My Life as a Monk | Ask Andy

[@alizahhassan1702]

I just finished watching the series on Netflix and its so funny to put a face to Andys soothing voice

[@emms8]

@Alizah Hassan: i just started the 1st episode and as he was talking about him being a monk & all that, i had to find out who this 'Andy' person was/is which led me here 😅 Love the Q & A session getting to know Andy 😊

[@blackbeardadventures7374]

Pretty cool right? I would suggest subscribing if you have'nt. It's pretty cool

[@gouthamr5691]

which series?

[@emms8]

@@gouthamr5691 : Its headspace 'Guide to Meditation' on netflix

[@jbal4284]

IKR

[@CharlieGV]

Looking that young at 47... Meditation has definitely paid off!

[@3leggedsharkkickssurferinballs]

Dang. Really? He looks amazing!

[@CharlieGV]

@@3leggedsharkkickssurferinballs Well according to Google of course LOL

[@makowski3585]

@Bungee if only christian priests meditated a bit more...

[@Skiptondesigns]

47 isn't old..what are you going on about???

[@zachery1christopher]

He's 47 huh?... I'm sure he's done a lot at the monastery.. (Cock's back AMT 1911 'Hardballer)

[@derkomissar100]

When I'm struggling with anxiety and depression, I watch and listen to Andy and it always helps me. Thanks for that.

[@bananeneter999]

Same, the guy just radiates good peaceful vibes. He and his voice introduced me to meditation and I am very grateful for him

[@worldview730]

Very therapeutic

[@justbrowsing7565]

I've been listening to Andy only on the headspace app for a few months now and it's completely helped me with my sleep, anxiety and I wouldn't call it depression but it's made me I guess more mindful and greatful for what I have. Since my child was born two years ago which I feel blessed with I've found I'm unfortunatrly not that calm, maybe sometimes loving or confident as I thought I was, and thats been hard to accept and deal with. Andy has really helped me through that app and for that I am absolutely and totally completely grateful. I wish one day to meet you randomly and we become friends, or atleast meet a friend like you because for me you are a gift to this world and nowadays there's not many of them.

[@nicholasantonellis6132]

Amazing videos Andy! So helpful :) When I was 17 I started with headspace and now I'm 25 doing a 3 month meditation retreat this winter and planning to ordain as a Buddhist monk after in Myanmar/Thailand.

[@JaspervR1111]

If you need any help, let me know. I've meditated in multiple monasteries in Myanmar and am connected to a few western Bhikkhus (monks) who might be able to help you further.

[@JaspervR1111]

@@BlackSkyZ2 send me a message on Facebook. Just search for my name, I have the same profile pic. There we can talk more and I can give you some info that might help you out. Cheers

[@tommoylan7069]

Thanks for sharing this. I have visitied some Theravada monasteries and lived as a layperson in some Chinese monasteries and loved the experience. I may finish out my life in that context. As much as I admire your resolution to ordain, which is a truly heroic decision, especially for a (usually) rather pampered Westerners, I might also add that many bodhimandas offer opportunities for supportive laypersons to enjoy extended spells of semi-monastic life.

[@TheSpiritualSavage]

As you were talking about scratching the itch, I had one right below my knee. I just let it go and asked what is an itch, then I realized it really isn't a discomfort when I just observe it and not react to it.

[@nicollebatista2285]

Alternative title: "My Life as an Air Nomad" | Ask Aang. Thanks Andy, for the very light content, only seeing you remembering the life experiences you've gone through with a big smile reinforces the lessons you transmit to us.

[@heidizee5144]

Thank you very much for answering my question, Andy. It was helpful in several ways, like looking at food cravings in a different light, similar to an itch. Being mindful and aware and allowing time to do so comes with so many benefits. Appreciated your answer to the diet question as well, and as a fellow vegan, the reminder to be grateful for our food. Thank you for the impact you’re making for so many people around the world. Your calm and encouraging words always help me start my day in the best possible way.

[@waterkingdavid]

Interesting observation about comparing food cravings to an itch. Noticing that both arise and pass away in time can be a starting point to eventually realizing that everything arises and passes away. Bless you Heidi 🙏.

