[Mikeb85]

A hermitage is a type of monastery that goes back to the origins of monasticism. Hermit monks generally live in complete solitude on the outskirts of the monastery to pray/meditate for days, weeks or even months at a time, then come together for certain liturgical celebrations.

[pbhjpbhj]

To me a hermitage is just a hermits home?

What are the recorded origins of monasticism? The Ancient Greeks formed intentional communities around philosophies/religion I think but I doubt they were the first?

Hermits forming an intentional community still seems too contradictory to make sense to me.

[Mikeb85]

> Hermits forming an intentional community still seems too contradictory to make sense to me.

In Christianity you have liturgical events which are meant to be communal, for example, communion must be done with multiple people present. Not to mention certain holidays. That's why hermits, although they live on the outskirts of society and are solitary, generally keep a minimal amount of contact with others.

> What are the recorded origins of monasticism? The Ancient Greeks formed intentional communities around philosophies/religion I think but I doubt they were the first?

Depends on whether or not you consider mythological religious figures, and some religions which didn't commit things to writing. But some of the earlier communities would be Greek yes, and also Indian monastics within the sramanic movements (Buddhism/Jainism). There's also semi-historical figures in Chinese Daoist mythology who lived as hermits/monastics, druids and shamans in some religions were reclusive and likely had a practice which resembled monasticism, etc...

Within Christianity it of course started with the Desert Fathers who were emulating St. John the Baptist as well as applying some of Jesus' exhortations literally.

[petra]

I think there's an interesting middle ground in tibetian buddhism, with 3 year retreats that are done in groups, but in silence. i think i read some of them don't feel alone this way.

[pbhjpbhj]

Do they communicate still? Monks in middle-age Britain who lived in silent(-ish) orders used sign-languages, eg for meal times when they were supposed to be listening to the readings.

A vow of silence when you still "talk" with sign seems a bit of a cheat to me.

[petra]

I think there may be something similar for practical communication.As for whether it's a cheat ? IDK, but the goals there aren't "be solitary", but certain type of personal development, and relatively i think tibetian buddhists are good at it.