Virtuous Aloneness
But if you cannot find a good companion
of integrity and wisdom,
then, like a king departing a conquered land,
or a lone elephant wandering the forest,
walk alone.
Dhammapada v. 329
Integrity is the foundation of our practice. Without it nothing develops. We might have eloquent speech and perhaps our articles have been published in popular journals, but if integrity is lacking, practice hasn’t begun. Travelling the spiritual path alone is not a sign of failure; it may mean quite the opposite. If those around us are willing to compromise on impeccability, it is better that we are alone.
With Metta,
Bhikkhu Munindo
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