Please note that my understanding of Buddhist principles my be very much influenced by popular depictions.

I have read that the eight-fold path teaches that you should strike a balance between asceticism and indulgence.

Common depictions of Buddhist monks often shows them living a very ascetic lifestyle. My sources for this are simply what I have seen in documentaries online.

My questions are:

1. Do Buddhist monks live such an ascetic life style? If so, then why? Is this not going against the eight-fold path?
2. If the depictions I have in mind are untrue then what is Buddhist monastery life like such that it balances indulgence and asceticism?

Please note that my understanding of Buddhist principles may be very much influenced by popular depictions.

I have read that the eight-fold path teaches that you should strike a balance between asceticism and indulgence.

Common depictions of Buddhist monks often shows them living a very ascetic lifestyle. My sources for this are simply what I have seen in documentaries online.

My questions are:

1. Do Buddhist monks live such an ascetic life style? If so, then why? Is this not going against the eight-fold path?
2. If the depictions I have in mind are untrue then what is Buddhist monastery life like such that it balances indulgence and asceticism?