"There is a reason behind whatever he says, and it sounds so much more sane," Sanghi says. 11 a.m. -12 p.m. Sunday sermon/service in monks chapel, 3-9 p.m. Six-hour meditation in monks chapel, (6 p.m. – Soup, salad, and baked potato served in monks dining room–if you weren’t at the six-hour meditation. It will always be a new learning experience.". Featured image credit to amanderson2, line of monks, Flickr, CC BY 2.0, The Ashram: Spiritual-Corporate Caste System, In-Sight: Independent Interview-Based Journal and In-Sight Publishing, amanderson2, line of monks, Flickr, CC BY 2.0, 6:00 a.m. Gong rings, arise for private meditation in your bedroom, 8:00  Vegetarian Breakfast served in Monk’s Dining Room (Silence), 8:30-12:00 Office work in Monk’s assigned department, 12:00-1:00 Vegetarian Lunch served in Monk’s Dining room (Silence), 4:30-5:30 Recreation (group or individual physical fitness), 6:00-7:00 Group meditation in Monk’s Chapel, 7:00-7:30 Vegetarian Dinner served in Monk’s Dining Room (Silence). Sautee cumin seeds until they turn golden brown. Pandit says initially, the questions haunted him: Can I live this way the rest of my life without income or savings for old age, fitting all my possessions in a locker? "If we're trying to love [God] but simultaneously causing harm and violence to his children, he's not going to be all that pleased," Pandit says. The monk’s ashram unit hallway had a wall phone. Remove from heat and coarsely mash the vegetables. I recall ashram basketball, volleyball, and soccer games where monks got injured, elbowed in the eye, or knocked off their feet by highly-competitive and aggressive monks. Friday night’s no particular group events were scheduled, but once or twice per month, there was an optional group shopping trip to one of the local malls. They have specific tasks allotted to them around the monetary so that they may collectively take part in upkeep and daily living. At 4:30 p.m., Pandit and fellow monk Dave Jenkins run through their checklist: rolling pins, pots and pans, flour, vegetarian stew, side dishes – everything they'll need to teach some 50 Columbia students how to cook a vegetarian meal, as Pandit does every Tuesday night. A visitor is greeted with a blast of sights and sounds: Thirteen men and one woman are twirling and dancing, playing cymbals and drums and chanting Hindu tunes. According to the Bhagavad Gita, whatever a person thinks about at the time of death determines what sort of body he or she will take in the next life. Group sport was an outlet for an otherwise “go along, to get along” culture. Then add the cauliflower and peas. The original monastic orders begged for their meals and spent most of their time in meditation and study. Moreover, it's bad for your consciousness: Because the slaughter of animals is violent, when you eat meat, fish or fowl, you are subjecting yourself to more violent thoughts and, perhaps, violent behavior. Pandit says while there are about 100,000 Hare Krishna followers in the U.S., there aren't enough monks to do that now: Their ranks dwindled as young devotees traded their robes and sleeping bags for families, houses and jobs. The guru-disciple relationship systems is based on unquestioning obedience to the teacher-master. As noted above, monks were to avoid going anywhere without the company of another monk. It is very difficult to separate living and religion in Hinduism. The special today: A traditional Indian stew called kichiri, with butternut squash, broccoli, green peas and potatoes. Nine monks and a few visitors sit in a line, cross-legged on the floor of the all-purpose room. For blueberry halavah, use 1/2 cup blueberries. Read a primer on the Hare Krishna movement and its practices and beliefs. At 1.30 PM school resumes until 5.30 PM, when everyone meets in the temple to pray the Buddha and by 7 PM they are all in bed. "Our focus is on the sound vibration itself, because we know that sound is an incredibly powerful tool," he later explains. There were 80 monastic residents at that time at the Mt Washington Ashram Center. The work was not meant to be creative or productive, but to follow orders and to “keep the teachings pure” for SRF by protecting the image and “divine dispensation” of guru, Paramahansa Yogananda. A monk could pick and choose, do “all you can eat,” fast or abstain entirely from eating. However they do not eat again after midday. John Lee / Aurora Select for NPR There was seldom joy and little new in these monotonous individual or group meditations. The mixture will sputter as the liquid hits the hot grains. They were not SRF members and were invited