Solitude

[BlueLotus]

What is mean by solitude in Buddhism?
How important is solitude to practice?
How do you include solitude to your daily life?

[Cittasanto]

What is mean by solitude in Buddhism?
How important is solitude to practice?
How do you include solitude to your daily life?

it depends, seclusion (viveka) can refer to
bodily seclusion (kayaviveka) where one is removed from society or company.
mental seclusion (cittaviveka) where one is separated from the hindrances.
Or seclusion from the substrates (upadhiviveka) which is enlightenment.

another grouping found in The Path of Discrimination (paṭisambhidāmagga,) the section on solitude (vivekakathā,) which include - by suppression (vikkhambhaṇaviveka;) by displacement (tadaṇgaviveka;) by cutting off (samucchedaviveka;) by calming down (paṭipassaddhiviveka;) and by escape (nissaraṇaviveka.)
although the Visudhimagga (140) has kāyaviveka, cittaviveka, vikkhambhanaviveka, i. e. physically, mentally, ethically;

Solitude is important, being able to spend time to yourself can be a recharge point to be able to deal with others better, or simply time to practice. the Buddha hevily praised seclusion, and although we can not always have physical seclusion developing a mindset which allows us space is beneficial.

I prefer sicence to solitude (in everyday circumstances, work...) but when at home I spend allot of time alone, and when not meditating try to be focused on what I am doing rather than on what is next to do - this is easier said than done when I am having to think what is next all the time for the team and make sure things are ready.

[thaijeppe]

What is meant by solitude in Buddhism?

Cittasantos explanation is eminent

How important is solitude to practice?

Solitude is an important part of the practice, in the beginning it is proberly difficult for most, but when you develop your pratice it
becomes rather natural. Also when you practise meditation your benefits will be enhanced if you do it in solitude.

How do you include solitude to your daily life?

I make sure that I have "solitude time" every day.
Firstly: I get up 4:00 AM every morning, to do my morning meditation, the mornings are very good because there are no disturbance and
most people sleep.
Secondly: In the early evening I have found a place, not far from where I live in an oilpalm plantation, were i also can be totally alone and meditate.

What is important is that where ever you are you find some times and places for solitude


Jeppe