The Rule of Saint Benedict or Regula Benedict was written by Saint Benedict of Nurisa, the patron saint of Europe. This work is a compilation of instructions for communal monks who live in monasteries presided over by abbots and detailed regulations for monks. These mandate the daily activities, expectations, and duties of men within a monastery.

It defines the four types of monks: Cenobites, Anchorites, Sarabaites, and Gyrovagues. Cenobites live within the confines of a monastery. Anchorites, or hermits, are monks who leave society to live an ascetic life devoted to prayer. Sarabites live alone or with two or three other monks. They have limited experience and do not serve under an abbot. Gyrovagues are nomadic monks who depend on charity to survive.

The book also lists the qualifications of an abbot, explains the importance of gathering the monks to council and discuss the affairs of the monastery, and provides a list of the 73 "tools for good work," the essential duties of all devout Christians.

Codes of behavior are also addressed, such as absolute obedience, and limited conversation and laughter. Chapter 7 lists the 12 divisions of humility: fear God, obey God's will, be obedient to one's superior, be patient, confess one's sins, accept difficult tasks, consider oneself inferior, follow a superior's example, do not speak unless spoken to, do not overindulge in laughter, speak modestly, and practice good posture.