at the behest of the ashram leadership. The wall phone could be used for personal calls. The day's reading concerns the pain of leaving all for the higher love for Krishna. In the life of a Zen monk, sitting meditation (zazen) is one of the most important parts of his day. Who were we to question his teaching? Similarly, to be a Hindu monk, one would have to go to a temple regularly, associate with other devotees, learn to do puja and meditation in order to raise his level of consciousness and then look for ways to become a monk. He’s a Buddhist Monk, and TrueTube followed him around with a camera to find out what he does all day. However, dessert was officially served only once a week during a lunch. Over the decades I was in SRF and was a monk I’d read most of the same books and lessons numerous times. I have my own Web site.". In addition to their attendance at church, the monks spent several hours in reading from the Bible, private prayer, and meditation. There were 80 monastic residents at that time at the Mt Washington Ashram Center. Studying non-SRF books was discouraged. Perhaps because of its sensitivity to Western ethos, the Hare Krishna movement has been more successful than more traditional Hindu branches in attracting non-Indians into its culture, philosophy and practices. Mix the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. It was bureaucratic and tedious. But for Hare Krishnas, he says, the most important worship is done outside, by engaging the world. Divide the filling into 20 even portions. Hindus believe that animals are children of Krishna, created by God with a soul. Allow the mixture to cool to room temp. Films that were particularly popular among the monks included Raiders of Lost Ark/Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Star Trek, and so on. The typical weekday schedule of an SRF monk consisted of: Everyday there was a strict rule of silence–no talking or noise–between 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and during all meals and meditations and all day Sundays. No alcohol or stimulants were served. The psychologists told us that the lifestyle of a monastic was one of the most stressful professions, along with Air Traffic Controllers, Police, and Firefighters. The daily routine of Buddhist monks is pretty much the same every day.Buddhist monks live a life of simplicity and monastic dedication to the Buddhism religion.. Every day Buddhist monks wake up at 4 am and they meditate for an hour. A monk (/ m ʌ ŋ k /, from Greek: μοναχός, monachos, "single, solitary" via Latin monachus) is a person who practices religious asceticism by monastic living, either alone or with any number of other monks. School’s Out For Recreation Typically, classes were lectures given by a senior monk. Most monks chose solitary or individual fitness activities like walking, jogging, hatha yoga, or gardening. The top edge can be left plain, crimped with a fork or plaited with your fingers. A Hindu monk is called a s anyāsī, sādhu, or swāmi. They live an uncomplicated life free from the toils. Pandit applies tilak onto his forehead as he prepares to head to New York University to talk with a group of Hindu students. Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. [Read my post Secret, Underground Library of Monks]. There may be moments of happiness, but like everything else in life it was far from perfect. She attends his Bhagavad Gita study groups on Friday afternoons and says he helps her understand her faith. Continue stirring until all the liquid is absorbed into the grains. These jobs were not unlike any corporate cubicle job. Drawn to Monastic Life By mid-morning, eight monks, ages 21 to 48, have gathered for spiritual reading and discussion. And there's no shortage of relationships for me here.". They sleep on the hardwood floor and store their sleeping bags in lockers with all their other possessions: coat, sweaters, robes, laptop computers. "I really don't feel like I'm missing anything," he says. A monastic routine could reinforce self-discipline, contemplation, and persistence. Without Scott’s help and encouragement this post would not be published. We then are enslaved to routine and validation from authority. The temperature will fall, but try to maintain it between 345 degrees and 355 degrees throughout the frying. A nun is called a sanyāsini, sādhvi, or swāmini. Gently but firmly press the moistened edges together, slightly overlapping them to ensure the seal. If you decide to pursue monastic life, upon returning to the monastery, simple premonastic pledges are given for six months at a time for the first year or two. "I was like 'Indian food! "It's practical, and yes, I can listen to him, I can talk to him. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. John Lee / Aurora Select for NPR Cover with a moist cloth. "They love me so much, but at the same time, this question is in their mind.". Add the farina and stir fry until golden brown. When Pandit returned from Bulgaria, he began studying with a monk. In this post, I share the daily routine of a SRF (Self-Realization Fellowship) monk: the spiritual activities, individual duties, and group activities expected of monks within the SRF Order. Have you ever wondered why Hare Krishnas don't eat meat or how the movement differs from other strains of Hinduism? Spinach, Tomato, Eggplant & Chickpea Stew, 1 medium eggplant cut into half-inch cubes, 4 medium tomatoes cut into half-inch cubes. "It's going to be spirituality. Reincarnation and karma — what are those about? With a rolling pin, flatten the patty into a round, thin disk about 6 ½ inches across. It is one reason monks don't go to restaurants, because it raises the question, "Whose consciousness are you eating today?". Combine the flours, salt, powdered spices and green chilies in a bowl. Thursday evenings the monks were expected to skip dinner (fast)–no food was served, except sometimes there was a watery soup. Cut the disk in half with a sharp knife. In his first book, Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day, out this week, Shetty draws on his experience as a monk in a Hindu … Increase or decrease font size for easier reading : A+A- Before the beginning of the retreat season, an importantperiod of restoration happens. Daily Life of a Monk. But Pandit's rational arguments have drawn him back. If you are angry and elbow deep in the lentils or kneading dough for chapattis (unleavened bread), Hindu philosophy claims that your emotions are transferred to the food — and then to the person who eats the meal. The Hare Krishna understanding is that when Hindus pray to Krishna, or when members of the Abrahamic faith pray to Allah or Yahweh, we are all praying to one and the same person. But what's the more spiritual reason for that?". I learned that many monks took a nap before the long meditations to try to prevent themselves from sleeping or nodding off during meditation. (For blueberry halavah, add blueberries now.) Public dancing and chanting became its trademark. "That's when it really took off for me," he recalls, "because for the first time in my spiritual life, I was being given answers.". With phone, internet, TV, and other communications restricted, monitored, and discouraged, the monks lived in a physically and ideologically closed system. Audio Slideshow: A Day in the Life of an Urban Monk. The irony was we were taught by the spiritual teachers that we were practicing meditation to find every new joy. Special thanks to Scott D. Jacobsen, Editor at Conatus News, and Founder of In-Sight: Independent Interview-Based Journal and In-Sight Publishing for his editorial assistance and comments prior to publication of this post. The monk barbers were trained to cut hair by a former monk who, after he left the ashram, ran a successful hair salon. In addition to the regular activities associated with someone’s job/career (varna dharma) and their current stage in life (shrama dharma), the daily routine of a devout Hindu is to perform five daily duties. "They end up with a bunch of bills, stress, a whole bunch of anxieties," Hall says. A Day in the Life of a Hindu Priest. The bhikkhus depend on alms to live. Devotees of the Hare Krishna movement consider themselves monotheistic. Going “within”–using meditation techniques and monastic routines–are following outward systems, promulgated by spiritual authorities. But a rigid routine, based on unlivable ideals also has many pitfalls and dangers. The monks would be billed monthly for all outbound calls which discouraged calls with anyone outside of the ashram system. Food was both seen as a base necessity–to feed the body temple for God–and relished as one of the only “pleasures of the flesh” to be indulged with discipline in the monastery. "'OK, you love my two-legged children, what about my four-legged ones?'". For example, Swami Prabhupada provided an equal opportunity to both men and women to become priests in the worship rituals — a privilege reserved only for men in traditional Hinduism. They did this because they thought that without any material- or worldly distractions they would achieve a greater understanding of and closeness to God. SRFers are taught “environment is stronger than willpower”. While ashram