Why one meal a day?

A place to discuss health and fitness, healthy diets. A fit body makes for a fit mind.
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Biija
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by Biija »

purple planet wrote:i might be pushy but :

did you send e-mail to a monastery ? and do you have just one monastery in mind or are there others ?
Hi, Purple planet. No, you're not pushy. :smile:
Answer: No, not yet. I thought about sending, but I still want to ripen the idea. I thought about visiting Amaravati. Would you recommend any other monastery, either western or eastern?
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purple planet
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by purple planet »

I didnt have any monastery in mind just wanted to know how "flexible" you are in your choices - if you have more choices than just one place

sure its a good idea to wait till the idea ripens - just was worried you wouldn't tell them about your health at all - some reasons to tell :

1 . i think its a good way to see how nice are the people in the monastery
2 . its good to know if they can and willing to supply you the food you want afternoon (you need to tell them about your health problem so they understand the importance of the food you need)
3 . you dont want them to get mad at you for doing something they might not approve - even if you find a solution thats in perfect accord with the vinyana

im sure you thought of all that i said im just saying it in case you didnt


(though i didnt have any monastry in mind if i am asked than i would recommend any place that goes by "my" "technique" so every place that goes by the teachings of Phra Dhammamangalajarn Tong Sirimangalo - you can try this monastery : Wat Chomtong in thailand e-mail : [email protected] )

but all this things as you are planing to contact the monastry about this :offtopic:

so :focus: finding solution to someone who needs a special diet - which might be problematic in monstrosities ... :focus:
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Mkoll
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by Mkoll »

Biija wrote:
purple planet wrote:i might be pushy but :

did you send e-mail to a monastery ? and do you have just one monastery in mind or are there others ?
Hi, Purple planet. No, you're not pushy. :smile:
Answer: No, not yet. I thought about sending, but I still want to ripen the idea. I thought about visiting Amaravati. Would you recommend any other monastery, either western or eastern?
Abhayagiri in Northern California serves two meals a day.
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa
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purple planet
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by purple planet »

as far as i know Wat Chomtong also serves 2 meals a day (6:30 and 11:30) of course you should check it before going there

How much do you eat regularly? - if you eat 2 huge meals a day (6:30 and 11:30) is it enough ?
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Biija
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by Biija »

purple planet wrote: just was worried you wouldn't tell them about your health at all
I would never do such a thing. It never crossed my mind. I just think that it may be better to talk about my case in person rather than by email. Maybe, I haven't been so clear. Thanks for your suggestions.

Mkoll wrote: Abhayagiri in Northern California serves two meals a day.
Thanks, Mkoll. I will have a look.
purple planet wrote:as far as i know Wat Chomtong also serves 2 meals a day (6:30 and 11:30) of course you should check it before going there
How much do you eat regularly? - if you eat 2 huge meals a day (6:30 and 11:30) is it enough?
I don't really know. It depends on the caloric expenditure. For example, at Wat Pah Nanachat, the monks do many chores, sometimes heavy chores. They have periods of "work projects". Monks also walk a lot, because it is a forest monastery. Therefore, it's difficult to calculate. But I will only know when I start living in a certain monastery again. I will search about Wat Chomtong. :)
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waterchan
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by waterchan »

Maybe it would be worth trying to find monasteries that allow monks to consume milk, honey and chocolate throughout the day? These food are grey areas in interpreting the Vinaya, and some monasteries allow them. Milk, honey and chocolate are great for hunger pangs!
quidquid Latine dictum sit altum videtur
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SarathW
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by SarathW »

This may some help to you. :shrug:
==============

"And what is the taking on of a practice that is painful in the present but yields pleasure in the future? There is the case of a person who is normally strongly passionate by nature and frequently experiences pain & grief born of passion; a person who is normally strongly aversive by nature and frequently experiences pain & grief born of aversion; a person who is normally strongly deluded by nature and frequently experiences pain & grief born of delusion. Even though touched with pain & grief, crying with a tearful face, he lives the holy life that is utterly perfect, surpassingly pure. With the break-up of the body, after death, he reappears in the good bourn, the heavenly world. This is called the taking on of a practice that is painful in the present but yields pleasure in the future.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
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Anagarika
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by Anagarika »

Biija, I have spent time in Thailand as a samanera, and most recently, as an anagarika at my home temple. My thoughts as to your question would be similar to others...research the different wats. There are many good wats in Thailand, and each of them is run by a different abbot, and I'm guessing each has its own protocols about frequency and type of pre-midday meals. Wat Nanachat has the reputation and storied history, but it may be on one end of the spectrum in terms of asceticism. There may well be Thai town and city wats (or US wats like Abhayagiri, as was mentioned) where the Vinaya observance is strong, but not brutal. You could ordain there, and at least be assured that you won't have health issues related to food intake. As it is Vassa in Thailand now, a lot of monks on internet forums are not presently online, but perhaps wait until Vassa ends and start a dialogue with some of the farang monks now living in Thailand about which wat would be a good fit for you. You may get the "skinny" on where not to get too skinny.
LXNDR
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by LXNDR »

my physique resembles yours, once i fasted for 7 days trying to cure certain illness i have and experienced similar bodily reactions, by day 7 i was almost dead, lack of energy to even sit straight, let alone drastic weight loss bordering dystrophy, i was free of any physical exertions at that time

seems like for certain people Vinaya dietary regimen isn't that much far from fasting
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purple planet
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by purple planet »

Biija wrote:
purple planet wrote: just was worried you wouldn't tell them about your health at all
I would never do such a thing. It never crossed my mind. I just think that it may be better to talk about my case in person rather than by email. Maybe, I haven't been so clear. Thanks for your suggestions.

