You become what you read: transmission of traditions in monastic reading and writing

Catholic monastic traditions have been passed on though centuries partly through monastic literature. Despite the long historical span, the role of monastic reading and writing in the transmission of traditions has generated little research interest, and no comprehensive study is available on this topic. This article investigates the transmission of monastic traditions through three studies: 1) An analysis of reference profiles of three contemporary monastic writers (Carthusian, Carmelite and Cistercian); 2) An analysis of novice reading lists from seven monastic communities (Carthusian, Carmelite, Cistercian and Benedictine); 3) A brief literature review on the transmission of tradition in early monasticism. These studies identify some similarities in reading and writing, especially regarding the early monastic traditions. Some differences of historical profiles between monastic reading and writing also emerged. Together these three studies indicate a tradition of ancient monastic path of life-long transformative learning in the school of humility and obedience.