MONASTIC GARDENS 



53 



OURT OF THE LTON& : THE ALHAMBRA 



monks might have the full benefit of the sun as they 

 paced up and down the corridor reciting their prayers, 

 or sat on the benches either studying religious books 

 or wrapped in contempla- 

 tion. Ostensibly they were 

 absorbed in their devotions, 

 but in reality " carnal " 

 thoughts often crept into 

 their minds and were whis- 

 pered about; hence forbid- 

 den gossiping in the corners of the cloisters often gave 

 occasion for doing penance. 



" The diversity of the dwellings and offices around 

 the cloisters," says Guillaume Durand, "signifies the 

 diversity of the dwellings and recompenses in the 

 heavenly kingdom. ' For in my Father's house 

 are many mansions,' said the Saviour. And in the 

 moral sense the cloister represents the contemplation 

 into which the soul withdraws itself and hides, after 

 being separated from the crowd of carnal thoughts, 

 and where it reflects upon the only real blessings 

 those of heaven. Around these cloisters are four walls 

 symbolizing contempt for oneself, contempt for the 

 world, love of one's neighbour, and love of God." 



The walls of the cloister were usually painted with The cloister 

 frescoes representing scenes from the Old and New Tes- 

 taments, as those of the peristyle had been decorated 



walls. 



