Rhetorical question, Ven. Nick; you know it all yourself, you mentioned some yourself; all the usual: Food, drinks, partners lol etc etc Not fatigue tho, just makes it more practice for me to discern what is more important to me- Instant gratification VS Long-term solution
everywhere :( right now i'm struggling alot, but i'm gonna use your resources that were in the description, and i'm gonna do the meditation retreat, and read the guides ! :D i'm gonna take care of myself!! thank you for everything !! Sadhu!!
I am terrible at being given choices. I restrict myself to very few choices for example for lunch when I am at the office I only consume a fruit juice, and at home for dinner I eat what my mom cooks for me. I take too much time to decide to the point where it makes me really stressed so I try to have as many choices as possible and stick to habits. As to clothing and shopping I have a monochrome wardrobe and a particular style (I have spent a lot of time in the past figuring this out so it's not really a choice now).
At work in the kitchen on long days, thousands of decisions to be made every day, many decisions being scrutinised, the doubt adds to the fatigue, this mind tends to overwork when tired or with this stress, uncomfortable is an understatement.
I have always felt like the less I have and the less I have to think the more energetic I feel. Every time I've had to worry about something I feel how the energy is immediately drained from my body, so this simple lifestyle is what I seek.
As an extreme minimalist, I live a life of "deprivation" because it really lets me focus on what I need from life. Decision fatigue is almost non existent! (And doing all the chores myself means a good nights sleep each night! :P)
I love this video! When we CHOOSE to discipline our cravings, we have the choice & freedom to discipline our cravings or to give in to them. HOWEVER, if we give in to our cravings often, we are totally addicted to them & can’t say no. And therefore a slave to our cravings & a life of submission all the time - thus having NO FREEDOM at all. It took me so long to finally understand what is true freedom & happiness. I am still working on it but I am glad I have these small enlightening moments. 🙏🏼
Dear nick, I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for sharing your wisdom and teachings with us on UA-cam. Your guidance has brought me greater peace, understanding, and insight into the Buddhist path. Your compassion and kindness shine through in each video, and I feel fortunate to have encountered your channel. Thank you for your tireless efforts in spreading the Dharma. May your teachings continue to benefit countless beings. May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be at peace.
I have been practicing adding restrictions/limitations for a couple of years now. I never had a phrase for it - decision fatigue... thank you, Ven. Nick - but that was the reason for the implementations. Where the fatigue came in for me was in "picking two of lesser evils." When I realized that I didn't need to pick either... I got so much peace. There was no more emotional or moral battle going on internally. It's a very Western thing, this idea of having a million choices, and it is exhausting. But when I realized that the "choices" were no something I wanted to engage in anyway, all became easier. For example, instead of trying to find shows on Netflix or Amazon to watch, I just... stopped watching shows. And now I have all this free time that I spend listening to educational podcasts or reading or doing yoga, etc. It's been really powerful to reclaim how I'm using my time.
Thank YOU. I re-interpreted the word "restrictive" into "simple" .. personally, my SIMPLE Life is LIBERATING✨️😊✨️ Bless You & Yours, & this Community. 🌎🕊🤲🏼
thank you nick. i may not be a monk but I do apply restrictive method in my choices in my day to day life and you are right that it opens up so much time, energy and peace of mind. thank you for your message of wisdom, i really appreciate it
Every day. 3 am i Watch guided meditations and discussion for two hours daily I find this give me peace of mind help me start my day Correct thoughts This has made my day soo much easier and helps with my anxiety very day i need to be mindful and your energy vibes is a reminder that the Buddha teaches us non attachment and the importance of correct thoughts
I can totally relate.To me this is total freedom. If you think of how lay people actually live we are not as free as we think. A lot of what lay people do is busy work that keep us from doing what we really want to do. 😊
Wonderful. I have been putting this into practice. freedom from being dragged by desires, thoughts and worries. A simpler life brings this freshness. 🙏🙏🙏
Hello Ven. Nick, I am currently on vacation in Thailand and I have just visited the Pa Pae meditation centre. To my surprise, I found out that was your old monastery and I received your books, which I have wanted to buy. I was hoping to thank you in person for how much your videos have helped me in my life, but I heard that you already left. So I hope you see this; you have given me so much peace in my head and lifestyle, I am thinking of becoming a Buddhist monk myself, because of you. Much love from me
Ohhh I’m sorry I missed you. I hope you are having a good time at Papae and yes please enjoy the books as well. We are so happy to give it out to all the guests. If you get a chance, ordination will be a great experience for sure. Please enjoy your time there 😊😊
That is so true! We use so much time and energy on things that are rather meaningless.. Those activities are mostly like 'chaffs in the wind' (one of the Tibetan masters). All the best. 🙏
I live a restrictive life also except I follow the Bible. Although I have more choices, I still have restrictions like not having sex outside of marriage and the ten commandments like not stealing or not committing adultery. I am single, never married, no children. Not required by God, but it helps me to focus on what God wants me to do, namely taking care of my mom. I took care of my dad for 8 years before he passed away in January 2023. Now God wants me to take care of my mom. I also take care of my disabled nephew after my sister, who I took care of for a month, passed away in December 2023. I have a lot of choices to make in life, but it is not burdensome to me.
