He discarded the stricter physical asceticism of the desert fathers for one of humble willing service to the brethren or sisterhood. To do this he pointed out the need of an enclosure where the world would not disturb the monk, and where the monk could not escape into the world. In the monastery the monk was to face up to his failings with firm courage. It was often easier to run to the world for comfort in the guise of helping others. Benedict's feast day is on July 11.
Carthusian monasteries are different.
On this page I wish to concentrate on the Carthusian order.