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Research monks (Commonthroat <code>Dbrmg</code> /late falling weak whine, chuff, short low strong grunt, short low weak growl/ lit. ''one who meditates'', ''researcher'') are monastics within the [[Bright Way]] who undertake scientific research in order to fulfill the Great Commandment to find other sophonts dwelling among the stars. Wayfarers regard the study of Creation as an act of worship of the Creator. Most of the [[yinrih]]s scientific advancement up to and including the space age was done under the auspices of research monasteries or groups emulating them. 

Research monks are not clergy, meaning the role is open to men as well as women, and both men and women live in community together. 

During the Age of Decadence, the monasteries were little more than R&D labs, though in pious enclaves like the planet [[Hearthside]] and among the missionaries dwelling in the [[Outer Belt]], their religious character was retained.