Composed nearly fifteen hunded years ago by the father of Western monasticism, "The Rule of St. Benedict" has for centries been the guide of religious communities. St. Benedict's rules of obedience, humility, and contemplation are not only prerequisites for formal religious societies, they also provide an invaluable model for anyone desiring to live more simply. While they presumpose a certain detachment from the world, they provide guidance and inspiration for anyone seeking peace and fulfillment in their home and work communities. As prepared by the Benedictine monk and priest Timothy Fry, this translation of "The Rule of St. Benedict" can be a life-transforming book.