"My" monk is from Laos. He eats one meal a day (before noon). When we do our retreats, we also only eat one meal a day. It is not easy. I have learned to have a protein shake in the afternoon (liquids are allowed), so I don't feel sleepy during the afternoon and evening meditations. It's a process but I get better at it each time. Thank you so much for all of your videos 🙏.
Thank you for your videos, Nick. They were originally some of my introductions to buddhism 2 or so years ago I pondered the idea of becoming a monk in a United States (my home country) monestary for some time, but decided I wasn't ready for that yet (perhaps I will be later in this life, perhaps not, i'm still only in my 20s). But even so, being able to live my lay life but still having this access over the Internet to buddhist monks/nuns and their mindset has been the perfect middle ground for me in this part of my life. So thank you for providing that for me and so many people
So many great answers here, and thank you so much Nick for your openness and honesty and this peek into your life. As someone who was beating his head against the wall of life for years and feeling miserable, I finally just gave it all up. I had no idea it would be the best decision of my life. I was addicted to so many things, mostly It was all just an everyday practice of desiring things without a point. Now I'm learning how to practice"non-desire" lol, and what I have found is an infinite love and peace I did not know existed. Peace to you friend.
Although I am not a monk I am living with a lot less due to needing to live in a shared house after years of having my own space. I am working on being more disciplined with my time (too much wasting going on) but I do feel more free without the latest “must haves”. This has taught me me that having “stuff” is not as fun it as necessary as I once believed, and I have vowed never to go back to owning more than I need and things that I really want. I don’t feel comfortable cooking here so I cannot relate to the cooking part. I love cooking and baking and I miss it terribly. I highly recommend reducing stuff and really considering a purchase before it happens to anyone who’s feeling overwhelmed. It’s life changing!
i was a griffin poetry prize finalist in 2020 for my poetry book, 'heft', and i can tell you as a writer with a deep love of craft that the most important thing when i was writing and editing the poems in 'heft' was the practice of constraint. :) ..it doesn't matter what field/discipline or aspect of life you're struggling with - i truly believe constraint is essential for success, and for feeling successful from within. i recently went on a vacation and allowed myself to eat sugar, and now that i'm home i find myself saying, "i can eat that" and "i can eat that too" about products with sugar, and the extra amount of choice means i haven't been making the best overall food choice for me, because instead of eating the meals i used to eat, i eat the sugary thing, want more and more of it, and then there's no room for the old, health-sustaining things. i already feel the effects on my body', so i would like to go back to having the boundaries i have had since 2015/2016! it's okay to realize this and show myself compassion and allow myself to pick up where i left off before vacation. :) thank you, venerable nick, for another great and timely (useful) video!❤
Wow thank you for taking the time to share your beautiful perspective. I think it can help many people. And yes, have compassion for yourself and get back on track. Please keep us updated on your progress 😊
Dear nick, I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for sharing your wisdom and teachings with us on UA-cam. Your guidance has brought me greater peace, understanding, and insight into the Buddhist path. Your compassion and kindness shine through in each video, and I feel fortunate to have encountered your channel. Thank you for your tireless efforts in spreading the Dharma. May your teachings continue to benefit countless beings. May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be at peace." Or, if you prefer a shorter message: "Dear [Monk's Name], thank you for sharing your wisdom and inspiring teachings on UA-cam. Your guidance has made a positive impact on my life, and I'm grateful for your compassion and kindness. May your teachings continue to benefit many.
Thank you Nick for the message. I have just watched a recent ABC documentary about various monastery raids in Thailand, and it left me depressed. I feel so naive. I thought that perhaps this was the one place where these things didn't happen. Even though I know this isn't happening everywhere, it left my faith and trust in Buddhist monks, temples and leadership completely shattered, and goes on the shelf with the rest. Maybe you can address this in one of your next videos.
I agree 100%. The simple life style allows us to have more freedom. Freedom from too many choices and many times bad choices. Yes this is very helpful and relatable to what I am trying to accomplish in my life. Thank you for explaining your life to us. It is so interesting to learn how a Theravada Buddhist monk lives.
