Walking the Path: Merging Secular Living with Monastic Aspirations

Everyone who dreams of a monastic life must first undergo a deep inner transformation while remaining an active participant in secular life. In the initial stage, the primary focus is on attaining spiritual perfection amid everyday hustle and bustle. This means not only regularly attending church and diligently following prayer rules, but also striving in all aspects toward higher spiritual ideals through fasting and constant self-improvement. Such an approach enables a person to become a true representative of the Orthodox tradition, perfecting their soul even while living in the world.

The next stage of preparation involves a profound immersion into the essence of monastic life. Reading the works of the Holy Fathers offers the prospective monk a unique picture of monastic endeavors, helping to understand that true monasticism is not merely a retreat from the world but an example of disciplined living, inner harmony, and thoughtful self-denial. To grasp the realities of monastic life, many advise visiting a monastery where one can personally appreciate all the nuances and peculiarities of this path. Such a visit serves as an excellent guide, helping to avoid illusory expectations and castles built on air.

It is equally important to gradually embrace monastic vows while still immersed in secular society, especially the vow of obedience. Acquiring elements of spiritual discipline within one’s usual environment lays a strong foundation for the final transition to the monastery. Only through continuous practice and an awareness of one’s calling can one resolve to leave worldly concerns, allowing the inner voice and the blessing of a spiritual mentor to point the true way.

Thus, the journey to monasticism is a sequential and thoughtful progression from profound spiritual development in the world, through familiarization with monastic tradition and practical experiences, to the final, mature decision. This process not only helps prepare for a change in life’s orientation but also fills every moment of daily life with a sincere yearning for the highest ideal.

Which steps must be taken to become a monk while remaining active in the world?

To become a monk and still remain active in the world, one must go through several sequential preparatory stages, where personal spiritual growth, learning about monastic life, and the practice of vows in everyday life play crucial roles.

First, according to Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov, before deciding on monasticism, a person should achieve the state of a perfected layman. This means that while living in the world, one should strive for spiritual perfection through daily observance of the prayer rule, regular church attendance, and fasting, as described:
"Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov) says that before becoming a monk, one must become a perfected layman. While living in the world and attending the holy church, one should endeavor to draw as much as possible from the Church’s treasury, that is, reach a certain spiritual level and become a true Orthodox church person. One must observe the fasts prescribed by the Orthodox Church, follow the prayer rule daily, and regularly, at least once a week, attend church." (source: link )

Secondly, it is important to gain an understanding of monastic life and what genuine, authentic monasticism entails. To this end, it is recommended to familiarize oneself with the writings of the Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church, which provide a clear picture of the inner struggle, history, and peculiarities of the monastic lifestyle:
"For those who aspire to monasticism, it is necessary to gain some understanding of monastic life by reading the works of the Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church." (source: link )
as well as
"Before entering a monastery, one must understand what true, authentic monasticism is, so as not to make a mistake and build castles in the air only to find that life turned out to be completely different." (source: link )

One of the practical steps is to visit a monastery to personally assess how life is structured there. Often, the process begins with the candidate first visiting the holy monastery to take a look, and then deciding to stay:
"They first visit a holy monastery to take a look, and then decide to stay." (source: link )

Furthermore, even while in the world, it is important for the future monk to gradually practice monastic vows – learning obedience, which is one of the cornerstone principles of monastic life. As explained:
"Continuing with Saint Ignatius’s thought, the monastic vows, one of which is the vow of obedience, must be practiced even in the world: if one does not master them while living in the world, then in the monastery they will neither be understood nor observed." (source: link )

Finally, one must sincerely and firmly feel the call to monasticism. One should not choose this path if doubts linger in the heart or if the desire to live in a monastery is not wholehearted. Only with complete inner maturity and the blessing of a spiritual mentor can one decide to enter the monastery permanently – even if at the same time continuing to fulfill worldly responsibilities.

In summary, the sequence of steps is as follows:
1. Strive for spiritual perfection in everyday life, becoming a perfected layman (see link ).
2. Gain a deep understanding of monastic life through reading the works of the Holy Fathers and studying monastic traditions (see link ).
3. Visit a monastery to assess this life through personal experience.
4. Practice elements of monastic obedience in the world in preparation for taking vows.
5. Reach a final decision based on a mature sense of calling and the blessing of a spiritual mentor.

Thus, even while remaining active in the world, one can gradually prepare for a monastic life by combining worldly duties with spiritual growth and a steadfast pursuit of the highest ideals of ecclesiastical life.

Supporting citation(s):
"Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov) says that before becoming a monk, one must become a perfected layman. While living in the world and attending the holy church, one should endeavor to draw as much as possible from the Church’s treasury, that is, reach a certain spiritual level and become a true Orthodox church person. One must observe the fasts prescribed by the Orthodox Church, follow the prayer rule daily, and regularly, at least once a week, attend church." (source: link )

"For those who aspire to monasticism, it is necessary to gain some understanding of monastic life by reading the works of the Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church." (source: link )

"Before entering a monastery, one must understand what true, authentic monasticism is, so as not to make a mistake and build castles in the air only to find that life turned out to be completely different." (source: link )