Is it Better to Walk Alone or with Company?

Jul 1, 2024

Is it Better to Walk Alone or with Company?

Key Points

  • Evolving Consciously

    • Achieving evolution as a human being is limitless.
    • Specific reference to Gautama the Buddha, who said it's better to walk alone than with a fool.
    • Importance of knowing how to be by oneself.

  • Walking Alone vs. Walking in Company

    • Lore in India:
      • Short and quick journey: walk alone.
      • Long journey: walk in company.
    • The critical factor is the quality of the company.
    • Being together is not always beneficial; it can be a nuisance.

  • Human Beings vs. Other Creatures

    • Defined by non-compulsive action.
    • Ability to 'simply be' is unique to humans.
    • Importance of conscious, judicious action vs. compulsive behavior.

  • Action in Groups

    • Can be purposeful (e.g., association, gang) or compulsive (e.g., crowd).
    • Achieving a high level of evolution allows for conscious being and deliberate actions.

  • Individuality and Responsibility

    • Understanding you are both wonderful and nasty at times.
    • True individuality means taking full responsibility for all actions and states.
    • Avoid falling into the trap of blaming external factors (e.g., ego, karma) for negative behavior.
    • Becoming 'one' is critical - otherwise you might need psychiatric or spiritual intervention.

  • The Importance of Self-Reflection

    • Take time alone each day or go through periods of solitude for self-improvement.
    • Being comfortable alone helps individuals become better when in company.
    • Self-awareness is essential for conscious evolution.
    • Spending time alone can reveal the compulsive and often chaotic nature of one's mind.

  • Nature of Evolution

    • No upper limit for human evolution, unlike other creatures.
    • Consciously driven evolution versus biological evolution.

  • Practical Exercise: 24 Hours Alone

    • Suggested exercise to disconnect from all distractions (e.g., books, TV, phones) for 24 hours.
    • Allows self-observation and understanding of the mind's compulsive nature.

  • Conscious Togetherness

    • Rich and valuable when individuals know how to be alone.
    • Coming together consciously leads to rewarding and meaningful interactions.