A monastic community is a group of individuals who live together in a monastic setting, usually dedicating their lives to spiritual practice and serving others. There are several synonyms one can use to describe a monastic community, such as a religious community, abbey, monastery, convent, friary, cloister, or priory. Each of these terms carries its particular connotations, depending on the specific religious tradition, such as Christianity, Buddhism, or Hinduism. Some of these communities may be more solitary, while others may emphasize communal living, such as Benedictine or Franciscan communities. Regardless of the terminology used, all monastic communities share the goal of living a life devoted to spiritual growth and service to others.