[@josephmcveigh872]

You are helping the world thank you

[@yoursubconscious]

"if you look behind the eyes, you will find the truth" is my translation when you said, "We would just look at each other". That "next level" of questioning without trying to question. - great talk. thanks.

[@dizzydino1]

Such an honest Guy, made me laugh, cause He laughed about his memories regarding language while training, great stuff bless you mate xx

[@rp_snow5089]

Thanks Andy! Your voice always helps me calm down and find peace

[@Rose-eo1fw]

Thank you Andy, for creating Headspace and for sharing your experience of being a monk!

[@acajudi100]

I have done written, audio and video journals, since age 15 to my present 79th year. God help us from these evil demons, and I thank you. Use the audio voice apps and the recorder on your laptop etc. Thank you so much..

[@berkayuygun1085]

I love this guy and his way of telling his stories, opions, feelings and thoughts... I am very grateful to meet him and experience what he and his group have done to me. Thanks a lot!

[@chisandia1]

Just wanted to say thanks to Andy. I am so grateful for your meditations on headspace. It has changed my life.

[@ahmadkarim15]

I am soo thankful to you Andy, you give me hope every day especially while I am going through a difficult time.

[@EwelinaWu]

The most beautiful voice of the internets. Nice to connect it with the face.

[@sheron_kitchilan]

The voice ! So the headspace voice has a real owner, so soothing !!!

[@vaportibaby]

Andy is such an interesting person. Hope there's a section in Headspace where you just get to interview him haha

[@Arandyfatdude]

He has an 300+ page autobiography/memoir out, might be worth a read for you.

[@vaportibaby]

billy_p26 I can't seem to find it. Only his 3 meditation books. Is it really out yet?

[@lukemyles1367]

Put him on joe rogan

[@herkhiles]

G Hey! I’m actually 2 hours into the audiobook “Get Some Headspace” by him and so far he mostly has been describing his story up to this point with a few techniques and things about meditation. But like i said up to this point it’s mostly about his story and how he got into meditation, either way I definitely think you would like it so I recommend it even though I have 6 hours left of it , I still like it a lot because it’s his voice so it feels just like Headspace in a way! :) and yes he is such an interesting person! I look up to him, he’s an awesome guy indeed.

[@dabananasauce7610]

Man this guy is lovely, honestly I really like him.

[@AL_EVOz]

I want to thank you Andy and Eve so much for the mediation app and Netflix series. I had trouble sleeping and the mediation for the past 2 weeks have been lifting for me. Thank you so much!

[@losloser1511]

He has such comforting beautiful voice 😌

[@moderncontemplative]

I salute your commitment and am happy to hear you share your experiences regarding living the monk life. I’ve been in robes for almost 4 years. I’ve definitely thought about disrobing numerous times, but I cherish this lifestyle more than the lifestyle I lived as a householder. I always tell people that anyone who has been a monk for even a couple of weeks, will have lots of memories they cherish and some keen insights about this fathomless stream we call life.

[@Zukinnicalcetini]

Thank you Andy ♥️ thank you for teaching me meditation

[@gemborinzin9661]

most inspiring information of a monk in a new environment . It is a voluntary decision where nobody forces .

[@alexpgsv1995]

i’ve never heard him talk about it, but i actually had those same thoughts while meditating the other day, regarding andy talking about the itch. i was in such a deep state of tranquility, then an itch came up out of nowhere. i wanted to scratch it so bad but my mind just kept telling me not to. after about a minute, it just went away and i felt so at peace. thought it was interesting that i watch a video on him covering that about 2 days later.

[@_6606]

I was following you on Netflix and am begging to enjoy meditation and I want learn but your English very clear so I decided to look for you on KZbin thank you very much is helping me already 🙏

[@cesarmorales4389]

Thank you so much for headspace on Netflix, it'd been very helpful for my mind.

[@nina755]

There is an app called headepace too

[@cesarmorales4389]

Thanks!! I'm going to try it

[@DaveEdin]

Please tone the music down. Andy has a soothing voice, but the music is drowning him out. I've done 2 minutes and need to stop the video.

