Solitude
After contemplating for several months, I have decided to write about the utter simplicity of solitude. Recently, in our Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra class, we studied about the physical and mental solitude. One of the key components of my experience of solitude is to allow oneself to heal. Thích Nhất Hạnh, in his book called Silence , indicated that resting is a precondition for healing. Thầy pointed out that when we humans have illness, we worry too much and do not allow ourselves to relax at all. This makes us suffer even more. On the other hand, when animals in the forest get wounded, they find a place of solitude and rest completely. Even food or any other concern becomes secondary at that time. In my experience as well, when solitude and fasting are combined together, one can truly rest to heal. As I study Buddhist Philosophy and try to fathom the academic reading materials, I often long for an extended solitude. Because it is only then, that we slowly but steadily assim...