Summary of Vladimir Monomakh's Teachings: the truth from a sage from the past

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

We draw a lot of information about the life of Kievan Rus from the chronicles that were composed by the monks from the Lavra. You can also learn a lot of interesting things from the spiritual literature of those years. But over time, secular works appeared that were devoted to the life of society outside the church. The first such work is considered to be "Instruction" by Vladimir Monomakh. The summary of this work can be summarized in a few words. The prince described in it what a real ruler of a vast country should be like, and turned to his children, trying to protect them from mistakes and temptations.

Not every person can read the work in the original. For those who want to learn more about the history of the Eastern Slavs and their worldview, there is a summary of the contents of the "Instruction". Vladimir Monomakh is considered the ideal ancient Russian prince-Christian, a peacemaker. It was he who called all the rulers of the specific principalities of Russia toThe Lyubech congress, at which he called for kissing the cross and promising to stop fratricidal wars. Having performed this historical rite, not many followed their oath. The strife continued, and ambassadors came to the Kyiv lord himself with a request to join the campaign against Smolensk. As befits a noble prince, Vladimir refused, recalling that he had made a promise on the cross. And then, upset by such treachery, he undertook to write his message to the children.

Summary of Vladimir Monomakh's Teachings

As the prince himself wrote, he compiled his "Instruction" in anticipation of an imminent death. In it, he tried to reveal to his descendants the truth that they had forgotten. First of all, Vladimir reminded them of the duties of a true Christian: attending church, praying every minute for the mercy of the Lord. The grandson of Yaroslav the Wise ruled the golden-domed Kyiv in 1113-1125. He saw that his country was dying at the hands of the rulers themselves, who could not share power. Therefore, Vladimir bequeathed them to live in peace and harmony. The devil, he wrote, can be defeated by three virtues: tears, repentance and alms. He himself sincerely believed in what he wrote, and he himself has always been just such a prince.

"Instruction" by Vladimir Monomakh - a brief description of a selfless ruler who cares about his people. He is equally fair and merciful to the population, does not make a difference between people. Vladimir writes that the prince should not rely on assistants, but always figure everything out himself. Monomakh - the firsta humanist on the territory of Russia, since he was against the death pen alty, bequeathed to hospitably meet all foreigners.

Only the essence conveys the summary of the content of "Instructions" by Vladimir Monomakh. But it cannot express that living language, the gentle voice of the prince. If all people follow the instructions of the ancient Russian sage, then the world will become better, kinder, brighter. Therefore, everyone should study this message from the past. But if you don’t have time at all to master it in its entirety, then read at least a summary of the content of Vladimir Monomakh’s Teachings. It still contains the essence, the grain of truth that the great Kyiv prince tried to convey to us.