51w x 0.32d
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SKU: 39765264195

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faux leather container for men
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It's a very well made container happy with purchase
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Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2026
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Looks great, doesn't hold much so measure carefully
Color: Gray, Size: Rectangle
I got this organizer for my husband to keep his stuff by the door. While it's a little smaller than I'd hoped, it looks great in the entryway. It's super easy to snap together, but feels like the material could be damaged easily if you're not careful. He is able to store his keys, wallet, and sunglasses in it, and throws hit hat on top. Overall we are really happy with it.
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Rin
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Just what I needed. The size is perfect as I didn’t want anything too large to place my watches and other accessories inside near the corner of my desk. Its size is essentially 7x7, and the design is sleek compared to other organizer holders. I got the color in blue and it looks stunning with the rest of my setup. I’m unsure about other reviewers, but mine came safely and the leather walls are decently thick, so it’s not too flimsy when buttoned together which holds very securely. There are hole spaces at the bottom corners once assembled, so if you have super small items such as beads or really small jewelry, they could potentially fall out, but most of my items are large enough that won’t be of concern. If you have a wire charger near by, the holes could be used to charge your smartphone inside, which has its own practical usage. Overall, I’d definitely recommend it if you’re on a lookout for a sleek but compact organizer holder, and I personally will consider getting another one in the future for myself for other household belongings.
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Looks perfect on a lower shelf of living room coffee table. The black outside is classy and the wood top matches the color of my wood coffee table. Sure makes tissue boxes look great! Good that the bottom is magnetic and the box doesn’t slip out if you lift it up. You get what you pay for and this is all great quality. Thanks for such nice addition to our home.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2026

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