Finding Inner Peace in the Himalayan Monasteries
By: Theo Siqueira (contato@techviseon.com)
In our fast-paced modern world, dominated by constant notifications and endless to-do lists, the ancient wisdom of Buddhist monks offers a refreshing counterpoint. When I decided to spend a month living with monks in Nepal, I had no idea how profoundly this experience would transform my perspective on life, happiness, and success.
This journey into the heart of Himalayan spirituality taught me lessons that no corporate retreat or self-help book ever could. Join me as I share my story of disconnection, discovery, and deep personal growth among Nepal’s most devoted spiritual practitioners.
The Decision That Changed Everything
It started with burnout. After five years of running my tech startup, I was exhausted, irritable, and questioning my purpose. The constant drive for growth and innovation had left me feeling hollow.
One evening, while scrolling through my social media feed, I came across a friend’s photos from Nepal. The serene faces of the monks, set against the backdrop of majestic mountains, stirred something within me. On impulse, I contacted him to ask how I could experience something similar.
Three weeks later, I was on a plane to Kathmandu with nothing but a backpack containing essentials and an open mind. The monastery that had agreed to host me was located in the foothills of the Himalayas, a six-hour journey from the capital.
As the bus wound its way through the mountains, the modern world began to fade away, and anticipation mixed with anxiety filled my thoughts. What if I couldn’t handle the discipline? What if the cultural gap was too wide? What if this was just an elaborate escape from my real problems?
First Days: Culture Shock and Adaptation
My first impression of the monastery was its profound silence. After the honking chaos of Kathmandu, the quiet was almost disorienting. I was greeted by Lama Dorje, a monk in his sixties with laugh lines etched deep into his face. “Your mind is like Kathmandu traffic,” he said after observing me for just a few minutes. “We will help it become more like this place.”
The daily routine was established immediately: waking at 4:30 am, meditation at 5:00 am, breakfast at 6:30 am, chores, study, more meditation, a simple lunch, afternoon teaching, evening prayers, and sleep by 9:00 pm. The simplicity of the schedule was both refreshing and challenging. My body ached from sitting in meditation, my mind rebelled against the early mornings, and my tech-addicted fingers itched for my surrendered smartphone.
The food was simple vegetarian fare – rice, lentils, vegetables, and occasionally, some fruit. My caffeine withdrawal headaches lasted three days, but by the fourth morning, I woke naturally before the gong sounded. Something was beginning to shift.
Deeper Immersion: Learning to Be Present
By the end of the first week, the routine had become less foreign. My meditation sessions, initially torture for my restless mind, began to extend from painful five-minute stretches to peaceful twenty-minute periods. Lama Dorje assigned me simple tasks around the monastery – sweeping the courtyard, helping in the kitchen, carrying water. “Mindfulness isn’t just on the cushion,” he explained. “Each movement can be meditation.”
I learned to walk differently, feeling each step connect with the earth. I learned to eat differently, appreciating each flavor and texture. Most importantly, I learned to listen differently – not just to the words being spoken, but to the birds, the wind, the subtle sounds of the monastery, and eventually, to my own thoughts without immediately reacting to them.
During the second week, I joined the monks for a day-long hike to a sacred cave. As we climbed, Lama Dorje shared the concept of “one step at a time” meditation. “In your world, you are always already at the destination in your mind,” he said. “Here, we train ourselves to be fully in each step. The destination is not separate from the journey.”
That simple insight hit me with unexpected force. How much of my life had I spent mentally rushing ahead, missing the richness of the present moment? How often had achievement felt hollow because I was already focused on the next goal?
The Middle Weeks: Challenges and Breakthroughs
The novelty wore off around day ten. My mind, initially captivated by the new environment, began fabricating reasons why I should leave early. The meditation cushion became uncomfortable again. The lack of internet felt isolating. The repetitive schedule seemed pointless.
When I confessed these thoughts to Lama Dorje, he smiled. “Now the real practice begins,” he said. “Before, you were still a tourist. Now you are facing yourself.”
He was right. The restlessness wasn’t about the monastery – it was about confronting parts of myself I had been avoiding through busyness and distraction. During a particularly difficult meditation session, memories and emotions I had suppressed for years suddenly surfaced.
The competitive drive that had fueled my business success was rooted in childhood insecurities. My workaholic tendencies were attempts to prove my worth. My constant planning was a way to create an illusion of control.
In the simple daily life of the monastery, with nowhere to hide from these realizations, I finally began to acknowledge and accept these parts of myself. The breakthrough didn’t come as a dramatic epiphany but as a quiet morning when I realized I had sat in meditation for an hour without checking the time once.