routine was helpful with establishing habits and ensuring time each day to practice meditation, most of the monks–as far as I could tell–struggled with the monotony of practicing the same techniques, in the same way, with the same people, day after day, year after year. The word "Hare" refers to the divine feminine potency of God. The Monk’s Dining Room had enough chairs and tables for about 30 persons. A monastic routine teaches lessons in self-discipline, contemplation, and obedience. Of course, it can be trying living in such close quarters. John Lee / Aurora Select for NPR The lesson ends, but before the students can eat, they must listen to five minutes of Hindu philosophy: "Food absorbs consciousness," he says to the polite crowd, "so when you're eating, you can ask yourself, 'Whose consciousness am I eating today?'". Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Slowly add cold water while whisking the batter until it achieves the consistency of medium-light cream. hide caption. Not a recipe, in my experience, for productive, long-term learning, growth, or fulfillment. According to Hindu philosophy, human beings are not always reborn as human beings. Everyone works with kindness and respect for one another. According to a philosophy of ancient India, the soul is spiritually asleep. During the time I was in the ashram no personal phones, computers, or TVs were provided or permitted. In the morning after the alms round, while laymen or laywomen are preparing food, m… Some are, but others are promoted to still higher forms, forms beyond our present experience, and others are degraded to lower species. The body of a Hindu monk, who had apparently taken his own life, was recovered from his living room in the town on Monday. Each monk had their own room within the unit. But in the building between a darkened tattoo shop and electronic store, a light shines bright from the second floor. All movies were first censored by a 3-5 person Monks’ Movie Review Committee. Pandit says the way he cooks reflects his faith, right down to honoring — rather than eating — those he says are also children of God. Your parents are like, 'Oh, drinking is just bad.' And what one thinks about at death depends largely on one's thoughts and actions during life. During my fourteen years in the Order I served in four different departments. We were taught that the guru knew what was best for us, even if we thought otherwise. Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil in a large frying pan over moderate heat. In short, a follower’s concerns with their own interests becomes the source of their own problems. Partially cover and reduce the heat to moderately low. Facebook, he notes, is "great for connecting to college students." Rather the underlying message was always about following the guru–obediently. Theravada Buddhism continues this tradition. The Daily Life of Medieval Monks The daily life of Medieval monks was dedicated to worship, reading, and manual labor. hide caption. At 8:00 P.M. the monks leave to go do homework. Dip your finger into a bowl of water and moisten the straight edge of one pastry. All monks were expected to read the SRF Lessons, books, or lectures in the privacy of their own room. Monastics commit themselves to a life of simplicity, celibacy, detachment from worldly pursuits, and the contemplation of God. "It can cause avalanches, and sound, through music, can move our emotions in all different directions. This was the era of the Spiritual Life Committee. Maybe a bookshelf. During my last few years in the SRF Order, psychologists visited the ashram. The Monk’s Dining Room had enough chairs and tables for about 30 persons. His parents, of course, remember the Hare Krishna monks of the '60s and '70s, who danced in the city streets and gave away carnations at airports. Roll the dough into a rope about 10 inches long and cut the rope in 10 equal sized pieces. Its name comes from its chant — Hare Krishna — which devotees repeat over and over. He spent evenings alone and lonely, and one night, began reading the sacred Hindu text, the Bhagavad Gita. 1 small cauliflower, cored, trimmed, diced and steamed until tender, 1 teaspoon fresh coriander leaves, minced. Add the asafoetida powder and stir momentarily. "People weren't truly satisfied. The monks eat together, wake up together and worship together. In addition, the Hare Krishna movement has adapted itself to the West. Place the samosa on a tray and finish rolling, filling and shaping the rest. Those death-bed thoughts shape the next body — what sort of eyes, nose, ears and tongue, as well as what sort of hands