monasticism

Devotion to religious life under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, known to Judaism (for example Essenes), Buddhism, and other religions, before Christianity. In Islam, the Sufis formed monastic orders from the 12th century.

The first Christian hermits lived alone in the desert, and the first Christian monastery was founded in Egypt by St Pachomius in 346.

Monasticism is often mistakenly understood as a retreat from the outside world. However, many orders serve those in need, helping the poor, providing hospital treatment, teaching people to read and write, and providing food for the hungry. A famous example is Mother Teresa.