Enclosure

Seclusion from the world is a condition for the monastic life and a substantial part of the Cistercian tradition. The monks are not allowed to leave the monastery without the permission of the senior brother in charge. The enclosure enables the monks to lead their common monastic life, protects the territory of the inner monastery and supports the dialogue with God. It has to include the inner domain of the monastery in which the life of the community takes place. In general it involves the dormitory section, cloister, chapter hall, refectory, recreation hall and the monastery garden. Work rooms may be situated outside the enclosure.