What do modern monks do to avoid unhealthy foods and what do monks do for exercise?
Even in the time of the Buddha there must have been some sort of discernment to what should and should not be eaten. An example being the Buddha ate the spoiled food he was given before he passed away even though he knew it was unhealthy to do so out of compassion. In our modern times alms bowls must get some really very unhealthy food, how is this dealt with? I personally would never say anything negative about a gift and I am confident that a majority of monks would be very gracious and kind to anyone that decided to give them food. The question remains though, what does a monk do if he is given something he knows is unhealthy to eat? Like someone puts in candy, cake, cookies, etc⊠foods cooked with toxic oils⊠food that isnât food (artificial, processed) âŠspoiled, rotted, poisonous.
As far as exercise what are some monks doing? What is acceptable? Are there monks doing yoga, weight lifting, body-weight training, walking distances? What are monks allowed to do when it comes to exercise?
Iâm very curious, and I know there are a lot said in our teachings that could be pointed to that would suggest a monk shouldnât care about such things for various reasons, but there are many passages as well that I think would support the practice of eating healthy and exercising .
The health of the monks of the Sangha I feel is an important issue. Obesity is becoming a global problem and the Sangha is struggling with it to some degree. The nutritional/health problems of the world are changing and the Sangha will need to make adjustments. What would those changes look like? Bringing benefital physical/nutritional health education for monks? How would that work? Better physical/nutritional education for the supporting lay community? What would that look like? I donât know what needs to be done, but conversations about these things should at least be had.
Some articles that show the emerging issueâŠ
Thailandâs Buddhist Monks Urged to Watch their Waistlines Amid Obesity Epidemic
Thailandâs Overweight Monks Are Put On A Diet
Iâd really love to hear from people about this topic.