The First Thing I Learned As A Monk

Summary

In this reflective narrative, the speaker recounts their first day as a monk, highlighting the profound lesson of breath control taught to young novices. The monk's teacher emphasizes that breath is the constant through life's changes, and learning to manage it is key to navigating emotions and life's challenges. This principle extends to various fields like sports and music, where breath is crucial. The story illustrates the wisdom of addressing life's issues at their root, rather than merely treating symptoms, a lesson deeply ingrained in monastic life.

Takeaways

• 🧘 The first lesson taught in the Hmong school is learning how to breathe, emphasizing the importance of breath throughout life.
• 🌬 Breath is the constant element from birth to death, remaining unchanged while everything else in life changes.
• 💭 Emotions are closely tied to changes in breathing, with each feeling altering the breath pattern.
• 🧘‍♂️ Learning to manage breath is equated to learning to navigate any situation in life, highlighting the control over emotions and reactions.
• 🎓 The script suggests that traditional teachings prioritize understanding the root of things rather than just treating symptoms.
• 🏆 Athletes and musicians are trained in breathing techniques to excel in high-pressure situations, indicating the universal application of breath control.
• 🎼 Breath control is particularly important for singers and wind instrument players to reach high notes, showcasing its role in performance.
• 📚 The speaker's experience as a monk reveals a deep learning about addressing life's challenges at their root cause rather than superficially.
• 🌱 The principle of addressing the root is compared to cutting down a tree by its roots rather than trimming its leaves, emphasizing long-lasting solutions.
• 🕊️ The script advocates for a deeper approach to life, suggesting that while it may take longer, it leads to more enduring outcomes.
• 💡 The story of the monk and the children serves as a metaphor for the value of foundational learning and the profound impact of understanding the basics of life.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first impression of the monk school?

The speaker felt out of place, having just shaved their head and wearing robes, and was intrigued by the teaching of a monk to a group of young monks.

What was the first lesson taught to the five-year-old monks at the monk school?

The first lesson taught was learning how to breathe, emphasizing the importance of breath throughout life.

Why is learning to breathe considered the first and most important lesson at the monk school?

Breathing is considered the only constant from birth to death, and it changes with every emotion, making it a tool to navigate and manage life's situations.

How does the monk's teaching on breathing relate to other disciplines like sports or music?

Athletes, musicians, and singers, especially those who play wind instruments, are trained in breathing techniques to excel in high-pressure situations, highlighting the universal application of breath control.

What did the speaker realize about the general approach to dealing with stress in everyday life?

The speaker realized that most people deal with stress at a symptomatic level, such as taking a stress pill or relaxing, rather than addressing the root cause.

What is the main principle the speaker learned from living as a monk?

The main principle is to always address the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms, which may take longer but leads to a more lasting solution.

How does the speaker describe the difference between addressing the root cause versus the symptoms?

Addressing the root cause takes longer but lasts longer, whereas addressing the symptoms provides quick relief that is temporary and often requires repeated intervention.

What is the significance of the speaker's observation about emotions and breathing?

The observation signifies that every emotion is experienced with a change in breath, indicating that breath control can be a powerful tool for emotional regulation.

What did the speaker discover about the teaching methods of the monk school compared to conventional schools?

The speaker discovered that the monk school prioritizes teaching foundational life skills, such as breath control, over conventional academic subjects like the alphabet and numbers.

How does the speaker's experience at the monk school contrast with their previous life in London?

The speaker's experience in London was likely more conventional and less focused on introspective practices, making the teachings at the monk school a stark contrast and a profound learning experience.

What is the 'deep principle' the speaker refers to that was taught during their time as a monk?

The 'deep principle' refers to the practice of addressing the root of problems and emotions, such as learning to control one's breath, to achieve a more profound and lasting change in life.