THE ROLE OF MONASTIC TRADITIONS IN THE PRESERVATION OF CIVILIZATIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Abstract

Monastic traditions, across various religious and cultural landscapes, have played a pivotal role in preserving, copying, and transmitting civilizational knowledge through centuries. From the scriptoria of Christian monasteries in medieval Europe to the Buddhist monastic universities of Nalanda and the Sufi khanqahs of South Asia, monastics have safeguarded intellectual legacies during times of cultural upheaval, war, and decline. This article critically examines the role of monastic institutions in the collection, conservation, and dissemination of philosophical, scientific, literary, and religious knowledge. Drawing upon interreligious and interdisciplinary sources, the study highlights the enduring impact of monastic scholarship on the modern world and underscores its relevance in contemporary efforts to protect endangered heritage.