When a monk has admirable people as friends, companions, & comrades, he can be expected to develop & pursue the Noble Eightfold Path. ' The Buddha elaborates that, through such friendships, one develops each of the path factors through seclusion, dispassion and cessation.

Do monks speak to each other?

Early monastic communities evolved simple hand signing for essential communications. Spoken conversations between monks are permitted, but limited according to the norms established by the community and approved by the Order. "Silence is the mystery of the world to come. Speech is the organ of this present world.

What do monks do for fun?

They do the things that make them communal — Mass, prayer, reflection, service. They also do the things that make them unique — exercise, collecting, composing, cooking. At Saint Meinrad, there's time to be by yourself, just you and God.