I can relate to the "too many choices" theory and how it can add stress to one's life, youtube is an example along with technology in general. Everything these days seems to be about more , more , and more ...I going in the opposite direction.
People think little things like what to eat or what to wear or what to buy are so tiny they shouldn't bother us. But the reality is they greatly drain us without us realizing it. Every little thing we do counts, so let's be sure it's worth doing.
Hi ven Nick im currently cutting down on food and changing my diet at the moment and its not easy almost like a punishment but I know this is the right thing to do your discipline is very encouraging have you lost body weight since becoming a monk thank you so much for your videos they have helped me a lot
I really envy the fact that you have so few possessions and only two changes of robes that you can travel anywhere in the world in a moment's notice and be just as at home there as you would anywhere else. I am working on designing my life and support systems to do this.
Hey nick would you consider making a video on your thoughts about ai? It scares me and causes anxiety about the future of the world. Im wondering how to cope? Thank you for all you do. ❤
While I was in college, money was tight, do it was normal for me to eat leftovers until they were gone. It was also normal to eat a limited diet. Of course, I got all the essentials- vitamins and minerals- but it wasn't from a wide variety of things. Consequently, it disciplined me. I had eaten like that for so long that and grown so accustomed to it that now it's just a part of my life all these years later, even though I have far more financial freedom. All additional money means to me is more that I can save, not spend or invest in a more stylish car, clothing, or a residence. For me, I have great admiration for how Buddhist monks live their lives.
If the world was not wrought with so much suffering still, we would not need to renounce it. One day people will be able to live without having to go to these extremes to find peace. A refined species will just live. I wish i was in a Monestary right now, but that is only because in this process of evolution there are so many unconscious beings creating nothing but more pain, to the point that we could call it evil. No doubt. Of this tradition (Buddhism) and its own evolution as a reflection of our progress and true nature of our reality, it is still the best thing we have; to find clarity, balance, kindness and peace, Also the tools and techniques needed to be at as much peace in a still very emotionally infantile world. I think of you sometimes when i scrub my toilet. 😊 Thank you for your sacrifice, you deserve the peace and respect you have earned. 🙏
Hey venerable nick, great video and I am often frustrated with the different choices that I have to make because I have so many to make and don't know the right one to do. I was wondering though when you're in America do you also do alms rounds there as well? Also does the monastery provide you with a cell phone? And do you have access to a computer to edit your videos or to look something up on the internet?
Thank you for your honest share, Nick. I have listened to you ever since 2001 and have learned so much from your videos. Do monks eat snacks or have a cupboard of ramen noodles or rice they can cook when they feel weak - need food for energy? What about medications? Do monks take pain meds, meds for anxieties/depression? Or is Western medications not accepted in the Buddhist path in Thailand? I am just curious. If you have time one day, could you talk more about your meditation journey, in terms of how often do you meditate, how do you handle times when meditating seems stiff - not getting much more out of it over time, or when there are so much going on in one's life (fantasizing, worrying, planning) ... how do you stop the flow of those thoughts? Thank you very much for your continuous videos and teachings.
i love cooking, i cook for day one meal, or 1.5 days. and there's nothing better to make a meal for your friend. it's a chore for me, rather than an obstacle. clothes is perfect example - of too much worries.
I've never quite understood the principle of any religion freeing you from choices. Because the "I may not xyz" is still imposed on your by yourself and the rules you subject yourself to. Objectively you could still do anything, so you just chose not to. So I think it's more the lifestyle you subject yourself to everyday, where there are less opportunities to go off course, than the actual rules. And I know the stress that comes from decision fatigue.
I have the most boring wardrobe, and I don't care, lol! I'm most comfortable in black pants. When it is hot and I can dress casually I have a tank top on. When it is cool, or I'm at work, I put a short sleeve turtleneck on over the tank top. Shoes are all the same brand, white for at home, black when I leave the house. All same color socks. The underwear is different colors, but no one sees that and it is faster to grab a multi color package than hunt for the same colors.
Recently, I heard an opinion from Chinese Medicine saying that when someone becomes a vegetarian, some people might never adapt to the new food since their usual meals where different. I'll assume lay people's offerings are vegetarian. It is usual to find few cases of those that their digestive system never would adapt to the lack of meat or dairy? And how that might interfere with the beliefs' work?
When meditating and work Balance is difficult service and merit means little free time so can work be part of daily meditation When working with people talking is necessary My question is how do i meditate and work at the same time and is that possible?
Menos es más. Me veo ahora en la necesidad de tomar una decisión importante en mi vida. Estos días he recordado esa máxima, de menos es más. Y la voy a aplicar en mi decisión. Sin embargo, como se lleva el precepto de no "poder" tener pareja? Y si te enamoras, que harías? Un saludo grande desde el bosque. 🙏
A "restrictive life" in reality is a free life. Unless one chooses to waver for it or not strong enough to conform to it, you will not enslaved by anything and there's no self-created suffering. Who wouldn't want such a life?
