In another thread I quoted something from the Rule of Saint Pachomius:
Whoever comes to the monastery must first learn what he should observe. Then, after this first instruction, when he has consented to it all, he shall be given twenty psalms to learn, or two of the Apostle's epistles, or part of another book of Scripture.
If he is illiterate, he shall go at the first, third and sixth hours to find someone who can teach him and who has been appointed for this. He shall stand before him and learn very carefully, with great gratitude. Then the letters of the syllables shall be written for him and he shall be forced to read, even if he refuses.
Everyone in the monastery shall learn letters and memorize something of the Scriptures, at least the New Testament and the Psalter. - Saint Pachomius, Rule of Pachomius, 139-140
What do you all think of this? Should we try to follow such a rule? Would direct guidance from a spiritual father be necessary for such a rule (or is it like general reading of scripture, where you just have to be careful and cautious in how you understand it)?
