He had been a disciple of Anthony and thus the monastic life in Palestine developed according to the eremitical tradition. At the beginning of the fourth century an indigenous form of monasticism arose in Syria and Mesopotamia. Members were celibate but were not considered to be monks. In Syria it appears that monks began as cenobites and eventually withdrew to a cell, coming to the monastery only for Sunday Eucharists and feast days. Thus there was established a progression of piety with the greatest piety being demonstrated by those most alone.
Monasticism seems to have come to Greece from the east.
He formulated the Rule of St. Basil, a tough but exemplary discipline. In spite of his earlier eremitical life Basil designed a cenobitic existence for his followers. Monks lived under one roof, ate at a common table, and offered prayers in common. He believed that monasteries should practice works of charity and, therefore, he established orphanages. Monks in the monasteries of St. Basil worked in the fields, ploughed, cut wood, hewed stones and cultivated their personal religion.