Look Into History on Instagram: "A barefoot Buddhist monk in traditional orange robes calmly scales a steep granite cliff near Vientiane, Laos, using nothing but natural handholds and balance. Bags slung over his shoulder, he moves with ease and control. Just beside him, tourists struggle up the same route, gripping a fixed safety rope to make progress. The contrast is striking. Years of monastic life, daily climbs, and deep familiarity with the terrain have shaped a level of strength, focus, an

December 8, 2025