[@sabvrao]

Same here. Not sure what they think they want to achieve with the add on drama layer onto something simple and honest .

[@timetoreason181]

@@sabvrao Yes, "...extra drama layer onto something simple and honest..." yes

[@AM-eg9ji]

Ignore the itch.

[@lilme7052]

@@AM-eg9ji It can be an auditory disorder finding it difficult to hear with the music.

[@CrueLoaf]

I enjoy the Headspace tool and coincidentally am studying Buddhism. Reading the Tricycle magazine regularly which is amazing.

[@misspsychiclady7979]

thank you so much for trying to get more and more people to meditate! i think it’s great that you have a series on netflix, i think it makes people more curious about it when it’s on netflix.. it might catch their eye. meditation is so amazing and is such a great practice i’m so happy more and more people are learning and practicing it :)

[@chantalbaxter9126]

How do you watch this without falling asleep? His voice is so soothing.

[@colleenok2417]

The music is overwhelming the video. Please mix better and turn it down while he talks.

[@kristenrymer9975]

yep HEADSPACE DO IT

[@_tolly]

yeah guys it's a BIT MUCH :)

[@olivermatias2349]

Would be interested to know what made him stop being a monk

[@christofferandersen1906]

I remember hearing that he wanted to teach people how to meditate, but being when being a monk I felt it alienated people. This was because it was hard for people to relate to him as a monk. He felt it was better to stop being a monk to serve his life's purpose (teaching meditation).

[@sharmishtaa]

money

[@olivermatias2349]

@@christofferandersen1906 thanks - makes sense 👍😊🙏

[@silveryfeather208]

@@sharmishtaa money or no money, the advice he gives is helpful

[@sharmishtaa]

@@silveryfeather208 buddhist teachings not his advice, anyway, feather meet u later.

[@freqnlodown]

I'm glad I made the choice to watch this.

[@toutestpossiblegm7007]

Hi Andy, thanks for sharing your story. . . and helping so many people find their very own

[@mysteryinnit4752]

I have bipolar his Netflix series is changing my life in a positive way

[@agustinaquintero729]

Hi Andy I live in Argentina. I read your book 'Mindfulness'. Nice to hear your voice!!! Lots of love and peace

[@leonklausing5844]

After almost a year of hearing only Andy's voice on the Headspace Podcast, on the app and on Netflix, it's reeeally strange to see him speak in a video ahhaah, it's also really nice to see fotos of the monasteries and his trips. Every time he talks about his experiences I never know how to imagine retreats and Monasteries😂

[@DualFrodo]

Yeshe Losal at 0:29! If anyone in the UK is interested, there's a monastery called Kagyu Samye Ling in the scottish borders that is well worth a visit. I used to go there as often as possible

[@SharonVeeLee]

Is that Gelong Thubten's monastery?

[@DualFrodo]

@@SharonVeeLee He was ordained at Samye Ling, but I don't know if he's still there

[@danw918]

As a lay person, sit a couple of vipassana and then you'll know so much more about your bodily sensations, especially itches and the feeling of beads of sweat trickling down your body.

[@allancuseo7431]

So glad I found this and now know more about Andy…love his meditation work

[@StrictlyChosen]

I have extreme itches on my scalp and ears which is caused no good.. bleeding n so on this video has really helped thank you dear

[@80Vikram]

Please don't add such a loud background music in all your videos

[@gingersutton8240]

What a concept! I always thought of an itch being a way to pay attention to one’s self. How often do we self soothe ? We don’t stroke ourselves in soothing ways. I think itching is one way we can care for ourselves. Maybe !!

[@amandatrayes5272]

I love Headspace. Thanks, Andy.

[@selfinflictedjoy]

That's why restaurants call it a Buddha Bowl...consists of small portions of several foods

[@analuisanogueirabeda9565]

You're the voice behind de videos!! I don't what you looked like in my head but I think you were the little brain character for some reason haha. Your app really helped me get more interested in meditation because it just presented it in a light doable way, so thanks

[@p.z.970]

Great video. Thank you :) Have been using the headspace app for many years. I love it so much.

