Idiots

[Tad]

Absolutely. Good point. In the suttas Buddha said that right companionship was the entire path. We are lucky to be living in the world where internet allows us to access to so much knowledge.

[Cal]

Thanks. That is a good resource you are building. I also like that you have included some stuff from this forum.

Yes, I agree. I think dialogues are a huge part of the spiritual path & it's essential to include them. Early on you think you can progress the path alone. But experience shows it requires spiritual friends and teachers. For many people, it is hard to find dialogues of this quality. Being able to read these conversations can be a great help.

I agree Alexander. It really can be such a simple thing as understanding - knowing that others have shared in your experience. The rigidity of minimalistic and reclusiveness lifestyles come with feelings of isolation and even estrangement - specifically to those who have just begun… I’ve often wondered if this is not also a grip - a form of attachment and control… Ive always believed that the choice of abandoning the social and societal constructs came as reaction - perhaps even preemptive reaction to the loosening of the grip of control - that it happens and is more specifically defined as a product of enlightenment - that to reside within and in each moment embraced such a lifestyle. Choosing to isolate seems much different to me.

[Cal]

Absolutely. Good point. In the suttas Buddha said that right companionship was the entire path. We are lucky to be living in the world where internet allows us to access to so much knowledge.

I would understand “right companionship” as unity, and an inward one. An understanding that you are two that reside within one. Inner dialogue, contentment, embrace, and love for the “you” that resides within.

[Tad]

Cal,

Very good observation. As we know from the suttas Buddha and his monks preferred to spend a lot of time alone. So it makes sense. It is kind of what we really are trying to deal with the mind through using the mind.