The Therapeutae and the Secrets of Ancient Monastic Life

The Therapeutae are an ancient Jewish ascetic community, shrouded in mystery and truly obscure. Much of what we know about them comes from the writings of Philo of Alexandria, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher of the 1st century AD. In his work “De Vita Contemplativa” (On the Contemplative Life), Philo provides a detailed account of this enigmatic religious group, which has intrigued scholars for centuries since.

What happened to the enigmatic Therapeutae, and what was their place in ancient history?

The Therapeutae Preserved in Ancient Writings

The Therapeutae were primarily located near Lake Mareotis, close to Alexandria in Egypt. This city was a significant cultural and intellectual hub in the ancient world, home to a diverse population, including a substantial Jewish community. The city’s cosmopolitan environment likely influenced the development of the Therapeutae, who were known for blending Jewish traditions with Hellenistic philosophies. The exact origins of the Therapeutae are unclear, but they are believed to have emerged around the early 1st century BC, flourishing until the 2nd century AD.

Philo’s description suggests that the Therapeutae were part of a broader ascetic movement within Judaism. This movement emphasized renunciation of worldly pleasures and a focus on spiritual contemplation. The name “Therapeutae” itself is derived from the Greek word ” therapeuein,” (θεραπεύειν) meaning “to serve” or “to heal,” indicating their dedication to spiritual service and healing, both of the body and the soul.

According to the ancient writings, the Therapeutae led a life of extreme asceticism. They lived in isolation from the broader society, inhabiting simple dwellings scattered across the landscape. Each member had their own cell, where they spent most of their time in solitude, engaging in prayer, meditation, and the study of sacred texts. This solitary lifestyle was punctuated by communal gatherings, which were held on the Sabbath and during special festivals.

The Temptation of St Anthony by Hieronymous Bosch. (Public Domain)

A Life Devoted to Peace

Philo’s account emphasizes the importance of communal worship for the Therapeutae. On the Sabbath, they would come together in a common hall, where they engaged in a highly structured form of worship. Their rituals included singing hymns, reciting prayers, and interpreting the scriptures. These communal gatherings were characterized by an intense spiritual atmosphere, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among the members.

Fasting was another crucial aspect of the Therapeutae’s lifestyle. They practiced regular fasting, often abstaining from food for several days. This practice was seen as a means of purifying the body and soul, helping them to attain a higher state of spiritual awareness. Their diet was simple and frugal, consisting mainly of bread, water, and herbs. The Therapeutae viewed the body as a vessel for the soul, and they believed that by disciplining the body through fasting and other ascetic practices, they could enhance their spiritual well-being.

The Therapeutae’s beliefs were deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, but they also incorporated elements of classic Hellenistic philosophy. They believed in the immortality of the soul and the importance of preparing for the afterlife through a life of piety and contemplation. This dual focus on Jewish and Hellenistic ideas is evident in their emphasis on both the study of the Hebrew Scriptures and the writings of Greek philosophers.

A Blend of Two Different Worldviews

Philo describes this sect as living a life of “theoria,” a term that encompasses both contemplation and vision. For the Therapeutae, the ultimate goal was to achieve a direct experience of the divine, a state of mystical union with God. This emphasis on mystical experience sets them apart from other Jewish sects of the time, which were more focused on ritual observance and the interpretation of the law.

The Therapeutae also held a distinctive view of gender roles. Unlike many other ancient religious communities, they included both men and women in their ranks. Women were regarded as equal participants in the community’s spiritual life, and Philo notes that they shared in the leadership and teaching roles. This egalitarian approach was unusual for the time and reflects the Therapeutae’s broader commitment to spiritual equality and unity.

The significance of this monastic community lies in their unique synthesis of Jewish and Hellenistic traditions and their contribution to the development of monasticism. While they were a distinctly Jewish group, their practices and beliefs foreshadowed aspects of Christian monasticism that would emerge in later centuries. The Therapeutae’s emphasis on asceticism, communal worship, and mystical contemplation influenced early Christian ascetic movements, particularly in Egypt, where Christian monasticism would flourish in the centuries to come.

The Renouncement of the Worldly

Philo’s account of the Therapeutae has also provided valuable insights into the diversity of religious practices within the Jewish community of the Second Temple period. His writings offer a glimpse into a world where different philosophical and religious traditions intersected and co-existed, creating a rich tapestry of spiritual life. The Therapeutae’s commitment to a life of contemplation and their quest for divine vision have continued to inspire scholars and spiritual seekers alike.

However, this sect remains one of the most intriguing and enigmatic groups in ancient religious history. Through Philo of Alexandria’s vivid account, we gain a window into their ascetic lifestyle, profound beliefs, and unique blend of Jewish and Hellenistic traditions. But there is still a lot that remains a mystery about them, particularly their ultimate fate. But even so, the legacy of the Therapeutae endures, highlighting the rich diversity of spiritual expression in the ancient world and their lasting impact on the development of monastic traditions.

Top image: Hellenistic Jewish synagogue fresco Moses being taken from the river Nile.                Source: Public Domain

By Aleksa Vučković

References
Simon, M. 1980. Jewish Sects at the Time of Jesus. Fortress Press.

Taylor, J. E. 2003. Jewish Women Philosophers of First-Century Alexandria: Philo’s “Therapeutae” Reconsidered. Oxford University Press.

Ullrich, R. K. 2019. Traces of buddhist presence in Alexandria; Philo and the “Therapeutae”. ALITER.