When Tenzin Palmo ended her thirteen year retreat in a cave in the Himalayas, people were intrigued that she was able to reenter society with ease, without being ‘mad’ or her mind slightly deranged. Being cut off from all human contact for such an extended period of time had not change the way she interacted with others in any negative way. In fact, she was more compassionate. Maybe what made the difference was that Tenzin Palmo was searching for something, not retreating from something. She became a hermit because she wanted to participate in intense Buddhist meditation, not because she need to avoid a difficult life situation or escape her own demons.
It seems that if people are secure in themselves, if they are not escaping, but are searching for something deeper that what seems available out in the world, they are able enter solitude for an extended period of time and return whole. I think this is so true. At it’s best, solitude is not a selfish act. It is a way to restore ourselves so we can live in the world in more a loving, contributing way.
It seems that if people are secure in themselves, if they are not escaping, but are searching for something deeper that what seems available out in the world, they are able enter solitude for an extended period of time and return whole. I think this is so true. At it’s best, solitude is not a selfish act. It is a way to restore ourselves so we can live in the world in more a loving, contributing way.