Valuable Lessons from Monastic Life
The most profound teachings came not from formal instruction but from observing how the monks lived. Here are the key insights that transformed my perspective:
- Simplicity creates space for depth. The monks owned very little, yet their lives seemed rich with meaning. By eliminating excess, they created space for what truly mattered.
- Community support is essential. Despite their individual spiritual practices, the monks supported each other in profound ways. Their interdependence, not independence, was their strength.
- Discipline creates freedom. Paradoxically, the strict schedule didn’t feel restrictive after adaptation. It eliminated countless small decisions, freeing mental energy for deeper contemplation.
- Joy doesn’t depend on circumstances. Despite living with basic amenities, the monks demonstrated more genuine joy than many wealthy people I knew. Their happiness came from within, not from external conditions.
- Presence is a skill that can be cultivated. The ability to be fully present isn’t just a nice ideal – it’s a practical skill developed through consistent practice.
Common Questions About Monastic Retreats
Many friends have asked questions about my experience, and potential visitors often wonder:
Do you have to be Buddhist to stay at a monastery? No, many monasteries welcome sincere visitors of any faith background. Respect and openness are more important than shared beliefs.
Is it completely silent the entire time? Most monasteries have specific periods of silence, but there are also times for discussion, questions, and community interaction.
How difficult is the physical aspect? While not physically demanding like an athletic training camp, the simple lifestyle, early mornings, and meditation postures require some adaptation and resilience.
What about language barriers? Many monasteries that accept foreign visitors have English-speaking monks or translators. Basic Nepali phrases are appreciated but not required.
Is it expensive? Most monasteries request a donation rather than charging a specific amount. The experience is about stepping away from commercial transactions.
The Importance of Disconnection in a Connected World
Perhaps the most valuable insight from my month with the monks was understanding the importance of periodic disconnection. In our hyperconnected world, we rarely experience true solitude or silence. This constant external stimulation drowns out our inner voice and depletes our mental resources.
My time at the monastery showed me that disconnection isn’t just a luxury – it’s essential for mental clarity, creativity, and emotional well-being. The paradox is that by temporarily disconnecting from the world, we can reconnect with it more meaningfully afterward.
When I returned to my business, I implemented “monk practices” – periods of digital silence, simplified decision-making processes, and dedicated time for presence and reflection. These practices haven’t slowed our progress; they’ve actually enhanced our creativity and reduced unnecessary stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I arrange a stay at a Nepalese monastery? Contact established spiritual tour operators in Nepal or reach out directly to monasteries that are known to accept visitors. Preparation and proper introduction are essential.
What should I pack for a monastery stay? Modest, comfortable clothing, basic toiletries, and an open mind are the essentials. Leave technology, luxury items, and expectations behind.
Will I lose my edge or ambition after such an experience? On the contrary – clarity about what truly matters can enhance focused ambition while eliminating wasteful distractions.
Is a month the right duration? A month allows for genuine adaptation and insight. Shorter stays can provide a taste of monastic life, but the deeper benefits emerge after the initial adjustment period.
Can I incorporate monastic practices without visiting Nepal? Yes, many spiritual centers offer retreats closer to home. Even implementing simplified practices like digital sabbaths, meditation, and mindful routines can bring elements of monastic wisdom into everyday life.
Summary: Bringing Monastic Wisdom into Modern Life
My month with the monks in Nepal wasn’t an escape from reality but a journey deeper into it. The experience stripped away layers of conditioning and distraction, revealing simpler truths about what creates genuine fulfillment. The mountains of Nepal hold monasteries that have preserved ancient wisdom precisely because that wisdom remains relevant to the human condition, regardless of technological or cultural change.
The most powerful lesson was that peace isn’t found in perfect circumstances but in how we relate to whatever circumstances arise. The monks faced cold mornings, simple meals, and physical discomforts with the same equanimity they brought to beautiful sunsets and festive celebrations.
Upon returning home, I didn’t abandon my ambitions or responsibilities. Instead, I approached them with new clarity and purpose. My company continues to grow, but my relationship with success has fundamentally changed. Achievement is now a natural outcome of meaningful work rather than a desperate pursuit to fill an inner void.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pace of modern life or questioning the deeper purpose of their striving, I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. The monasteries of Nepal offer more than picturesque retreats – they offer a living tradition of wisdom that can transform how we experience every moment of our lives.
If you’ve had similar experiences or are considering your own monastic retreat, I’d love to hear your thoughts. The journey of self-discovery is both deeply personal and universally human.
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