I’ve been on this path for years. The only problem I have is Peritoneal Dialysis. I feel like I could live this way if I had a kidney transplant. Anyone else on PD?
Sounds ideal but I've also heard of instances of bullying, politics, even drug-use and visiting of brothels in some monasteries. Hope that these are not true.
Once I learned about the 1928 Sangha Act and how people like Dhammananda Bhikkhuni are being treated by the Thai religious authorities for defying the act, I started thinking very critically about your videos and stopped watching for a while until this came up in my feed. There are many women in Thailand who would love to be ordained and have the same freedom that you have - as a monastic who has access to health insurance and other public benefits designed to support you - but who are not legally allowed to do so.
I just started the video but I have a question.How is it possible to live a celibacy life if you have a super strong sexual energy?I'm talking more like on the Sacral charka level or energy rather than physical? As a virgin I haven't had sex yet but I have a strong Sacral energy and it doesn't help when urges deal with mostly the spiritual side rather then the physical,like the Astral for instance.Its challenging at times.How do you overcome it,well monks in general?
I appreciate this channel and your personal insight. I recently walked with the Theravada Monks at the Walk for World Peace while they were in Niagara Falls! I met so many amazing people! Now the monks and Buddhist community have become my new family. I am now trying to learn the philosophies of Buddhism and I have a home temple where I am learning under the guidance of some amazing monks! 🙏🏻🤍🪷😌
Where does decision fatigue show up in your life?
Rhetorical question, Ven. Nick; you know it all yourself, you mentioned some yourself; all the usual: Food, drinks, partners lol etc etc Not fatigue tho, just makes it more practice for me to discern what is more important to me- Instant gratification VS Long-term solution
everywhere :( right now i'm struggling alot, but i'm gonna use your resources that were in the description, and i'm gonna do the meditation retreat, and read the guides ! :D i'm gonna take care of myself!! thank you for everything !! Sadhu!!
Eating + trying to eat as healthy as possible.
I am terrible at being given choices. I restrict myself to very few choices for example for lunch when I am at the office I only consume a fruit juice, and at home for dinner I eat what my mom cooks for me. I take too much time to decide to the point where it makes me really stressed so I try to have as many choices as possible and stick to habits. As to clothing and shopping I have a monochrome wardrobe and a particular style (I have spent a lot of time in the past figuring this out so it's not really a choice now).
At work in the kitchen on long days, thousands of decisions to be made every day, many decisions being scrutinised, the doubt adds to the fatigue, this mind tends to overwork when tired or with this stress, uncomfortable is an understatement.
I have always felt like the less I have and the less I have to think the more energetic I feel. Every time I've had to worry about something I feel how the energy is immediately drained from my body, so this simple lifestyle is what I seek.
Wonderful! Yes less can be more 😊
As an extreme minimalist, I live a life of "deprivation" because it really lets me focus on what I need from life. Decision fatigue is almost non existent! (And doing all the chores myself means a good nights sleep each night! :P)
It is indeed freeing ourselves though to others it seems like deprivation
Wonderful my friend. Keep it up 😊
I love this video! When we CHOOSE to discipline our cravings, we have the choice & freedom to discipline our cravings or to give in to them. HOWEVER, if we give in to our cravings often, we are totally addicted to them & can’t say no. And therefore a slave to our cravings & a life of submission all the time - thus having NO FREEDOM at all. It took me so long to finally understand what is true freedom & happiness. I am still working on it but I am glad I have these small enlightening moments. 🙏🏼
That’s wonderful! You’re definitely getting it. Keep it up. It definitely takes time 😊
Dear nick, I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for sharing your wisdom and teachings with us on UA-cam. Your guidance has brought me greater peace, understanding, and insight into the Buddhist path. Your compassion and kindness shine through in each video, and I feel fortunate to have encountered your channel. Thank you for your tireless efforts in spreading the Dharma. May your teachings continue to benefit countless beings. May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be at peace.
@@vedikameshram304 awww thank you for your kind words. That’s very kind of you and I’m glad it resonates with you 😊
I have been practicing adding restrictions/limitations for a couple of years now. I never had a phrase for it - decision fatigue... thank you, Ven. Nick - but that was the reason for the implementations. Where the fatigue came in for me was in "picking two of lesser evils." When I realized that I didn't need to pick either... I got so much peace. There was no more emotional or moral battle going on internally. It's a very Western thing, this idea of having a million choices, and it is exhausting. But when I realized that the "choices" were no something I wanted to engage in anyway, all became easier. For example, instead of trying to find shows on Netflix or Amazon to watch, I just... stopped watching shows. And now I have all this free time that I spend listening to educational podcasts or reading or doing yoga, etc. It's been really powerful to reclaim how I'm using my time.
