Cistercian Reform
The Cistercian Reform was a movement within the monastic tradition of the Catholic Church that began in the late 11th century. Aimed at returning to a stricter adherence to the Rule of Saint Benedict, Cistercians sought a simpler, more austere lifestyle, emphasizing manual labor, self-sufficiency, and contemplative prayer. They distanced themselves from the wealth and politics of the time, promoting a return to spiritual purity and community living. Their monasteries, often set in remote locations, became centers of agricultural innovation and spiritual renewal, influencing the broader monastic landscape in medieval Europe.
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The Cistercian reform was a movement within medieval monasticism that emerged in the late 11th century, aimed at restoring a stricter observance of the Rule of St. Benedict. This reform emphasized simplicity, manual labor, and a return to a more austere lifestyle compared to other monastic communities. The Cistercians promoted agricultural development and sustainable living, often founding monasteries in remote areas to establish self-sufficient communities. Their influence spread rapidly across Europe, contributing to the spiritual and economic life of the time, and they played a significant role in the development of architecture, particularly with their distinct Gothic styles.