[@enricolaan6034]

THANK YOU ANDY!

[@chanelwhitaker708]

Finally a face to Andy

[@voxquivive3303]

I had a similar situation with the eating of animals. During Tsok practice in the Tibetan dharma centre where I lived for many years we were expected to accept all offerings without considering them pure or impure - it included meat (but hey not alcohol - and I wonder how many of my dharma family would have easily consumed the impure substance with one pointedness if it was horse manure rather than roasted lambs) I always refused the meat. During a Kurukulla Drubchen it was a considerable taboo when I refused the meat offerings. Then I learnt of the writing of Jigme Lingpa and other great tibetan scholars who refused to eat others. It is simply anathema to the buddha dharma to nourish yourself on beings who did not want to die. That should be a first principle of ahimsa or satyagraha. Those of us not in danger of imminent starvation should not easily eat those who did not want to die and suffered as a result of our high minded philosophy that we will accept both pure and impure offerings. Crikey - a dead animal who wanted to live ends up on the table as an impure offering - thats just the inverse of loving kindness and it is wrong on so many levels.

[@alexeykulikov2739]

Been meditating with Headspace for 3+ years daily with very little success. Maybe live guidance is very important. Still, Andy, you are the man. Great questions and answers.

[@hohlph]

Alexey Kulikov what success do you expect and why ? Meditating daily for 3+ years IS your great success 👏🏻

[@3leggedsharkkickssurferinballs]

@@hohlph Truth! That IS a successful endeavour. I think we need to be realistic in terms of what we expect meditation to do for us. It's not a magical eraser of stress or worry. Those living the life of a Buddhist Monk are living a life conducive to having the mindset of Buddhist Monks. Most of us here in the western world are NOT living a life conducive to that. We have bills; taxes; jobs; children; spouses; inlaws; divorces; etc etc. And all the stress that goes with that. Just bring awareness to everything you're experiencing and doing. No labelling; no judgement. Just notice. Just witness. That's all we need do. Meditation helps facilitate that. Keep it simple. That's all. You're allowed to be human in the meantime. It's not a crime ;)

[@bassweapon]

Man... Andy is so cool, and that jacket is also beautiful. I will try to find something like that.

[@skizz_]

I wanted to put a face to the voice but wasn't expecting to see bald Christoph Waltz. Great show Andy, helped me out a lot, thanks.

[@covenant157]

Definitely not crazy 😮 it is a very deep and personal experience to know how this works on different levels

[@cindyleavitt8948]

Love the videos where you see Andy!

[@magpie913]

So much interesting content lately! 💕

[@nellie...]

My therapist recommended your channel. 👍

[@philforrence]

Literally fascinating. Thank you so much for sharing that. I feel much better about... making choices in life and that being acceptable.

[@CubanCubeFan]

Really interesting. I think the questions were excellent.

[@caveri100]

What was your name in the monasteries? I have just found you, I am so inspired by your beautiful words, from Norway 🇳🇴 with love ❤️ Om Shanti Kaveri Om 🕉

[@dedado666]

I love this guy

[@wise_nut]

Omg andy! Feel like you’re very close to me everyday!! Lol (headspace user)

[@meadowlife5902]

Love these vids

[@sundar6568]

Thank you

[@fillydragon493]

Every night I watch a headspace episode before I go to bed

[@selflovedoodlexixi]

Thank you, I really enjoy the sharing

[@jackriley603]

Love his voice

[@sabvrao]

Why the music ? Can we just keep this grounded and simple, without the added drama?

[@iLoveTurtlesHaha]

Because he wanted to include the music. Why the sense of entitlement? You can just close the video and move on. 🤦‍♂️

[@sabvrao]

Of course I closed the video, unfortunately. But I can share feedback on social media, in the hope that it’s heard for other great talks without distracting music. The trolling doesn’t add value.