Thank YOU. I re-interpreted the word "restrictive" into "simple" .. personally, my SIMPLE Life is LIBERATING✨️😊✨️
Bless You & Yours, & this Community.
🌎🕊🤲🏼
Oh I love it! I think that’s a great word choice. Thanks for sharing 😊
thank you nick. i may not be a monk but I do apply restrictive method in my choices in my day to day life and you are right that it opens up so much time, energy and peace of mind. thank you for your message of wisdom, i really appreciate it
Wonderful! I love hearing that you’re applying it into your daily life. Please keep it up 😊😊
Every day. 3 am i Watch guided meditations and discussion for two hours daily
I find this give me peace of mind help me start my day
Correct thoughts
This has made my day soo much easier and helps with my anxiety very day i need to be mindful and your energy vibes is a reminder that the Buddha teaches us non attachment and the importance of correct thoughts
Wonderful. I’m glad it’s helpful. Keep up the great work :-)
Venerable Nick, I love your smile so much! Thank you for your light!
Thank you 😊😊
I can totally relate.To me this is total freedom. If you think of how lay people actually live we are not as free as we think. A lot of what lay people do is busy work that keep us from doing what we really want to do. 😊
Yes it’s an interesting concept when you explore freedom and what it actually is. It’s quite fascinating.
Wonderful. I have been putting this into practice. freedom from being dragged by desires, thoughts and worries. A simpler life brings this freshness. 🙏🙏🙏
Wonderful. I’m glad it’s helpful. :-)
Hello Ven. Nick, I am currently on vacation in Thailand and I have just visited the Pa Pae meditation centre. To my surprise, I found out that was your old monastery and I received your books, which I have wanted to buy. I was hoping to thank you in person for how much your videos have helped me in my life, but I heard that you already left. So I hope you see this; you have given me so much peace in my head and lifestyle, I am thinking of becoming a Buddhist monk myself, because of you. Much love from me
Ohhh I’m sorry I missed you. I hope you are having a good time at Papae and yes please enjoy the books as well. We are so happy to give it out to all the guests.
If you get a chance, ordination will be a great experience for sure. Please enjoy your time there 😊😊
How was your experience, guus? We are headed there next month. This is sort of a rhetorical question as I'm sure it was fine, indeed.
@@nickkeomahavong01 are you no longer in Thailand?
That is so true! We use so much time and energy on things that are rather meaningless.. Those activities are mostly like 'chaffs in the wind' (one of the Tibetan masters). All the best. 🙏
Thank you 😊
I live a restrictive life also except I follow the Bible. Although I have more choices, I still have restrictions like not having sex outside of marriage and the ten commandments like not stealing or not committing adultery. I am single, never married, no children. Not required by God, but it helps me to focus on what God wants me to do, namely taking care of my mom. I took care of my dad for 8 years before he passed away in January 2023. Now God wants me to take care of my mom. I also take care of my disabled nephew after my sister, who I took care of for a month, passed away in December 2023. I have a lot of choices to make in life, but it is not burdensome to me.
Thank you so much for your beautiful story. Also sending my condolences and blessings to you and your family ❤️
@@nickkeomahavong01thank you so much for your kind words. 😊
"My" monk is from Laos. He eats one meal a day (before noon). When we do our retreats, we also only eat one meal a day. It is not easy. I have learned to have a protein shake in the afternoon (liquids are allowed), so I don't feel sleepy during the afternoon and evening meditations. It's a process but I get better at it each time. Thank you so much for all of your videos 🙏.
Thank you Venerable Nick! Glad you are well!
You’re welcome! Thank you 😊
You live such a beautiful life Nick. Thank you for sharing! :)💜🙏🏿
Thank you so much my friend 😊
now its OUR turn!
Thank You and Much Love from the Philippines.
You’re welcome and greetings to you my friend 😊😊
@@nickkeomahavong01 ❤
Thank you Ven. Nick.
This is an excellent reminder.
"Less is more"
There is freedom in having less 🙏🙏
You’re welcome ☺️
Thank you … simplicity takes time …I so enjoy your teaching…
So inspiring,just loved it
Thank you so much :-)
Since many days I have been waiting for ur Video as I needed it urgently and u gave it! Thank u very much Ven. Nick ❤
Hope you enjoyed it! Thank you 😊
You are pure joy!!Thank you❤
In notions of love and in a sea of merits. Thanks to you I have an advisor.
