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"Describe and trace the invention and diffusion of one important philosophy or religion studied through week 3 of this class. How and why do you believe this philosophy or religion change as it entered a new area and interacted with a new people?".
Monasticism in is thought to have began around the 3rd to 4th century AD, when St. Paul was trying to avoid persecution from Decius, in which he fled to a cave in the desert of Egypt. It has been spread since that time and can be seen in many forms of Christianity and is still going on today. This concept can be described as, one who would become a hermit, isolating their selves from society, giving up all material possessions and pleasures, begging for food, and many even giving up the clothes on their body, or making their own food and clothing. The goal of those who practiced Monasticism was to gain a deeper understanding of the universe, the role of human beings and one's self purpose on Earth. It played a role in many religions, including Christian, Buddhist, Jainism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and many others. "Moses, Elijah, Jesus, and Muhammad, as well as the entire Israelite people, among many others, retreated into the desert and found their life's mission there " ("Rise of Christian Monasticism" August 11, 2004). Some even applied themselves to extreme forms of self punishment to drive out cravings for worldly things. People from villages near and far would travel to meet with the travelers, and offer them help, such as food and clothing, and would listen to their progress they achieved, as well as listen to their great teachings and experiences.
The concept of Monasticism was thought to have been developed between the 3rd and 4th centuries, but "there is evidence that before about 600 BC some Hindu peoples live in groups described as ashramas" (Gascoigne 2001).
