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4 EASTERN HORIZON | LEAD ARTICLE
The Joy of Simplicity
By Dr Kim Allen
Benny: Simplicity is always
associated with the monastic
lifestyle. What is it that makes the
life of a Buddhist monk or nun
simple?
Kim: The Buddhist monastic
code prescribes a life of material
simplicity and limited worldly
responsibilities. Monks and nuns
can own only a small number
of possessions. In the case of
Theravādan monastics, there is
Kim Allen began meditating in Her education includes a Ph.D. no growing, cooking, or storing
food, and no use of money. The
2003, seeking both a path out of in physics and a master’s degree
complications of preparing meals,
suffering and the deeper truths in environmental sustainability,
buying necessities, and having a job
of life. She trains mainly under and her website is http://www.
are eliminated.
the guidance of Gil Fronsdal at uncontrived.org.
the Insight Meditation Center The space created by material
and has also practiced in Sri At the request of Benny Liow, simplicity allows monastics to
Lanka and, more recently, with Kim responds to several focus on spiritual development and
a few Mahāyāna teachers. questions regarding living a activities, including spiritual care,
Kim was drawn early on to Buddhist way of life, especially textual study, meditation, ritual,
long retreat practice and has as a lay practitioner. Details and teaching. Because the lifestyle
sat cumulative three years of of what simplicity is about centers on the Dharma, there is
retreat. Engagement with the can also be found in her book the potential for mental simplicity
Pāli Canon and texts from other Full Simplicity: The Art of through having one’s energies
Buddhist traditions inform her Renunciation and Letting Go. aligned in one area of life.
practice and life. A teacher https://www.amazon.com/
However, many monastics have
and author, Kim aims to bring dp/1737272024?ref_=
told me that it still takes effort and
classical Dharma to a modern pe_3052080_397514860.)
practice to avoid mental busyness
context and to encourage lay
in the monastic lifestyle if one is
practitioners in discovering a not on retreat. In the Pāli Canon,
life of Dharma. Kim also serves the Buddha even warns monastics
on the board of the Sati Center. not to become too involved in
building projects, socialization, or
administrative duties, so apparently
the tendency toward busyness was
