“A Day in the Life of a Monk: Living in a Remote Monastery”

 

A Day in the Life of a Monk: Living in a Remote Monastery

In our modern fast-paced digital age, the life of a monk living in a secluded monastery may appear to be a relic of the past. But in the Himalayan mountains' secluded valleys, Thailand's forests, or the American Southwest's deserts, monks still live a very disciplined and spiritually intense life. Their existence is not defined by the hum of messages or deadlines but by prayer, meditation, mindfulness, and service to the community.

Here in this blog, we introduce you to a monk's typical day spent in a secluded monastery—showcasing their routines, practices, and how modern society can gain something from their ancient lifestyle.

4:00 AM – The Day Starts in Silence

Most monastic days start earlier than the time of sunrise. At approximately 4:00 AM, the bell of the monastery or a wooden gong is struck to wake the community gently. Silence is maintained throughout these early morning hours, so that every monk can start his day in meditation. Morning meditation is usually the first activity, and it can last anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours.

In most traditions, monks meditate together in a shared hall, cross-legged in rows. The cold pre-dawn air, the lack of worldly distraction, and the energy of communal presence build an environment of deep stillness.

6:00 AM – Chanting and Morning Prayers

Following meditation, monks perform chanting sutras or prayers, typically in ancient languages such as Pali, Sanskrit, or Tibetan. The chants are not mere recitations; they are an act of spiritual discipline intended to discipline the mind and soften the heart.

Chanting is also, in Buddhist monasteries, a means of honoring the teachings of the Buddha and creating merit for oneself and the benefit of others. In Christian monastic life, as in Benedictine or Trappist groups, prayers and hymns (the Liturgy of the Hours) are sung at specified hours during the day.

7:00 AM – Community Breakfast and Alms

Breakfast is straightforward and frequently vegetarian. Monks may make alms rounds—walking silently through villages nearby with laypeople presenting them with food—depending on tradition and location. This ancient tradition promotes humility in the monks and charity in the population.

In isolated monasteries where villages are far away, meals might be cooked communally by monks or prepared by volunteers. Meals are eaten consciously, usually in silence, with a focus on gratitude for every bite.

8:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Work and Study

This segment of the day is usually devoted to conscious work and spiritual study. Activities differ based on the needs of the monastery and the monk's function:

Gardening and farming for self-sufficiency

Cleaning and care of temple grounds

Instructing younger monks or lay guests

Translating and illuminating scriptures

Study of religious scripture and philosophy

The labor is performed with complete mindfulness, usually regarded as an outreach of their religious practice. Sweeping the temple or plowing the fields isn't a task—it's an exercise in mindfulness and humility.

12:00 PM – The Last Meal of the Day

In many monastic traditions, especially Theravāda Buddhism, monks take only two meals a day: breakfast and lunch. By noon, they have finished eating, and no solid food is consumed until the next morning. This practice cultivates discipline, simplicity, and bodily awareness.

Meals are often silent and communal. There’s no rush, no smartphones—just the act of eating, fully experienced.

1:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Rest, Reflection, and Spiritual Practice

Afternoons are more subdued. Monks might take a brief nap, but the majority spend this time in solo study, private prayer, or spiritual guidance. In others, they might provide counsel to guests, write letters, or compose commentaries on scripture.

Though it feels like a downtime part of the day, it's one of contemplative activity. Reflection is key to spiritual growth—examining one's intentions, thoughts, and actions through the teachings of their tradition.

5:00 PM – Evening Chanting and Meditation

While the sun goes down behind mountain ridges or desert rock formations, once again the bell summons the monks to evening chanting and collective meditation. This session serves to dispel any distractions gathered during the day and bring the mind back on track to the path of wisdom and compassion.

Nighttime rituals are profoundly emotional. With the chanting resonating in stone corridors and the world around sleeping, it's an atmosphere of calm and of breaking free.

7:00 PM – Personal Practice and Lights Out

Monks retire at an early hour. By 8:00 or 9:00 PM, the monastery is as quiet as can be. Before bed, most take a last round of meditation or contemplation. There are no televisions or telephones in most homes these days, only the gentle buzzing of night insects or the whisper of a breeze.

Sleep is not only a rest, but a time to reboot the body for another day of mindful living.

Lessons from the Monastic Life

Though few of us will ever reside in a monastery, the monastic way of living has compelling lessons for contemporary life:

1. Discipline Creates Freedom

A very regimented schedule may sound limiting, but for monks, it's a key to inner calm. Discipline takes the strain out of decision-making and aligns the mind with deeper values.

2. Simplicity is a Superpower

Monks exist with hardly anything—at times merely robes, a bowl, and some books. This contentment frees them to concentrate on what is most important.

3. Stillness is Necessary

In a speed- and noise-addicted culture, the monastic acceptance of stillness and silence is revolutionary. It provides room for clarity and connection.

4. Mindfulness Can Be Done Anywhere

Each chore, from eating to sweeping, is performed with conscious intention. You don't have to have a monastery—just a change of mind.

Final Thoughts

A monk's day might sound monotonous or ascetic to the outside world, but for those who walk this way, each day is full of meaning. Through prayer, labor, or silent reflection, life in some far-off monastery is a path inward—toward finding peace, wisdom, and compassion.

As we hurry through our own lives, perhaps the most important lesson is this: you don't have to be a monk to be mindful—you just have to show up.