Thank you 😊
Thank you for your videos, Nick. They were originally some of my introductions to buddhism 2 or so years ago
I pondered the idea of becoming a monk in a United States (my home country) monestary for some time, but decided I wasn't ready for that yet (perhaps I will be later in this life, perhaps not, i'm still only in my 20s). But even so, being able to live my lay life but still having this access over the Internet to buddhist monks/nuns and their mindset has been the perfect middle ground for me in this part of my life. So thank you for providing that for me and so many people
You’re welcome. Yes just take it step by step. Maybe you can start with attending retreats if you haven’t already done so.
So many great answers here, and thank you so much Nick for your openness and honesty and this peek into your life. As someone who was beating his head against the wall of life for years and feeling miserable, I finally just gave it all up. I had no idea it would be the best decision of my life. I was addicted to so many things, mostly It was all just an everyday practice of desiring things without a point. Now I'm learning how to practice"non-desire" lol, and what I have found is an infinite love and peace I did not know existed. Peace to you friend.
Sadhu Ajahn Nick! Wise advice. Much love and metta from Singapore. Thanks for making UA-cam and the world much more Nibbana-like
Sadhu sadhu! Thank you so much 😊
Although I am not a monk I am living with a lot less due to needing to live in a shared house after years of having my own space. I am working on being more disciplined with my time (too much wasting going on) but I do feel more free without the latest “must haves”.
This has taught me me that having “stuff” is not as fun it as necessary as I once believed, and I have vowed never to go back to owning more than I need and things that I really want.
I don’t feel comfortable cooking here so I cannot relate to the cooking part. I love cooking and baking and I miss it terribly.
I highly recommend reducing stuff and really considering a purchase before it happens to anyone who’s feeling overwhelmed. It’s life changing!
Amazing Ven. Nick ❤
Thank you so much 😊
i was a griffin poetry prize finalist in 2020 for my poetry book, 'heft', and i can tell you as a writer with a deep love of craft that the most important thing when i was writing and editing the poems in 'heft' was the practice of constraint. :) ..it doesn't matter what field/discipline or aspect of life you're struggling with - i truly believe constraint is essential for success, and for feeling successful from within.
i recently went on a vacation and allowed myself to eat sugar, and now that i'm home i find myself saying, "i can eat that" and "i can eat that too" about products with sugar, and the extra amount of choice means i haven't been making the best overall food choice for me, because instead of eating the meals i used to eat, i eat the sugary thing, want more and more of it, and then there's no room for the old, health-sustaining things. i already feel the effects on my body', so i would like to go back to having the boundaries i have had since 2015/2016! it's okay to realize this and show myself compassion and allow myself to pick up where i left off before vacation. :)
thank you, venerable nick, for another great and timely (useful) video!❤
Wow thank you for taking the time to share your beautiful perspective. I think it can help many people. And yes, have compassion for yourself and get back on track. Please keep us updated on your progress 😊
Dear nick, I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for sharing your wisdom and teachings with us on UA-cam. Your guidance has brought me greater peace, understanding, and insight into the Buddhist path. Your compassion and kindness shine through in each video, and I feel fortunate to have encountered your channel. Thank you for your tireless efforts in spreading the Dharma. May your teachings continue to benefit countless beings. May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be at peace."
Or, if you prefer a shorter message:
"Dear [Monk's Name], thank you for sharing your wisdom and inspiring teachings on UA-cam. Your guidance has made a positive impact on my life, and I'm grateful for your compassion and kindness. May your teachings continue to benefit many.
Love your vids Ven. Nick. Simple, insightful...and with a generous dose of humour. Thank you. 🙏
Haha thank you so much my friend 😊
Thank you Nick for the message. I have just watched a recent ABC documentary about various monastery raids in Thailand, and it left me depressed. I feel so naive. I thought that perhaps this was the one place where these things didn't happen. Even though I know this isn't happening everywhere, it left my faith and trust in Buddhist monks, temples and leadership completely shattered, and goes on the shelf with the rest. Maybe you can address this in one of your next videos.
Thank you Nick for always bringing interesting point of view!
My pleasure! Thank you so much 😊
As always full of wisdom❤
Thank you so much 😊
I agree 100%. The simple life style allows us to have more freedom. Freedom from too many choices and many times bad choices. Yes this is very helpful and relatable to what I am trying to accomplish in my life. Thank you for explaining your life to us. It is so interesting to learn how a Theravada Buddhist monk lives.
Thank you so much for the illuminating insight!
You’re welcome. Thank you so much 😊
Brilliantly spoken ❤
The only solution to decision fatigue is enjoying a life with less. Once you start there’s no way back.
