Multiclass into monk

[brian c]

Straight cleric will be more powerful, but if you're going to multi class, I'd go for a Paladin/Monk.

3 levels of Paladin for extra HP and good BAB and saves, and then monk for special abilities maybe?

Does anyone know if that would that work?

I don't just want the most powerful build period. I wanted to play a character who is very religious, and starts out as cleric/paladin but decides to become a monk instead. After that, I want to consider if Paladin/Monk or Cleric/Monk is a better build. I want the character to be primarily melee, but with healing capacity.

I should also mention that I'm doing vow of poverty.