The life of monks - how can their values inspire us in practice?
As a big fan of Gordon Ramsay, I watched his travelogue of culinary tricks and history around Asia one Sunday evening. I was particularly intrigued by an episode from Thailand where, among other things, he visited local temples, and sacred sites and had the opportunity to meet directly with a monk to guide him through their philosophy and meditation, regimen, and life values.
It was quite amusing to watch his distractedness, restlessness, and nervousness accompany him during his short and deliberate session in the meditation position. I had a similar experience where my mind wandered, unable to stop and its flow I desperately tried to tame in the relaxation position, wanting to 'take off' for a while and enjoy the moment of infinity.
In a modern world where speed and ambition dictate our daily lives, the monks' peaceful existence seems like a distant reality - ancient wisdom wrapped in simplicity. As spiritual seekers and yoga practitioners, however, we are often drawn to their way of life and feel a deep reservoir of wisdom in their quiet presence.
Although the monks' lives are profoundly different from our own, their values can serve as a guide for us.
If we understand their discipline, perspectives, and inner peace, we can incorporate some of their wisdom into our practice - and lead a more balanced, contented, and mindful life.
The monastic way of life: What is their sacred simplicity all about?
The monastic life centers on spiritual discipline, mindfulness, and selfless service.
Whether they live in the mountains of Tibet, the temples of India, or the monastic retreats of the West, their daily lives have a similar structure...
They get up and meditate. Monks wake up before sunrise to meditate in the silence of the dawn. This practice cultivates consciousness, calms the mind, and strengthens spiritual connection.
They chant and pray. Mantras and prayers are essential and bring vibrational harmony and reverence to their day.
They serve and work. Whether sweeping the temple grounds, preparing meals, or guiding seekers, they do each task with awareness.
They minimize and are grateful. Monks who own very little detach themselves from material possessions and embrace the richness of the present moment.
They are wise and study. Monks spend time studying sacred texts, reflecting on their meaning, and discussing spiritual insights with other monks.
Their daily life does not strive for material success but for inner mastery. Every moment is an opportunity for awakening.
Monks and their minds: How do they live in peace and purpose?
What makes monks truly special is not only their lifestyle but also the way they think. Their outlook on life is shaped by a deep wisdom they have cultivated through years of contemplation.
Monks understand that everything is transient: emotions, possessions, even life itself. They do not cling to the past or the future; they simply accept what is. This teaches us to let go of attachments and fears and create space for inner peace.
The art of presence. Monks live in the "now." They don't rush or multi-task; they eat mindfully, walk mindfully, and speak with intention. This mindfulness can help us enjoy every breath, every movement, and every experience.
Compassion over competition. Unlike our fast-paced world that revels in ambition, monks live with compassion. Their goal is not to "achieve" but to serve. They inspire us to replace competition with kindness and move from self-centered achievement to collective well-being.
Simplicity as a superpower. They find joy in the little things - in a cup of tea, in birdsong, in the warmth of the sun. Their happiness is not linked to external events, but to an inner peace that we can all cultivate.
Real-life lessons from the monks: Stories of transformation
The monk who smiled in hardship
Ajahn Brahm, a famous Buddhist monk, once shared a story about how he learned patience while building a monastery wall. After weeks of work, he noticed that two bricks were misaligned. Frustrated, he wanted to tear down the entire wall. But later, a visitor pointed out to him, "Look at the 998 perfect bricks." This changed his perspective—he realized that he had been focusing only on the flaws.
The lesson? In life, we obsess over our mistakes and imperfections. Instead, we need to appreciate what we've done well and embrace the beauty in imperfection.
The Tibetan monk and the secret of happiness
Matthieu Ricard, a former scientist turned Buddhist monk, is often referred to as "the happiest man alive." When asked about his secret, he simply replied, "Compassion and meditation." By shifting his attention from self-centered desires to selfless love, he discovered unshakable joy.
The lesson? True happiness comes not from accumulating more, but from giving more.
A Hindu swami who embraced separation
Swami Sivananda, the great yoga master, taught that attachment is the root of suffering. When someone stole his favorite robe, instead of feeling anger, he smiled and said: "Let the thief be warm and comfortable". His detachment was not about being carefree, but about freedom from unnecessary suffering.
The lesson? When we detach ourselves from material goods, we free our hearts.
How can we apply monastic wisdom to our lives?
You don't have to become a monk to live by their wisdom. But there are simple ways to incorporate their values into your daily life.
Start your day in silence. Instead of reaching for your phone, start the day with a deep breath, a short meditation, or a prayer of thanks.
Practice mindful living. Eat slowly, walk mindfully, and give yourself fully to conversations.
Detach from materialism. Simplify your space, donate what you don't need, and embrace minimalism.
Meditate daily. Even 10 minutes of meditation can change your thinking and bring clarity and peace.
Serve selflessly. Help others without expecting anything in return. Even a small act of kindness can be deeply fulfilling.
Let go of perfection. Instead of fixating on what is wrong, appreciate what is right.
Live in harmony. Follow your soul's calling, not societal expectations. Prioritize inner fulfillment over outer success.
The true meaning of freedom
Monks live with so few resources, yet they have an abundance of peace.
Their lives remind us that true freedom is not found in greater wealth or achievement but in the ability to be present, to love unconditionally, and to let go of what does not serve us.
We don't have to renounce the world, but we can cultivate the spirit of monastic wisdom in our yoga practice, in our relationships, and in our journey to self-discovery. By embracing their values, we may just find what we seek - inner peace.
"A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering. " - Buddha
May we all walk this path with wisdom, presence, and love...
How do you view the life of a monk? Do you find them so inspiring that you consider putting this wisdom into practice?
Let me know your feelings in the comments...