Mkoll wrote: Abhayagiri in Northern California serves two meals a day.
Thanks, Mkoll. I will have a look.
purple planet wrote:as far as i know Wat Chomtong also serves 2 meals a day (6:30 and 11:30) of course you should check it before going there
How much do you eat regularly? - if you eat 2 huge meals a day (6:30 and 11:30) is it enough?
I don't really know. It depends on the caloric expenditure. For example, at Wat Pah Nanachat, the monks do many chores, sometimes heavy chores. They have periods of "work projects". Monks also walk a lot, because it is a forest monastery. Therefore, it's difficult to calculate. But I will only know when I start living in a certain monastery again. I will search about Wat Chomtong. :)
i would suggest that E- mail is better - so you dont travel to somewhere to get "no" for an answer - especially cause E-mail is easy for them to answer also

how many meals do you eat regularly - 3 -4 or more ? for instance if you only eat 3 regulary than eating 2 huge ones dont seem like much of a difference

In second thought : it seem to me that even if you go to a monastery which will allow 2 huge meals - and will also have quality nutritious food and allow and will have choclate and ice-cream to eat after noon - i would still not take a chance cause its not worth risking your stay at a monastery - while you are there for some time you may try to reduce slowly your food intake and see how it goes and do it for a short time each time (a week for example) - and if the idea goes bad you can still return back to eating 3-4 meals without worry of what the abbot may say - although if you find a monastery that allows to eat after noon than i see no reason in your case not to continue eating regularly - it seems to me that its even the wholesome way of action - maybe even the abbot would agree with this thought and support you in eating after noon

ask by E-mail if they will allow you 3-4 meals a day - and you can ask several monastries - and see who is the more accepting of your situation ...
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martinfrank
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by martinfrank »

Biija wrote:
martinfrank wrote: I guess the many hours without food made your body eat your reserves - which you didn't have!
Hi, Martin. Thanks for the kind words. Yes, I do agree. My body languished bit by bit. I also partially agree when you say about the Thai food. Although I had access to high quality food at Wat Pah Nanachat, some of them seems to be almost empty in terms of nutritional value (=too light). Anyway, I was always very thankful for whatever sort of food I had when staying there. At some point, I will think about other traditions. By the way, would you recommend some? Again, thanks for all your tips.

Dear Biija

Please do not write emails to Thai monasteries asking about eating in the afternoon. I guess that no Thai Abbot will say that he allows food in the afternoon, but many will allow breakfast and lunch and (in practice) in the afternoon drinks which contain lots of calories which I guess would be enough for you. Exceptions for old and/or sick monks will be tolerated. Generally food is what has to be chewed.

Please understand that most Thai Abbots consider their monasteries to be strict regarding Vinaya but some will be more strict regarding Pindapata others more about money, others more about food and drink. Some require all monks to do physical work or sweeping, others do not.

It would be best for you to visit monasteries in different parts of the country, and maybe also in Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia.

Here is a quote from Ajahn Chah
There was once a Western monk, a student of mine. Whenever he saw Thai monks and novices disrobing he would say, ''Oh, what a shame! Why do they do that? Why do so many of the Thai monks and novices disrobe?'' He was shocked. He would get saddened at the disrobing of the Thai monks and novices, because he had only just come into contact with Buddhism. He was inspired, he was resolute. Going forth as a monk was the only thing to do, he thought he'd never disrobe. Whoever disrobed was a fool. He'd see the Thais taking on the robes at the beginning of the Rains Retreat as monks and novices and then disrobing at the end of it... ''Oh, how sad! I feel so sorry for those Thai monks and novices. How could they do such a thing?''

Well, as time went by some of the Western monks began to disrobe, so he came to see it as something not so important after all. At first, when he had just begun to practice, he was excited about it. He thought that it was a really important thing, to become a monk. He thought it would be easy.

...

Later on he reached a stage we call... bored; bored with the Holy Life. He let go of the practice and eventually disrobed.

''Why are you disrobing? Before, when you saw the Thai monks disrobing you'd say, 'Oh, what a shame! How sad, how pitiful.' Now, when you yourself want to disrobe, why don't you feel sorry now?''

He didn't answer. He just grinned sheepishly.
Nobody will stop you from developing sila-samadhi-pañña in a normal, average monastery. Don't worry about staying in various places, a few months here and a few months there until you find what fits you best. Your goal is not To Be A Monk but Nibbana.