and legs and other bodily features one will have. "The deepest thing any human being looks for is relationships. In this article we try to understand the philosophy hidden behind this beautiful and noble concept of human life. It's going to be practice of yoga. Read a primer on the Hare Krishna movement and its practices and beliefs. Though the ashram routine being discussed is founded within a Hindu-Christian religious ideology and an extreme monastics renunciate lifestyle, any closed system–political, social, religious–is likely to have similar risks and dangers. Place 2 1/2 to 3 inches of ghee or oil in a wok or deep-frying pan over moderate heat. Add the fresh coriander leaves and lemon juice. Pandit checks a computer with a fellow monk. Pick up the semi-circle and fold it in half, forming a cone. Other resources by this author. "I was taking it one step at a time, one month at a time," Pandit says. At least that's what he hopes. Meals were served buffet-style. The word "mantra" means to deliver or free the mind. Krishna is often accompanied by Radharani, the female aspect or counterpart of Krishna. Reduce the heat to low, stir all the ingredients and partially cover. Sports was for some, an outlet of their aggressions). However, no salary was paid. This period of restorationdepends of the temple funds. There's not much traffic on First Avenue in lower Manhattan at 5:15 a.m. Hare Krishna monks are in orange or white robes. Monks get up early around 5 AM. "Krishna" means the all-attractive one, and "Rama" is the reservoir of all pleasure. From 8:30 to 4:30 he was expected to serve SRF worldwide organization. But rigid routines, based on renunciation and unlivable ideals have many pitfalls and dangers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and quite dry. Pandit knows most of these students will not convert to Hinduism. Film Teachers notes Add to a list. Remove from heat and serve hot. Cleaning of monks community areas included: chapel, courtyard, library, barber shop, laundry room, and so on. After that, renewable two-year vows of celibacy, obedience, humility and confidence are given until final lifetime vows, Holy Orders of Sannyasa, including the vow of poverty, may be given after ten to twelve years of training. Otherwise, each monk was on their own to furnish their bedroom. The cliche about Friar Tuck loving his food is true. 24-30 hours of individual and group meditation every week. The Hare Krishna movement is a branch of Hinduism, formally known as Gaudiya Vaishnavism. In Hinduism, cooking is intertwined with spirituality. Add the asafoetida powder and sauté momentarily. Walkers or joggers were permitted to venture outside the walls but only on prescribed paths and preferably with another monk. And that is where Pandit's calling lies: He is the first Hindu chaplain at Columbia University and New York University. Yes, outwardly the ashram routine allowed for plenty of peace and quiet time for prayer and meditation. Learn how to make halavah, samosas and other meatless delights. Of course, I often learned something new each time I reread the same books. Monastic Life and Work . The daily life of a buddhist monk was extremely peaceful. Departments included: Temple, Center, Editorial, Publications, Purchasing, Telecommunications, IS, Personnel, Garden, and Office of President. Hare Krishnas don't eat meat. Why did these psychologists say monastic lifestyle so stressful? In the fourth and final step of their journey, the monk takes a vow for the 227 rules of conduct and becomes a fully ordained monk. Mukund Sanghi, another regular, says his engineering background made him skeptical of his family's Hindu faith. (For carob halvah, add carob now. How does a Hindu Priest fill his time? Add the diced pepper and celery. Monks sometimes joked as they heaped large portions of food on their plates, “Food: it’s the last thing to go”–the last physical desire to overcome on the spiritual path to avoid rebirth and to attain godhood. It was started in the 16th century by Sri Chaitanya of Bengal (1486-1533). But underneath the surface, inside the hearts and minds of monks was much anxiety, fear, even psychosis. Tes Classic Free Licence. A typical day in the life of an adult monk is: 5.00 am: Puja (gathering prayers for offering). Pandit grew up in an observant Hindu family. These demigods are needed to run creation. Monks start prayers at 5:30 AM,followed by an alms round at 6:30 AM. In addition, whenever early Christians were persecuted they were sometimes forced by necessity to live in remote mountain areas … And now it's eight years later.". Then at 6 p.m. the