Not at all. There are, for example, Buddhist monks.

H. T. Basnayake has written:

'Dambulla project' -- subject(s): Antiquities, Excavations (Archaeology)

'Sri Lankan monastic architecture' -- subject(s): Architecture, Buddhist Architecture, Buddhist Monasticism and religious orders, Buddhist antiquities

Mayeul de Dreuille has written:

'La Bouenza, 1892-1992' -- subject(s): Catholic Church, Church history, History, Missions

'The rule of Saint Benedict and the ascetic traditions from Asia to the West' -- subject(s): Benedictines, Buddhist Monasticism and religious orders, Hindu Monasticism and religious orders, History, Monasticism and religious orders, Rules

'From east to west' -- subject(s): History, Monastic and religious life (Buddhism)

Answer 1: Assuming western monasticism; the founder of western monasticism is widely considered to be St. Benedict of Nursia.

Monasticism is a life of living apart from society in order to better worship.