Thank you 🙏
You’re welcome ☺️
I enjoyed this video very much, thank u.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you
I can relate to the "too many choices" theory and how it can add stress to one's life, youtube is an example along with technology in general. Everything these days seems to be about more , more , and more ...I going in the opposite direction.
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Thank you so much for this message today. (◔‿◔)
You are so welcome! I hope it’s helpful 😊
People think little things like what to eat or what to wear or what to buy are so tiny they shouldn't bother us. But the reality is they greatly drain us without us realizing it. Every little thing we do counts, so let's be sure it's worth doing.
Thank you from Poland ❤
You're welcome 😊
Great video with a new perspective
Thank you so much Tevin 😊
Anumodana Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu Ajahn. Very useful information 😊🇹🇭
Sadhu sadhu! Thank you so much 😊
Hi ven Nick im currently cutting down on food and changing my diet at the moment and its not easy almost like a punishment but I know this is the right thing to do your discipline is very encouraging have you lost body weight since becoming a monk thank you so much for your videos they have helped me a lot
Yes it takes time and your body will adjust. Just one day at a time 😊
Hi Nick you always bring an amazing content thank u so much sadhu sadhu sadhu from india 🇮🇳
You’re welcome! Glad you are enjoying it 😊😊
my gratitude ❤
Thankyou for this vid 🙏
absolutely love it❤
I really envy the fact that you have so few possessions and only two changes of robes that you can travel anywhere in the world in a moment's notice and be just as at home there as you would anywhere else. I am working on designing my life and support systems to do this.
Yes it’s quite liberating to Not have so many physical things.
your logic makes sense ❤
Hey nick would you consider making a video on your thoughts about ai? It scares me and causes anxiety about the future of the world. Im wondering how to cope? Thank you for all you do. ❤
While I was in college, money was tight, do it was normal for me to eat leftovers until they were gone. It was also normal to eat a limited diet. Of course, I got all the essentials- vitamins and minerals- but it wasn't from a wide variety of things. Consequently, it disciplined me. I had eaten like that for so long that and grown so accustomed to it that now it's just a part of my life all these years later, even though I have far more financial freedom. All additional money means to me is more that I can save, not spend or invest in a more stylish car, clothing, or a residence. For me, I have great admiration for how Buddhist monks live their lives.
Sadhu sadhu thank you for sharing your experience 😊
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I am from Uttar Pradesh (India)❤, love your thoughts. I am Buddhist too.😊
If the world was not wrought with so much suffering still, we would not need to renounce it.
One day people will be able to live without having to go to these extremes to find peace.
A refined species will just live.
I wish i was in a Monestary right now, but that is only because in this process of evolution there are so many unconscious beings creating nothing but more pain, to the point that we could call it evil. No doubt.
Of this tradition (Buddhism) and its own evolution as a reflection of our progress and true nature of our reality, it is still the best thing we have; to find clarity, balance, kindness and peace, Also the tools and techniques needed to be at as much peace in a still very emotionally infantile world.
I think of you sometimes when i scrub my toilet. 😊
Thank you for your sacrifice, you deserve the peace and respect you have earned.
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You are right sir. Less means more.
Good morning, Venerable Nick, happy to hear you are back in Azusa. Will you be speaking this week?
Hi Liz, this video is from last month. I am back in Thailand now. But venerable Nicolas should be teaching at the moment :-)
Hey venerable nick, great video and I am often frustrated with the different choices that I have to make because I have so many to make and don't know the right one to do. I was wondering though when you're in America do you also do alms rounds there as well?
Also does the monastery provide you with a cell phone? And do you have access to a computer to edit your videos or to look something up on the internet?
Yes it kind of depends on each temple that we stay at.
Thank you for your honest share, Nick. I have listened to you ever since 2001 and have learned so much from your videos. Do monks eat snacks or have a cupboard of ramen noodles or rice they can cook when they feel weak - need food for energy? What about medications? Do monks take pain meds, meds for anxieties/depression? Or is Western medications not accepted in the Buddhist path in Thailand? I am just curious.
If you have time one day, could you talk more about your meditation journey, in terms of how often do you meditate, how do you handle times when meditating seems stiff - not getting much more out of it over time, or when there are so much going on in one's life (fantasizing, worrying, planning) ... how do you stop the flow of those thoughts? Thank you very much for your continuous videos and teachings.
rvyntshubfwvu4fhu.blogspot.com/2024/08/mindful-eating-cultivating-healthier.html
i love cooking, i cook for day one meal, or 1.5 days. and there's nothing better to make a meal for your friend. it's a chore for me, rather than an obstacle.
clothes is perfect example - of too much worries.
Sadhu sadhu sadhu 🙏🌷
Thank you so much 😊
I've never quite understood the principle of any religion freeing you from choices.
