Monks talk fitness

Lobsang says, "If you eat enough, your body will be stone." Why is it important for a monk to have jacked muscles? "If you are not strong, you cannot meditate for a long time, you will get tired. You need energy if you want to help people." I'm always looking for an excuse to chow down on that extra bowl of pak (roasted barley with a touch of butter and sugar).

On the days the water is clean, Lobsang, Tenzin and I head to a nearby pool for a sunrise swim. The water comes directly from mountain streams (fed by melting glaciers and rainwater), down through stone lion heads into a Hindi temple swimming area. Brrr. Afterwards we kick around a hackysack for a half hour. Great way to start the day.