Social media provides us with a glimpse into the lives of people in almost every profession, hobby and interest? But very rarely does it throw up monk content. Thankfully, Ampleforth Abbey a - Benedictine abbey and monastery in North Yorkshire - has recently joined TikTok offering a glimpse into the world of monks. The Abbey recently invited it's 9,000 followers to submit questions to the monks, before issuing informative video responses.
"Do you get paid to be a monk," one TikTok user asked. "Do I have an income as a monk? The answer to that is no I don't," one monk responded. "Anything I get paid for the work I do is handed to the monastery.". The monk went on to explain if there is something that "essentially" needs to be paid for - such as a new pair of glasses - he has to ask someone in the monastery and explain exactly what he needs. "Then they give me the money for whatever it is I need," he said.
"I love these videos, I used to drive past the abbey quite often for work," one person replied. "I enjoy finding out about your lives. Thank you for sharing." A second added: "I envy the quiet, simple life. I respect it father. May your god be with you.". A third TikTok user didn't appear as keen on the idea, however, commenting: "It all sounds very restrictive. I don't see how it could be an enjoyable life. the monks don't look happy. maybe I'm not enlightened enough to understand. maybe I'm selfish but it seems controlling.".
In a second video, meanwhile, another monk responded to a question about their social lives. "What do we get up to in our spare time and what sort of hobbies do we have?," the monk contemplated. "Some of the things I enjoyed doing we were walking and dancing - I've been able to do a lot of walking since becoming a monk - in fact I organise a lot of walking retreats," he revealed. "It's a great opportunity to bring that into my life here.".
Whilst dancing isn't on the cards at the monastery, the monk said he is still able to do so, however, at family weddings. He added: "I think one of the things about becoming a monk is you have to say 'Yes' to Christ, but 'no' to other things. And it's how to give things up joyfully without resentment.". He closed: "It's about being able to take on something like working in these woods, which I would never have had chance to do before and look after these beautiful trees and the graves below me.".
One TikTok user declared in response: "I wish the world had your peace and contentment." A second hailed: "A wonderful blessed life, thank you for sharing.". However, a third pondered: "Very interesting. Surely if we are designed in God's image and enjoy dancing, then God would approve of dancing? I don't fully understand why dancing would not be a positive thing.". Get our money-saving tips and top offers direct to your inbox with the Mirror Money newsletter.
