Monasticism

n. life of monks or nuns

Monasticism (from Greek μοναχός, monachos, derived from Greek monos, alone) is the religious practice in which one renounces worldly pursuits in order to fully devote one's life to spiritual work. Many religions have monastic elements, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism, though the expressions differ considerably. Those pursuing a monastic life are usually called monks or brothers (male), and nuns or sisters (female). Both monks and nuns may also be called monastics.
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Noun
1. asceticism as a form of religious life; usually conducted in a community under a common rule and characterized by celibacy and poverty and obedience
(hypernym) austerity, asceticism, nonindulgence
(hyponym) eremitism

(n.)
The monastic life, system, or condition.
  

Monasticism designates people who wish to live a holy life separate from the "world." Beginning in Egypt with hermits like St. Anthony who went out to live in the desert, monasticism has grown over the centuries to include networks of monstaries whose members live underdefined rule. The general impetus of monasticism is to live in poverty, chastity and obedience. The Orthodox Church has a fairly loose organization with monks living in individual monasteries, each with its own rule, or even by themselves. In Catholicism , Orders were developed, the first by St. Benedict in the early sixth century. These orders grew into networks of monasteries all living under the same rule and governed by a common hierarchy. Many of these orders dedicated themselves to specific activities, such as health care, study and scholarship, and so on. Monks live a life in the the days are filled with regular prayer and worship interspersed with work, usually in the Order's chosen emphasis. Membership in the orders is entirely voluntary.