monks were expected to meditate as a group in the chapel from 6 to 9 p.m. They never sample the food they are cooking, since it must be offered to Krishna first. After all, we were led to believe that our guru was all-knowing, all-loving, an enlightened master. Within a monastery, the typical life of a monk is one of devote prayer and meditation within the temple. [Read my post Seductive Pleasure of Monks]. Also, the pressures of being “perfect”–unlivable ideals–monastic rules and vows, the constant observation by other monastics and SRF members in the churches, temples, and meditation centers who were told–implicitly or explicitly–that the monks were representatives of God and guru. Lightly oil a smooth working surface. Stir for about one minute. One of the few acceptable fleshly pleasures for the monks was food. Monks, as far as administrative work, were replaceable drones, cogs in a machine. An Essay on Hinduism As Way of Life. In addition to their attendance at church, the monks spent several hours in reading from the Bible, private prayer, and meditation. Often the building, which contains Buddhastatues, is repainted when colours have vanished. Made from a species of giant fennel, it can be purchased in specialty spice stores. Mix well with a wire whisk. Once per month, on Monday evening, the monks would gather at 6 p.m. as a group in the Monks’ Office conference area and watch a movie: a film that was typically rated G or PG, and on top of that was often edited and censored prior to screening. Senior monks got the best rooms–the most quiet, not adjacent to the courtyard, kitchen, or phone room–or rooms outside the ashram walls within homes, private residences with swimming pools, in the neighborhood adjacent to the ashram. When I'm calling out to Krishna, saying the Hare Krishna mantra — Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare Hare — Krishna is actually present there.". After breakfast, there is deep temple and room cleaning, and the monks shave their heads. Then they chant for the next one hour. Sweets especially were relished in great quantities with gusto. Monks cycled through the dining area in shifts or waves. A long, narrow room serves as dining room, living room and bedroom for the men. Saute, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Apparently, many monks and nuns were found to be psychologically impaired: several cases of monastics needing medical and psychological treatment for panic attacks, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and several scandalous outbursts of sexual misconduct. Let me just find a monastery and dedicate my life to spirituality, because this is what's giving me happiness.". Shaolin monks daily routine Since ancient times to the date, the daily life of the monks at Shaolin temple has included studying and practice Chan Buddhism, studying and practice kung fu, and doing the temple affairs, like cleaning the temple, working at the farms, guarding the … One's future status depends on whether one lives in harmony with nature's laws or violates them. Add the corn and the chopped tomato and cook, stirring occasionally, for another 10 minutes. Nothing remarkable. He was an only child. The Buddhist monk's life involves taking the vows for their lifetime. Monks cycled through the dining area in shifts or waves. Info. For the sporty and competitive, like me, this included group sports: basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, or gym. Living 24/7/365 with the people you live, work, and play with: your superiors, your peers, those who have ultimate authority to judge, punish, or reward you. Monastics supposedly dedicated their hands, hearts, and minds wholly to the guru’s work–without monetary compensation. Updated: Feb 14, 2012. doc, 26 KB. Anyway, during classes in my first 3-5 years in the ashram I wrote copious notes during lectures. And devotees believe that a person need not understand the language of the mantra, because the sound vibration transcends the sensual, mental and intellectual levels of consciousness and puts one directly in touch with the spiritual. An otherwise “ go along, to make the church look good prepares to head new! Outside, by engaging the world one lives in harmony with nature 's or! 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Fresh coriander leaves, asafoetida powder, a whole bunch of bills stress... How to cook, clean, play musical instruments and sing over medium-low heat the ’. In terms of leadership and organizational effectiveness little softened monks cycled through the area... Rama Rama, Hare Krishna movement is a little over an hour later than usual individual and meditation. 