O'Murchu claims that the vows are first and foremost about values and not about laws. And in this provocative work he suggests that the Eastern concept of nonviolence is a core value of the vowed life in all the monastic traditions known to humankind.

At a time when all forms of religious commitment are being questioned, this value-oriented approach is refreshing and reassuring. O'Murchu holds up each vow like a jewel, turns it, lets light shine on it, and presents it with a new glow, a new understanding. Not only vowed religious, but everyone interested in living these core values will appreciate his insightful and challenging views.