Monastic life declares to the whole world the possibility of living a life of purity and righteousness on this earth despite all its worldly temptations. It declares that Christ our Lord can still live in people's hearts, people of this earth, not of another planet. It declares that behind the pains of Good Friday are resurrection celebrations and that behind the dark tomb is the light of eternal life. This booklet layout the principles of the monastic life as has been handed down by the great monastic fathers of the desert.