Cistercian for Dummies

Now, let me break it down for you. The word "Cistercian" refers to a specific religious order, a group of monks who followed a set of rules and lived in a particular way. They were part of the Christian church and believed in dedicating their lives to serving God. These monks were known for leading a simple and austere lifestyle, which means they lived without much luxury or extravagance.

The Cistercians were founded in the 11th century. They were really focused on spirituality and believed in spending a lot of time in prayer and meditation. Imagine spending a lot of time quietly thinking, reflecting, and talking to God. It was like their way of connecting with something greater than themselves.

These monks also had a deep appreciation for nature. They believed that being close to nature helped them feel closer to God. So, they often built their monasteries in remote and peaceful areas, surrounded by beautiful landscapes like forests, mountains, or rivers. Can you imagine being surrounded by peaceful nature, with birds chirping and the sound of a flowing river in the background?

Now, here's the really cool part. The Cistercians were so committed to their simple lifestyle and spirituality that they even had rules about how their monasteries should be built! Their architecture was unique and different from other monk groups. They wanted their buildings to be simple and practical, without any unnecessary decorations or distractions. So, they designed them in a way that would help foster a sense of calm and peace for their spiritual practices.

So, "Cistercian" is a word that refers to a group of monks who lived a long time ago, devoted their lives to serving God, lived a simple life, and had a deep connection with nature. They were known for their unique way of building monasteries and had a strong focus on spirituality. Can you see what the word "Cistercian" means now?