Notes on Aloneness, Solitude, Loneliness
Review the concept of “no-self”…attitude can be good toward being alone if one accepts “no-self”
One must be comfortable with the “now” and must live mindfully to be comfortable with being alone.
The structure of Chinese Conji implies that a person must have other persons…one cannot stand alone but must be supported by another.
Book provoked thoughts:
Two types of Solitude:
Solitude of the Mind and Solitude of the Body.
Solitude of the Body may yield loneliness.
Loneliness is not good.
Could indicate one cannot get along with others.
Solitude of the Mind can be healthy.
Mental solitude can cut out idle chatter.
Can create an inner peace
Must be cautious of loneliness
Can serve to remove one from the worry about the future.
Can serve to remove one from clinging to the past.
Can foment mindfulness,
Mindfulness can yield clear comprehension.
Such focus can yield fewer mistakes in judgment.
One may respond to others difficulties, but not be affected.
One must have a strong mind that can stand alone.
Being alone a bit each day for self-inquiry is healthy,
For self-inquiry can yield self-understanding.
The secluded/solitary mind has:
Mindfulness Introspection
Full attention Contemplation
Comprehension
All of which unifies and strengthens the mind.
“When we let go the steam from the pot, we cannot cook the food.
If we let the steam build up we can find out what’s cooking”
(i.e., life frustrations and difficulties)
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