Whether Monks Ought to Have Anything of Their Own
Mar. 11—July 11—Nov. 10
This vice especially is to be cut out of the monastery by the roots. Let
no one presume to give or receive anything without the Abbot’s leave, or
to have anything as his own—anything whatever, whether book or tablets
or pen or whatever it may be—since they are not permitted to have even
their bodies or wills at their own disposal; but for all their
necessities let them look to the Father of the monastery. And let it be
unlawful to have anything which the Abbot has not given or allowed. Let
all things be common to all, as it is written, and let no one say or
assume that anything is his own.
But if anyone is caught indulging in this most wicked vice, let him be
admonished once and a second time. If he fails to amend, let him undergo
punishment.