Darth Plagueis the Wise

The monks made me think of Star Wars and how the Sith are trying to create their own twisted kind of utopia through tyranny and fear. Darth Plagueis the Wise's ability to "save people from death" made me lean towards a Utopia when I heard this song.

Blessed Rules

The rules laid out by St. Benedict for the behavior of the Abbot or Abbess make somewhat more sense to me than the broad (indeed overly optimistic) ideals expressed in Plato's Republic about the "gold soled Guardians". People tend to look toward a central figure of authority more readily than to group consensus, so it should be the duty of this leader to put the good of others in their charge before themselves. The rules also give more room for true meritocracy, not advancing people of noble birth ahead of those born at the bottom of society simply because of their birth. Other reasons, specific to individual ability, must apply. In fact, the only problems I have with any of the rules come from my own general distaste for organized religion, but I still recognize the merits of faith as an organizing force within a community.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVnSFj6XQZY)

While looking through the reading I had a few questions that I thought would be interesting as discussion questions. I also wanted to post a song for the day as I felt it fit with the tradition of the Benedictine Abbey using music in prayer & chant derived, in part, from Gregorian Chanting.

The song chosen was ‘Reborn’ by Colin Stetson from the film Hereditary. The song has many different calming notes with some Gregorian Chanting featured in the track.

I also wanted to discuss the concept of ‘justice as currency’, a theme that seems prevalent in the readings we have had (especially in ‘The Republic’) and now with the concepts of sustainability and living consciously of the earth with those of the Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert. Does justice work as a currency to motivate those in a utopia to continue operating calmly and legally? Would we still operate justly if it did not mean that we would receive recognition? Would we still be the best people that we could be without a type of ‘recognition’? (‘Recognition’ in this case could be community, career, or esteem).

Would we live justly if there was nothing to gain from it? Are we innately just? If we aren’t, how does injustice happen?

Some of my questions are pretty heavy and obviously they can’t be solved within one class sitting, but I loved reading about the lifestyle and commitments of those in the Benedictine Abbey who have wholeheartedly pledged themselves to a beautiful (and sustainable) cause that hurts no one and benefits the Earth.

The C the O the M the M the U the N the I the T the Y

Click for video w/ lyrics

I think it is going to be pretty difficult to find a song that perfectly sums up one of our readings. So perhaps I was just looking for an excuse to force one of my current favorite songs into the utopia discussion, and perhaps it will make more sense in response to an unknown reading later in the semester, but I think IDLES' "Danny Nedelko" has some decent connections to the Rule of St. Benedict.

The refrain "Fear leads to panic, panic leads to pain, pain leads to anger, anger leads to hate" is not only reminiscent of Yoda (you know I had to sneak in some Star Wars) but of stricture as well; one can imagine St. Benedict's Abbess "kneading" these commands into her disciples.

On the instruments of good works, which prioritize loving one's neighbor as oneself: IDLES sing about the importance of neighbors and immigrants; one of them, after all, could be the next Freddie Mercury, Mo Farah, or Malala Yousafzai. 

Admittedly, the daily regulations set out for monks are nowhere to be found in this song, and maybe I am ignoring the abundance of rigorous Rules to instead focus on a the smaller amount of kind acts mentioned in the Rules. But the theme of unabashed community ("C-O-M-M-U-N-I-T-Y S-O F-U-C-K Y-O-U") runs throughout the chapters, whether in welcoming guests or just valuing every member of the monastery.

Upon reflection, IDLES have probably written a song not for cenobites, but for gyrovagues; though they may be imperfect, they're still monks.