In the last decades, research has focused increasingly upon differences and similarities between Buddhism and Christianity. The geographical distance and different views on tradition, culture, spirituality and philosophy are often understood as dissociative elements. However, there are various characteristics bringing them closer. We explore these similarities with a particular focus on monasticism. By means of a qualitative analysis, we look at an Eastern Orthodox convent in Romania and a Buddhist monastery in Scotland. The research is meant to reveal the manner in which nuns and monks perceive solitude and compassion, and how these concepts are transposed in their daily lives.