Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live as a monk?
To wake up before dawn, live by strict spiritual discipline, and dedicate every moment to devotion? I took the leap and spent seven days inside the world of the Hare Krishnas by participating in their “ be a monk challenge”—here’s what I learned.
Who Are the Hare Krishnas?
The Hare Krishna movement, officially known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), is a spiritual tradition rooted in the ancient teachings of Bhakti Yoga—the path of devotion. Founded in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON aims to share the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and promote a lifestyle of simple living, high thinking, and devotion to Krishna (God).
Bhaktivedanta Manor: The Heart of Krishna Consciousness in the UK
Bhaktivedanta Manor, located in Hertfordshire, is one of ISKCON’s most significant temples outside of India. Gifted by George Harrison of The Beatles in 1973, the manor serves as a spiritual sanctuary, offering visitors an opportunity to experience meditation, philosophy, kirtan (devotional chanting), and community service. It’s a place where ancient wisdom meets modern seekers, providing an immersive environment for spiritual growth.
What drew me to take on this challenge?
There is something about a monastic way of life that has always appealed to me. I love a simple life and I am devoted to the Divine and my spiritual path. Maybe there is a remembrance in my soul of a life lived as a monastic before? I don’t know, but there have definitely been times that I have wondered whether it may be part of my journey in this lifetime.
Bhakti Yoga ( the yoga of devotion) is also one of the yogic paths that strongly speaks to me, so immersing myself in this 7 day challenge seemed like the ideal way to dive more deeply into it and learn more.
And in all honesty, the last year for personal reasons has been a tad rough and I felt like I needed something a bit different to bring me out of of a funk and have a week away from it all.
Stepping into the experience
I have been visiting Bhaktivedanta Manor on and off for over ten years and I have always loved my times there. The Manor and its grounds are breathtakingly beautiful, well tended to and the energy in the temple is always so sweet and joyful.
I arrived at 10am on the Monday morning to be met by our group leader for the week, devotee, Samantha and the other 5 challenge participants (who were gorgeous beings that made the experience all the more special).
We were all very excited to let go of normal life despite not really knowing what may be in store for us during the week ahead, as other than being made aware of the extra early starts, we were not given any info about what we would actually be doing - we were really stepping into the unknown.
Our home for the week was a small guest accommodation which was four to a room in cute bunk beds with a shared bathroom. There were other devotees visiting from India and Israel staying in the accommodation with us making it a very compact place to live but fortunately we all got on so very well that it felt natural to be living together in such close quarters from day one.
The Daily Life of a Monk
We began each day by rising at 3:30am to navigate each needing to use one of the two showers before entering the temple for The Morning Program which begins at 4:30am and is an essential part of Bhakti Yoga practice, setting a devotional tone to the day. It follows a sequence of spiritual activities, beginning before sunrise, when the mind is considered most receptive to spiritual practice.
These activities include: prayers, songs and offerings made to Krishna, to the Deities, the sacred plant, Tulasi Devi and to the Spiritual Master, Srila Prabhupada. There is a two hour personal meditation period, where devotees practice Japa meditation chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. This is followed by Darshan, which is the first public viewing of the beautifully dressed and adorned Deities. Finally, before breakfast at 9am, there is a class teaching the wisdom of the revered text, Srimad Bhagavatam.
Although a bit daunted by the thought of getting up at 3:30am every day, these mornings were precious. The morning program is an inspirational way to establish a spiritual routine, build a strong devotional community, strengthen ones relationship to the Divine and start the day with inner peace and clarity.
One of my most favourite things to do was to actually practice Japa outside in the dark by the lake to eventually see the sunrise from behind the trees towering all around accompanied by the symphony of the dawn chorus. For a little nature lover like me, that was a spectacular way to greet the day.
Seva (selfless service) is another opportunity for the monks and devotees to serve Krishna, each other and the world around them. We took part in food preparation in the manor kitchen and food distribution in Central London serving food to the homeless. I really enjoyed the team work with a devotional attitude. It was a very wholesome experience.
Seva in the form of Harinam Sankirtan tested me and my comfort zone - I can’t lie! Harinam is the practice of chanting the Hare Krishna mantras in public spaces as a form of devotional outreach.
So on two occasions, we gathered with other monks and devotees in Soho and Kensington to chant the holy names to the accompaniment of mridangas (drums), kartals (symbols) and harmonium.
Now I LOVE chanting and I am not usually that shy about it but along high streets in Central London is quite different from what I am used to. But I put my inner cringing to one side and threw myself whole heartedly into it.
Once you get over the mixture of responses from the general public which can include anything from delight and big smiles to absolute disdain and horror, it is actually very joyful and energetic (and I was bizarrely energised from all the dancing despite having been awake for at least 12 hours by that point). Absolutely a lot of fun, a spiritual flash mob sending ripples of divine love through the bustling streets of London.
Teachings and Philosophy - Here, I struggled a bit because some of the philosophies and beliefs of this tradition are at odds with my own. However, I took this as an opportunity to ask questions, to review my own perspectives and expand my capacity to hold space for beliefs and ideas that oppose my own with compassion, respect and curiosity.
Throughout the week, I did feel a lot of shifts energetically and emotionally that were much needed and that I was ready for. If I needed time for myself, I took it. If I needed a nap or a cry, then I had one and I felt supported in doing so and for this I am grateful to my sister “monks” for.
The connection, the sense of sisterhood and caring community even amongst strangers was so touching. I am still so moved by it.
After a week of early mornings, deep meditation, selfless service, and connection with a community devoted to something higher than themselves, I felt that this experience gave me time and space to return to myself, my spiritual practice and my relationship to the Beloved in a renewed way.
When we are going through rocky times, we can lose some motivation and inspiration, feel disheartened. I was feeling that and I needed spiritual invigoration, a divine pick me up, but I also knew I was ready for a challenge. After all, it was nearly a year ago that I sat on my own in a completely dark room for three days. It would seem a year just isn’t complete if I don’t push myself into doing something intense at least once.
I am so delighted to have completed the challenge and really enjoyed monastic life, although I am still not sure it will be a bigger part of my life beyond these seven days, but maybe an adapted version that I can create for myself at home.
Living as a monk for seven days reminded me that shifting our focus from endless distractions is so enlivening and fulfilling and that whether it is through chanting, meditation, service or simply being present and mindful in our daily life, there are countless ways to live with intention.
So now, as I step back into the world beyond Bhaktivedanta Manor, I would love to leave you with this question to ponder over…
We were asked this at the beginning of the week and I feel it is an important one for each of us to ask ourselves from time to time. “ What is the difference between existing and living?”
Are you existing, or are you truly living?
Wishing you clarity and the courage to truly live.
May the holy names guide us on our journey -
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
With gratitude
Bodhini
