Becoming a Community of Disciples

Chapter 6: Spiritual Teachings – Virtues and Discipline

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vainglory, and will merit no reward. 10 Therefore everything is to be according to the will of the Abbot.

The Clothing and Footwear of the Brothers (RBen §55) 1 Clothing is to be given to the brothers according to the nature of the place where they live and according to its climate; 2 for in cold regions more is required and in warm regions less. 3 This therefore is for the Abbot to consider. 4 We believe, however, that in temperate places a cowl 8 and a tunic 9 will suffice for each monk, 5 the cowl to be of shaggy wool in winter, but in summer thin or worn; 6 also a scapular 10 for work, and to cover their feet stockings and shoes. 7 Concerning the color or coarseness of all these things the monks should not complain; rather, whatever can be easily obtained in the province where they live or can be bought cheaply they should use. 8 The Abbot is to see to the measurements, so that these garments are not too short for those who use them, but rather are properly measured. 9 On receiving new clothes the old should always be returned at once, to be stored in the wardrobe for the poor. 10 For it is sufficient for a monk to have two tunics and two cowls, on account of night wear and on account of laundering these items; 11 anything beyond this is superfluous and is to be cut off. 12 And stockings and whatever else is old are to be returned when they receive new things.

8 Cowl – an outer coat. 9 Tunic – a garment like a sweater. 10 Scapular – kind of apron-like garment.