The Rule of Saint Benedict is a book of precepts written by St. Benedict of Nursia (d. 547 AD) for monks living together under the authority of an abbot. Since the 7th century it has also been used by communities of women. For the 1500 years of its existence, it has been the leading guide in Western Christian monastic living. The spirit of St Benedict's Rule is summed up in the motto: ora et labora ("pray and work").