First Initiation Into Carthusian Life

This is the book to start with if you Re attracted to the Carthusians and their spirituality. The Carthusian way of life, methods and goals in a nutshell.

This little manual gives you a peek into how Carthusians, at least at St. Hugh's, help newcomers settle into their life, both spiritually and practically.

This informative little book is about what it takes to become a monk "Marine." Their austere life and the difficult schedule they live by makes them able to withstand martyrdom that would quail the heart of anyone less well trained or less devoted to finding and loving God.

This book makes clear what the carthusians are looking for when they follow this road. First, you must believe in God. Then you must love Him truly. He must be what you want in this life. And then you must be sure that you are going to persevere until you achieve your goal.

Fascinating and well done.

good product

wonderful book. packaged well. Cost was great.

First off, it should be noted that this book really isn't something everyone will be interested in. It's not a popular overview of the Carthusian Order, or an in-depth examination of their spirituality. It is written, first and foremost, as a guidebook apparently for vocational retreatants and postulants in a Charterhouse.It is a fairly short volume, but it has an overview of monasticism at the beginning before diving into the truly interesting part: an introduction to Carthusian spirituality and interior prayer. It is fascinating and mystical, and much credit is due to the publishers for making this rare glimpse into the interior life of a Carthusian Charterhouse available to us.The final few chapters of the volume deal with the more mundane but no less fascinating practical details of life in a Charterhouse, explaining to the postulant the rules and guidelines of everyday life, such as how laundry is handled, or requests for repairs in a cell are made, and the basic rubrics of the Carthusian liturgy in chapel. Much of this carries the disclaimer that it will be explained in full by the Novice Master, but it is no less intriguing.All in all, a great read for anyone interested in the Carthusian Order, their spirituality, and the practical details of their daily lives.