Because the "I may not xyz" is still imposed on your by yourself and the rules you subject yourself to.
Objectively you could still do anything, so you just chose not to.
So I think it's more the lifestyle you subject yourself to everyday, where there are less opportunities to go off course, than the actual rules.
And I know the stress that comes from decision fatigue.
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Sadhu 🙏
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I have the most boring wardrobe, and I don't care, lol! I'm most comfortable in black pants. When it is hot and I can dress casually I have a tank top on. When it is cool, or I'm at work, I put a short sleeve turtleneck on over the tank top.
Shoes are all the same brand, white for at home, black when I leave the house. All same color socks. The underwear is different colors, but no one sees that and it is faster to grab a multi color package than hunt for the same colors.
Awesome. So easy and freeing 😊
Food and clothes were draining but now i eat n wear almost the same everyday 😅
Wonderful 😊
🧘🏿♀️🧡🧡🧡🧡❣️
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Recently, I heard an opinion from Chinese Medicine saying that when someone becomes a vegetarian, some people might never adapt to the new food since their usual meals where different. I'll assume lay people's offerings are vegetarian. It is usual to find few cases of those that their digestive system never would adapt to the lack of meat or dairy? And how that might interfere with the beliefs' work?
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just love❤y
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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Hi Nick - who might I contact about ordaining as a monk please?
@@sutranovumchannel here is a website for you: www.beamonk.org
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I soon start my ascetic journey fr this time...😅
When meditating and work
Balance is difficult service and merit means little free time so can work be part of daily meditation
When working with people talking is necessary
My question is how do i meditate and work at the same time and is that possible?
I also want to become a Buddhist Monk and live in Monastery how can i do?
Here’s a website with more information:
Www.beamonk.org
Menos es más. Me veo ahora en la necesidad de tomar una decisión importante en mi vida. Estos días he recordado esa máxima, de menos es más. Y la voy a aplicar en mi decisión.
Sin embargo, como se lleva el precepto de no "poder" tener pareja? Y si te enamoras, que harías?
Un saludo grande desde el bosque. 🙏
For lay people, you can still be in a relationship. The precept is to refrain from sexual misconduct.
A "restrictive life" in reality is a free life. Unless one chooses to waver for it or not strong enough to conform to it, you will not enslaved by anything and there's no self-created suffering. Who wouldn't want such a life?
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I’ve been on this path for years. The only problem I have is Peritoneal Dialysis. I feel like I could live this way if I had a kidney transplant.
Anyone else on PD?
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Sounds ideal but I've also heard of instances of bullying, politics, even drug-use and visiting of brothels in some monasteries. Hope that these are not true.
Once I learned about the 1928 Sangha Act and how people like Dhammananda Bhikkhuni are being treated by the Thai religious authorities for defying the act, I started thinking very critically about your videos and stopped watching for a while until this came up in my feed. There are many women in Thailand who would love to be ordained and have the same freedom that you have - as a monastic who has access to health insurance and other public benefits designed to support you - but who are not legally allowed to do so.
Welcome back. Hope you’re doing well 😊
@@nickkeomahavong01 Thank you. Gotta say that I did miss hearing that music intro just a bit. 😅 Looks like your channel is doing well.
I just started the video but I have a question.How is it possible to live a celibacy life if you have a super strong sexual energy?I'm talking more like on the Sacral charka level or energy rather than physical? As a virgin I haven't had sex yet but I have a strong Sacral energy and it doesn't help when urges deal with mostly the spiritual side rather then the physical,like the Astral for instance.Its challenging at times.How do you overcome it,well monks in general?
It’s possible. We just allow it to come up and allow it to pass. It takes time but our environment really helps to support a celibate life.
@nickkeomahavong01 oh lol that's the challenging part but I know what you mean when it past.
How do you suppress natural urges???
Just allow it to rise and pass.
@@nickkeomahavong01 Thank You, but I figure it's a lot easier said than done.
I appreciate this channel and your personal insight. I recently walked with the Theravada Monks at the Walk for World Peace while they were in Niagara Falls! I met so many amazing people! Now the monks and Buddhist community have become my new family. I am now trying to learn the philosophies of Buddhism and I have a home temple where I am learning under the guidance of some amazing monks! 🙏🏻🤍🪷😌
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are monks allowed to be vegetarians?
Yes 😊
Analysis Paralysis. Too many choices!
Yes definitely 😊
Do you always see yourself as a Monk for the rest of your life?
I would hope so :-) but in Monkhood, we just say that we take it day by day.
@9:35 is wHere the solutions being offered here by Ven. Nick - brilliant!!
Thank you my friend 😊