Vita contemplativa

Vita contemplativa, in the tradition of Benedict of Nursia, means the monastic ideal of a secluded life, as led by the hermits of the first centuries after Christ. Some went into the desert, did not even speak to other people, fed on berries and herbs, kept long vigils, fasted and prayed. The vita contemplativa requires turning away from worldly things (e.g. wealth, honour, power, urges) and radically turning towards God.

The counterpart to the vita contemplativa is the vita activa, which encourages the believer to lead an active, participatory life that affects the world around him. In the various Christian orders, both ideals of life are found to a greater or lesser extent.

The concept was founded in ancient philosophy by Aristotle, who, like Epicurus later, saw the vita contemplativa as distinct from a life of political influence.