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0 pointshprotagonist3y ago0 comments

Solitude 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.

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Not true, in Tibetan Buddhism they have a strong tradition of solitary retreats in caves often for 9 years or more

They'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.

The 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.

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