Why are the outer and inner journeys inextricably linked?

On the surface, a monk’s life may seem utterly removed from the typical traveller’s path. The monk remains rooted in one physical location, while the traveller is constantly in motion, seeking new landscapes and cultures.

I recently heard this quote from Jay Shetty, “A monk is simply a traveller, except the journey is inwards.”

For the monk, this inner journey involves spiritual practice, contemplation, study, and the sacrifice of worldly pleasures.

Through meditation, prayers, and humble living, the monk travels the winding paths of the psyche.

The outer world disappears as the monk explores the uncharted regions of consciousness, confronting fears and illusions and striving towards enlightenment.

The inner traveller must overcome immense challenges, like the explorer braving treacherous mountain passes or vast deserts.

The landscape of the self is fraught with pitfalls: destructive thought patterns, bad habits, insecurities, and everything else that weighs us down and prevents us from living fully. Still, with courage and perseverance, the inner frontier can be navigated.

The rewards of this interior journey are immeasurable. Once we have mapped the depths of our inner terrain and know…