В чужой монастырь со своим уставом не ходят
With accent marks:
В чужо́й монасты́рь со свои́м уста́вом не хо́дят.
Translation:
Don't bring your set of rules in a foreign monastery
Meaning:
This Russian proverb condemns and makes fun of those who are trying to live and act in a foreign community according to their own rules. When we are not at home (or not in our own country), we should follow the rules, orders and customs established there.
The closest English equivalent is: when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
The orogins of the proverb:
Before the revolution, there were many monasteries in Russia, and each of them had its own set of rules which all members of the monastery followed. The same rules applied to new arrivals.
The monks only followed their own set of rules. If they were transferred to another monastery, then they had to follow their (new) rules. All attempts by an outsider to amend those rules were not welcome.
Other Russian proverbs
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Оne can not see the wood for the trees.
-
What you will sow, that you will reap.
-
Another's soul is darkness.
-
Яблоко от яблони недалеко падает
The apple never falls far from the tree.
-
Being a guest is good, but being at home is better.
-
Век живи, век учись, а дураком помрёшь
Live for a century, learn for a century, but die being a fool anyway.
-
С волками жить – по-волчьи выть
Living with wolves means to howl like a wolf.
-
A well-fed man does not understand a starving one.
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