Since the religious life consists essentially in seeking the perfection of charity, by following the evangelical counsel, through the practice of the three great vows, and of certain observances, it is clear that vows and observances provide a convenient framework for assembling the facts and experiences conditioning the adaptation we wish to discuss. Although this may seem a little artificial, we will nevertheless consider in succession: Obedience, Poverty, Virginity, and several of the major observances which accompany all religious life, and indeed every authentic striving towards God: silence, prayer, enclosure study and government.