The typical (Christian) Monastic Rule states that on the day of the birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas Day), the monks, nuns and lay-observants (oblates), are solemn, humble, conscientious, profoundly aware, and committed to the structures of the Rule they follow. The interesting thing, however, is that the day of Christ’s birth is no more – and no less – significant than any other of the 364 days that exist throughout the year within the monastic cycle. Yes – various holy days (including Christmas Day) attract specific sermons and rituals – but these are inserted into the general daily framework of the Monastic Rule itself. Extra-food and extra-drink (outside of that already permitted by the Rule) is not allowed. A break from the daily round of monastic duty (outside the Rule) is not allowed. Finally, as the monastics and lay-observants own “nothing” (not even their robes) – there is never any giving of gifts (private property is not permitted under the Rule).
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 