What is the difference between a hermit and a monk

Buddhist monks live a similar lifestyle, surrounded by sacred company. They are focused on meditation, contemplation, chanting and recitation of sacred texts. Their daily activity is one of selfless service and devotion. A hermit seeks out this lifestyle to eliminate the distractions and trappings of society.

Simplicity is imperative to embracing the life of a hermit. This includes a simplified diet as well because food can be a distraction to their one-pointed attention.

For the spiritual hermit, or ascetic, he or she lives a total life of seclusion. Preferably, they live in a cave or forest, far from any civilization.

This allows the hermit to live in silence, and to focus on the natural flow of creation. This in turn gives him or her an understanding of the purpose and true blessings of life. These hermits live beyond the ego in a state that brings total contentment. Living as a hermit is following a path of devotion to God, to nature and to ones own inner self.

By renouncing all worldly and social concerns, one naturally becomes more in tune with the God or gods of their heart. By renouncing and letting go of all preconceptions and opinions, this lifestyle allows the divine to shine through by progressing forward and clearing the path simultaneously. He was told to return to when he understood it. I give up. What is most important for you is to be what God calls you to be, whether a hermit, a solitary, or to any other vocation.

All of them are called to union with God, all of them include contemplative prayer, and all of them have the same ultimate goal of Christian sanctity in Divine Communion here and hereafter.

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