Having 2 monastics in my immediate family and being very interested in the spiritual lives of members of many religions I have noticed the very strong similarities between Orthodox monasticism and Buddhist The very idea of a coenobitic community and its Moderation reflects the philosophy of the middle path which Prince Siddhartha established in Buddhism Orthodox monasticism began as extremely harsh asceticism and evolved for the same reasons If you work the body too hard it will break if you treat it too softly it wo nt accomplish anything Being an Orthodox Christian I have a deep and abiding respect for Buddhist monks In fact I have visited on numerous occasions Shasta Abbey a Zen Buddhist monastery in northern California Since Orthodox are vegan about 1 3 of the year I use their cookbook since they also are vegan