[hprotagonist]

> My practice changed significantly as I began mentioning it to some friends.

“It is not good for people to be alone…”

[roydivision]

My meditation is a very personal thing. I mention it to others but never in much detail. Being alone with myself is one of the aspects of meditation I value the most.

[hprotagonist]

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.

[bowsamic]

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

[mtalantikite]

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.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kukkuripa

[hprotagonist]

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.