Columban Rule

This is the rule laid down by Columba for those who were monks in his order.

Be alone in a separate place near the chief city if your conscience is not prepared to be with the crowd.

Be simply clad and do not desire possessions - to imitate Christ and the early followers.

Own nothing - whatever you use is at the disposal of your Superior.

Live in a simple building with one door.

Live with a few men who will speak with you of God and his promises, who will strengthen you in the ways of God.

A person who will speak with you in idle words, or of the world, or who murmurs at what he cannot put right, or prevent happening, but who would distress you more should he be the teller of tales between friend and foe, you shall not speak with him, but at once give him a blessing should he deserve it.

Let your servant be a moderate man who will always be ready to attend you.

Submit to every rule of devotion.

Have a mind prepared to die for Christ.
Have a mind prepared to live and suffer for Christ.

Forgive everyone - sincerely.
Constantly pray for those who trouble you.

Sing the office for the dead fervently as though everyone was a special friend of yours.
Hymns for souls are to be sung standing.

Let your vigils be under the direction of another person.

There are three parts to every day: prayer, work reading.

Work is to be divided into three parts: your own work and the work for the real wants of the place where you live; secondly, your share of the work of your brothers (fellow monks). Lastly, to help your neighbour by instruction or writing or sewing of garments, or whatever labour they are in want of. do everything in its proper order.

Give to others (almsgiving) before all things.

Do not eat until you are hungry.
Sleep not until you are tired. Do not speak except when necessary.
If you have more than you need in food or clothing give it to the members of the monastery or to the poor.

Love God with all your heart and strength.
Love your neighbour as yourself.
Live in the ways of God.

Pray with sincerity (until the tears flow).
Work hard (until the tears flow).
If your tears are not free, then pray and work until your perspirations come often.

(Adapted from: St Columba of Iona by Lucy Menzies who was grateful to Dr. Reeves, and for the translation by Professor O'Curry)