A monastic order is a religious community of monks or nuns who live according to a set of rules and regulations. The four most common monastic orders are the BENEDICTINE, DOMINICAN, Carthusian, and CISTERCIAN. The BENEDICTINE Order was founded in the 6th century by Saint Benedict of Nursia and is one of the oldest and most influential orders in the Catholic Church. The DOMINICAN Order was founded in 1216 by Saint Dominic de Guzman and is known for its commitment to preaching and teaching. The Carthusian Order was founded in 1084 by Saint Bruno of Cologne and is known for its strict adherence to the Rule of Saint Benedict. Finally, the CISTERCIAN Order was founded in 1098 by Robert of Molesme and is known for its emphasis on manual labor and self-sufficiency.