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THE CULT OF ASCETICISM & RENUNCIATION
the spread of monasticism. "It was naturally supposed that the pious and humble monks, who had renounced the world to accomplish the work of their salvation, were the best qualified for the spiritual government of the Christians. The reluctant hermit was torn from his cell, and seated, amidst acclamations of the people, on the Episcopal Throne; the monasteries of Egypt, of Gaul and of the East supplied a regular succession of Saints and Bishops; and ambition soon discovered the secret road which led to the possession of wealth and honour.. The popular monks insinuated themselves into noble and opulent homes and specious acts of flattery and seduction were employed to secure those proselytes who might bestow wealth or dignity on the monastic profession...... The credulous maid was betrayed by vanity to violate the laws of nature; and the matron aspired to imaginary perfection by renouncing the virtues of domestic life." (Gibbon).
A critical study of the monastic and akin institutions in India would reveal not a very different picture. Describing the religious Convention of Kanauj, convened by king Harsha-Vardhan (in the first half of the seventh century) and presided over by the famous Chinese monk Huen Tsang, Havell writes: These great church dignitaries from monasteries like that of Nalanda were mounted on elephants; others were carried in palanquins; they were attended by a numerous suit." The Conven
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