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> My practice changed significantly as I began mentioning it to some friends. “It is not good for people to be alone…”
by hprotagonist 4y ago
> My practice changed significantly as I began mentioning it to some friends.
“It is not good for people to be alone…”
- roydivision 4y agoMy meditation is a very personal thing. I mention it to others but never in much detail. Being alone with myself is one of the aspects of meditation I value the most.
- hprotagonist 4y agoSolitude during practice is not the same as abandonment of a community. Monks don't live alone; even hermits have (admittedly small) communities. You need the feedback loop.
- bowsamic 4y agoNot true, in Tibetan Buddhism they have a strong tradition of solitary retreats in caves often for 9 years or more
- hprotagonist 4y agoThe majority of monsatics across the bulk of traditions live communally, and Tibetian Buddhists are no exception. The majority of monastic ascetic traditions include a small number of hermits, and Tibetian buddhists are no exception. Those hermits do, occasionally, see other people, and it is important.
- mtalantikite 4y agoThey'll often still interact with or encounter others during these long retreats though. Or, in Kukkuripa's case, at least their dog. [1] Some friends/teachers of mine will maybe do 2-4 weeks solitary each year, but sangha is still important. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kukkuripa https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kukkuripa