What about living in a drab compound, where your schedule is set by others, your movement outside the compound is restricted, and you work hard for no pay? Sounds like prison. Why would anyone choose this life? I've spent time in Hindu, Thai, Trappist, and Zen monasteries in the US and other countries. I'll tell stories-some funny, all poignant-about monks and monasteries. I'll also tell you about almost getting beaten in the Zen monastery. The stories yield insight into deep and diverse spiritual paths.

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