Chapter 2: Gifts needed by an abbot or abbess (paragraphs 8-9)

It is above all important that monastic superiors should not underrate or think lightly of the salvation of the souls committed to them by giving too much attention to transient affairs of this world which have no lasting value. (From para. 8 of Ch. 2 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

The mantra teaches me to let go of distractions, and practice selfless attention. As this practice expands into my ordinary life, some "transient affairs" can become extraordinary, if they are done in the name of being present to the other and to the Other.