[@SoulLemonful]

Thanks Andy :)

[@Genny-Zee]

Watching this gave me idea of a comedy film of an intense Western man who travels to Tibet to become a chillaxed monk

[@KhamPisethOfficial]

Grateful. We have the same Master 00:27

[@christoohunders5316]

You should testify about the role of monks and nuns that help spiritual forces prevent our planet from going into full mayhem !

[@xdbxlsilvio3681]

So chill to listen

[@peacefulpisces5336]

Aware you are Andy fascinating

[@SingleShotSingleTake]

Would anyone know which teacher/monastery Andy is referring to as the one that best connected with him? Please accept my gratitude to anyone able to help with this question. This time stamp: 9:58

[@worldview730]

5:06, I have a body full of very irritating Mosquito bites, so I will exercise this mindful technique & see what it's all about. What have I got to lose some but an annoying itch

[@_stoykov6953]

Ordination is not a gym membership ! ! ! Nevertheless, thank you for promoting meditation!

[@truthseeker7759]

'...ordination is not a gym membership...' yup very true. But it is how few people gain promotional qualifications for future business ventures. Selling the free Dhamma repackaged for few quids.

[@lediephaison6893]

I’ll have to try really hard to understand what you are saying. Thank’s a lot !

[@cryptoxxto]

May we know which monastery and teacher you got the most benefit from?

[@simplybuyer1]

so what happened to you hair in the monastary

[@shiftcontrol2802]

Let's talk about life and different perspectives....feeling bored and lonely. Anybody interested?

[@missy2543]

Good story. The music is distracting though.

[@Mytreya-maan6]

wow the background music sounds so familiar...are they some medley from Headspace focus music?

[@remi1955]

Such a soothing voice, can the headspace student plan be available in NZ?

[@hermitruben4032]

From Mision Cruz Hermitage in Somerset, TEXAS. Thanks Andy

[@lindaatteo1922]

So interestingly

[@AndyReadGuitar]

Fascinating..but for me the music is too loud and not really chosen well..not appropriate for the content

[@keesblokorg]

Hi, just one thing, could you turn down the background music next time? It's very loud some parts.

[@gerrievanderlee4701]

Former Monk? Can you stop being a Monk? I was thinking being a monk was forever.

[@kristenrymer9975]

i love ur voice

[@stonew1927]

I understand the notion of not being attached to anything, including certain values and practices. However, I have a bit of an issue when it comes to the Buddhist tenet of no killing, yet many monks will eat meat, especially as you said when they are making their alms rounds accepting food from the community. Of course, it makes sense to accept the food humbly, noting the generosity of the lay people. However, when it comes down to it, I would think no killing would take precedence over not wanting to offend people by turning down their generosity. Perhaps if the monks made it more known that they are setting the example of ahimsa, causing no harm/no killing, the community members might follow suit and avoid meat themselves. Certainly they wouldn't feel the need to offer meat out of respect for the dharma and disciples. Furthermore, many communities across Asia are extremely poor and it's a real financial burden for community members to feel almost obligated out of tradition to make daily food offerings to the monks of their local temple, especially meat, which is more costly. Taking all this into account, I think it's the better decision to say no to meat offerings when it comes to respecting the tenets of the Buddha and setting the correct example for lay disciples and other community members....

[@sebastiankaspohl9667]

I think it is great that you said no to eating fish, even as a monk. In addition it would be important to explain the people why it is not ok to eat fish. It is not necessary to take the life of a sentient being to live a healthy life, except you are in a state of survival. It would also be not acceptable for us if suddenly another species becomes more dominant than us and kills us or steals the milk from women just for taste reasons. You would also never eat dog meat, even if it was given to you as a monk. That’s why it is so important to constantly question the culture and the given rules and adapt them if necessary. Just because eating animal products is normal and culturally accepted does not make it ethically justified. May all beings be safe and happy :)

[@alyali3833]

No no, don’t let the hunger get to u, just observe it

[@louisesouthgate5231]

Very interesting.... may I ask where you grew up?

[@anujthakur111]

Pali is not a precursor to Sanskrit! Au contraire - but 10/10 on your confidence

[@samanthisena1]

Yep it's a child of sanskrit

[@MyVinylRips]

I'd love to have a beer with that guy