European monasticism contributed significantly to religious life, economics, education, and the preservation of knowledge, guided by rules like those of Benedict. In contrast, Tang China's monastic community faced suppression, contrasting with its continued influence in Europe.
Within European Christianity, monasticism was central to the religious and social fabric of the middle ages. Monasteries were places where ascetics could fully dedicate themselves to prayer and meditation and were originally formed as communities of hermits. Over time, under the guidelines such as those provided by Benedict of Nursia, these communities embraced useful work along with prayer, becoming self-sufficient economic units. They were instrumental in preserving classical knowledge through the hand-copying of texts, which served to maintain and spread Christian theology. Monasteries were also central to education, missionary work, and could serve as refuges in times of crisis.
Monasticism in Tang China, particularly Buddhism, also had a profound influence until the mid-ninth century when Confucian and Daoist leaders perceived it as a threat, leading to the government crackdown and suppression of Buddhist monasteries. Unlike European monasticism, which maintained a steady influence, Buddhism in Tang China faced severe persecution, leading to the destruction of sacred sites and the secularization of monks and nuns.
In conclusion, monasticism in both Europe and Tang China played pivotal roles in their respective societies' religious activities, education, and culture. However, while it remained a cornerstone in Europe, contributing actively to the economy and the preservation of knowledge, it saw a drastic decline in Tang China due to state opposition.