Since I wrote about "lax" monasteries, I will not give here names of monasteries, as this would be disrespectful. What kind of monastery are you looking for? How much teaching do you need? Do you want to study Pali, Abhidhamma, Vipassana? Do you need a monastery with a library? Would you say you need the support of a group of monks or are you basically looking for a kuti and time to meditate?

Do you have Thai sponsors or supporters? Would you be afraid to stay in South Thailand? What about Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia? If you send me a Personal Message, I will do my best to help you further.

Metta!

Martin
The Noble Eightfold Path: Proposed to all, imposed on none.
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purple planet
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by purple planet »

Please do not write emails to Thai monasteries asking about eating in the afternoon


what is the damage in your opinion in doing so ?

i didnt do a retreat in a wat in Thailand so maybe im missing something ...
but i do remember contacting Wat Sriboonrouang - that Anagarika recommended (by the way if your reading this Anagarika do they eat 2 meals at that wat ?) and they were more than happy to answer my questions i dont remember what i asked but it was very short and to the point and the monk who replied to me answered in a very long way and send an e-mail sometime after we stoped exchanging mails to tell me they have available room (or something like that) - im not sure what exactly i said in that conversation im sure i didnt ask any special request but i think he said they will do this and this for me if i will come - and i didnt really need nothing - i cant be certain but by the emails alone it seemed the monk was more then happy to answer question and help at anything asked for


i guess there are different wats with different attitudes so isnt it best knowing in advance who are more supportive to someone with a problem ?
Last edited by purple planet on Wed Jul 23, 2014 3:28 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by lyndon taylor »

I think it might be more appropriate to label the Forest tradition monasteries "very strict" than to label most of the other traditions as "lax".
18 years ago I made one of the most important decisions of my life and entered a local Cambodian Buddhist Temple as a temple boy and, for only 3 weeks, an actual Therevada Buddhist monk. I am not a scholar, great meditator, or authority on Buddhism, but Buddhism is something I love from the Bottom of my heart. It has taught me sobriety, morality, peace, and very importantly that my suffering is optional, and doesn't have to run my life. I hope to give back what little I can to the Buddhist community, sincerely former monk John

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Anagarika
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by Anagarika »

purple planet wrote:
Please do not write emails to Thai monasteries asking about eating in the afternoon


what is the damage in your opinion in doing so ?

i didnt do a retreat in a wat in Thailand so maybe im missing something ...
but i do remember contacting Wat Sriboonrouang - that Anagarika recommended (by the way if your reading this Anagarika do they eat 2 meals at that wat ?) and they were more than happy to answer my questions i dont remember what i asked but it was very short and to the point and the monk who replied to me answered in a very long way and send an e-mail sometime after we stoped exchanging mails to tell me they have available room (or something like that) - im not sure what exactly i said in that conversation im sure i didnt ask any special request but i think he said they will do this and this for me if i will come - and i didnt really need nothing - i cant be certain but by the emails alone it seemed the monk was more then happy to answer question and help at anything asked for


i guess there are different wats with different attitudes so isnt it best knowing in advance who are more supportive to someone with a problem ?
Purple, yes Wat Sriboonruang is my "home wat" where I was fortunate to ordain. The Abbot at WSBR is terrific: young, educated, a dynamic community leader, and he's also strict about Vinaya and appropriate conduct. I told the story once about how he saw me in robes (carelessly) wearing my watch, and had one of his assistants chase me down to remove the watch from my wrist. He's the perfect combination of youth, intellect, savvy, and discipline and honor, and I am very lucky to be affiliated with WSBR.

For example, at WSBR the monks and samaneras go on pindabaht each morning. There's 430 am gong wakeup, chanting, and then alms round. However, for any monk that has other duties and misses alms round, there is a canteen at the wat with food that can be prepared by the lay staff. So, there's no shortage of healthy food, and while I don't recall there being an early morning meal, for someone with health issues there will be food available in the early morning, and then the midday meal as well. Often, the almsfood is collected and lay members of the Wat bring food and a larger meal is offered at midday for the monks and then the lay people. The almsfood that is not consumed is offered to the homeless and foodless, too, who appear later in the day to be fed. And, the temple dogs know that they will be fed, too. The lay community in Fang is quite supportive, and Ajahn Dr. Apisit truly represents that dana ethic of supporting the laity spiritually and the laity, in turn, supporting WSBR.

I'm mentioning all of this in support of the idea that it's key to learn about the different wats, the abbots, and see if the nature of the life at that particular wat is a good fit for you. Personally, I found the life challenging enough without having to worry about illness or lack of nutrition. I listen to Ajahn Brahm and Bhikkhu Bodhi's stories of "crunchy frog" ( a boiled frog for the daily meal), swarms of mosquitoes, and watching the temple dogs eating better than the monks, and accept that a life of occasional malaria, starvation, and weight loss might drive me from living at a wat.
Last edited by Anagarika on Wed Jul 23, 2014 7:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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purple planet
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Re: I've tried, I've failed. / eating habit / health

Post by purple planet »

and wouldn't you say its worth a shot to ask him in an email - if for health reason he will allow an exception ? i dont think he would be offended by the question and if thats the case there is only a chance of gain and no chance of risk
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