#33 BEAU'S 35 DAYS ORDAINING AS A MONK IN THAILAND

In this episode of Spill the Tea, We shared Beau’s 35-day experience living with Buddhist monks in Thailand, covering daily routines (meditation, chanting, chores, fasting), cultural and emotional challenges (shaving, ordination, arms-round alms collection), and personal insights gained about discipline, ego, attachment, and integration back into regular life.

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In this episode of Spill the Tea, we share :

00:01:58 – 00:14:39 | Motives For Attending The MonasteryKirsty describes sensing changes in Beau and suggesting he go to the monks weeks before the infidelity incident, they had already booked the trip prior to that event.Beau explains the infidelity incident ended up pushing him to go “all in” and take the experience deeper emotionally.

00:14:39 – 00:32:31 | Arrival, Intake, and Initial Feelings at The MonasteryInitial emotional reaction: fear, loss of control, feelings like being in prison and heightened anxiety.Sleeping conditions: thin mattress, tents, thunderstorms, and wildlife noises contributed to poor sleep. Explanation of basic Buddhist lay precepts (five rules) and distinction that Buddhism is a lifestyle rather than a theistic religion. Monks’ strict precepts (227 rules): restrictions such as no sexual activity, no indulgent pleasures, and other specific cultural rules.

00:32:31 – 00:44:56 | Cultural shock, Institutionalization, and Conformity ConcernsBeau experienced culture shock and feelings of being institutionalised by repetitive rituals (chanting, bows, strict manners) and was initially resistant to the discipline.The program’s emphasis on mindfulness in every action (e.g., sweeping, eating) felt gruelling but ultimately part of the ego-killing/discipline aim.

00:44:56 – 01:01:34 | Emotional Challenges, Dark Moments, and BreakthroughsBeau described several low points (particularly around day two and again mid-way through) with intrusive thoughts about family rejection and self-worth. He reported intense crying, a major release behind the gym, and a critical WhatsApp call to Kirsty that helped him continue. Altruism and perspective shift: arms-round alms rounds to nearby villages were especially transformative; witnessing local poverty and faith prompted reflection on privilege, the nature of happiness, and how giving,even a little is valued culturally and spiritually.

01:01:34 – 01:15:27 | Reflections on Relationships and GrowthDialogue addressed how external crises can c