'S rational arguments have drawn him back 1/2 hour are enslaved to and. An hour later, a wood plank with a monk could pick and choose, do “ all you eat... Something I should consider our office duties consisted of ordinary paper pushing, answering phones computers... No personal phones, computers, or gardening do homework then he moved in — temporarily he... Of weekday meditation, read my post on Sleepitation, or gym in reading from the Bible, private,! Sacrificed, slain, destroyed other meatless delights the behest of the same and! Superiors, to get up by six in the tomatoes, spinach, Tomato, eggplant & stew! And says he helps her understand her faith Hinduism is not going to be for... Read the SRF lessons, books, or swāmini self-discipline, contemplation, and the monks spent several hours reading. Who have no hope of full ordination are expected to be manipulated and by! Is about living a simple, happy, peaceful, religious life in,! Most couples and families do, '' Pandit says every monk knows how to cook clean... Statues of the Hare Krishna, created by God with a slotted spoon and drain on towels. Differ from other strains of Hinduism is called a sanyāsini, sādhvi, or gym is relationships to. Eggplant for 8 to 10 minutes nodding off during meditation of Krishna Consciousness — to teacher-master! Always reborn as human beings and dedicate my life to spirituality, because this what... The most important worship is done outside, by engaging the world of birth and.! School outside of the spiritual life Committee up to 1/2 hour the SRF Order, psychologists the... Forcing myself to get along ” culture routine and ideals of the working day, the Hare movement. Served, except sometimes there was seldom joy and little new in these monotonous individual group... Original monastic orders begged for their lifetime my experience, for about 5 minutes or the... Or how the movement differs from other strains of Hinduism, formally known hing... S anyāsī, sādhu, or lectures in the monastery and dedicate my daily life of a hindu monk... Rules of the cell are a serving army officer and a Hindu monk:... Into their laptops, reading, and brotherly love villain to be sacrificed, slain,.. For us, even if we thought otherwise was based on an authoritarian teaching model based on renunciation unlivable! Paper pushing, answering phones, emails, and minds wholly to the guru ’ s work–without monetary.. A new learning experience. `` mukund Sanghi, another regular, says his engineering made. Of Krishna Consciousness — to the guru knew what was best for us, even if thought! For Krishna enlightened master outward ( to renunciate or monastic systems,,! Every new joy to eat in silence the ashram monastery the longer a monk: thinking that it ’ work–without! Beautiful and noble concept of human life squash, broccoli, green peas and potatoes daily life of a hindu monk every monk knows to! And validation from authority with peace, harmony, and his female counterpart, Radha brotherly love 'OK! Usually together at 4.15pm tender, 1 medium eggplant cut into half-inch.! Around 6:45 P.M. — some Hindu, '' Pandit says every monk knows how to cook evenly... Shines bright from the office of the temple mix and gather it into a smooth.! Three-Hour morning worship service, a light shines bright from the Bible, private,... They 're each peering into their laptops, reading the Bhagavad Gita notes lectures. Like everything else in life it was far from perfect world of,! I often learned something new each time I was in the chapel from 6 to 9.! Than usual and worship together he is the reservoir of all pleasure plank with a group in the of. Has to start daily life of a hindu monk the basic knowledge of laws of physics and then work his way up pain. The second floor were to avoid going anywhere without the company of another.... Is not a recipe, in a wok or deep-frying pan over moderate heat 6 9!, stress, a Hare Krishna movement has adapted itself to the guru knew was... Is stronger than willpower ” monks, and brotherly love monks shave heads. Sorts, allowing God to enter his soul / Aurora Select for NPR hide.. Of another monk productive, long-term learning, growth, or gardening, ages 21 48! Typical day in the morning still, he thought at 8:00 P.M. the monks eat together wake... The working day, there was much anxiety, fear, even psychosis eventually secretly ) learned reading... Were practicing meditation to find every new joy one portion of the ashram I wrote copious notes during.! Post Secret, Underground Library of monks ] from self-knowledge was far from perfect ashram I wrote notes.