Experiences of a Nomadic Monk: Unspoken Benefits of Meditation

For many of us, the concept of nomadic monkhood is a foreign concept – a lifestyle that lies unimaginably distant from the humdrum of our everyday existence. To embark on this path requires more than just curiosity; it requires courage, a profound sense of self-awareness, and an unwavering determination to transcend worldly temptations. Underneath my saffron robes, I am just like you - a common mortal walking the path of self-discovery. But my journey has been unique, leading me to a life of peripatetic spirituality. Today, as a footloose monk, I wish to share my insights about an often overlooked part of monastic life - meditation, and more specifically, the unspoken benefits it offers.

When you begin to explore meditation, the most talked-about advantages that are likely to surface include stress reduction, improved concentration, better sleep, and an overall enhanced state of mental well-being. While all these benefits are genuine and desirable, there are more nuanced gems that meditation graciously bestows to anyone who invests their time and mindfulness.

The first unspoken benefit that I experienced was the deep sense of interconnectivity with the universe. Our lives, absorbed in the virtual cacophony, are often confined within silos of self-constructed realities. Meditation breaks these metaphorical walls, fostering an insightful realization of being an integral part of an infinite cosmic orchestra.

Another fascinating reward that meditation proffers is an enriched relationship with silence. In our modern, perpetually frenetic lifestyles, filled with constant chatter, both external and internal, developing a bond with silence seems unthinkable. Yet, it's during these silent moments, fostered by meditation, that we actually hear ourselves. Embracing silence has been my gateway to serenity.

Moreover, meditation becomes a profound exercise in humility. It gently reminds us of the transitory nature of our experiences, the impermanent character of our existence. This newfound humility then seeps into our interactions, reflecting as tolerance, compassion, and kindness.

There's a rather overlooked benefit that I would tag as the ‘equality of attention’. Our minds, conditioned by years of selective prioritization, subconsciously pledge more attention to some aspects while neglecting others. Through meditation, and more so in mindfulness meditation, we learn to democratically distribute our attention to every sensation, thought, and feeling.

Life as a nomadic monk, and the mediation practices that accompany it, are certainly not everyone's calling. Yet, the nectar of its wisdom, such as the aforementioned silent benefits, can seep into every life irrespective of its pace, lifestyle, or belief systems. As we delve deeper into the intricacies of meditation, we unwrap layers of consciousness and benefits which silently enrich our existence.