When I was 18, I had a deep meditative writing experience (which I still have on paper), my soul describing to me that one day I would be a nun and help others. I remember after I read what I wrote, I was shaking and in shock...me a nun? No way. :)
On the day I met Acharya Shree Yogeesh for the first time, I knew that he would help me raise my consciousness higher and higher. He told me the same day, that I would be his disciple when I was ready. Two months later, he mentioned I would be running an ashram in Texas. Well, here I am today, in Texas running an ashram and a Disciple.
What does it mean to be a spiritual monk?
Being a monk is just a lifestyle. By being a monk it doesn't make you "more spiritual" than anyone else. By being a monk, your life is completely dedicated to the spiritual path with less responsibilities like work and family, which often hold back many from pursuing their deepest self. All the hours of my day are dedicated to my spiritual path, meeting others, discussing spiritual topics, and constantly learning. Whereas, if I had a job, I may only have an hour or two a day to dedicate to my path. Being a monk was a necessary step for my soul.
I live in a very relaxed environment and in a place where I really have to work on myself. I have spiritual practices to follow every single day - special mantras and meditation mostly, and with Acharya Shree here to directly guide me, I enjoy making a few cups of chai tea, and listening to him teach me about something new. Being a monk...is truly awesome.
Do I follow a specific tradition?
Absolutely not. :) What is great about learning from Acharya Shree is that everything is non-religious. Religious monks have traditions to follow. The only rule I have, is to be relaxed in every moment. Which means, to be in real meditation in every moment. Sometimes, its hard to just "be".
I don't worship statues and read scriptures, as most monks do. I receive the guidance I need daily to continue working on myself. Whether its discussing my spiritual experiences, how to work on my karma, and so much more.
I initially wondered why I did not have a set schedule, or some rules to follow to give me some structure, but later I realized this is the greatest gift - to learn to know my soul the right way - by being relaxed without rules. Soul has no rules.
Questions about Monkhood
"How do I be a monk?" For the the first month I was stuck in this question. What does a monk do, say, act? I was trapped in my own mind thinking I needed to be somebody - a monk. One day it hit me - I am just me, I just wear white clothes. I don't have to act like a monk and pretend something I'm not because that is not the point. I don't need to memorize scriptures, because that is not me either. I want truth, not knowledge. The point is, I need to know and be the REAL me, Soul. The second point is, I am here to grow spiritually for me, and not others. It took me awhile to really digest that. I have given up on "trying to be a monk." I just AM and have dedicated my life to just BEING.
Being on the spiritual path is not easy though because it can be very very intense. Taking the step to really learn the truth about yourself can be a hellish experience. It takes a lot of time, right understanding, and a lot of time.:)
I think those who take the real step to learn truth are very brave. Wherever you are, I commend and honor you, because it is not easy.
Being a monk is just a lifestyle, but it does not define the soul. I do not follow a specific tradition, I just learn daily from Acharya Shree and continue to work on myself, which at times is difficult, yet liberating.
