Adhering to Solitude and the Rocky Soundtrack

Practice #3 of the Bodhisattva

Abandoning negative places, disturbing emotions gradually subside;
Being free from distraction, the practice of virtue spontaneously increases;
With brightened awareness one feels confidence in the Dharma;
To adhere to solitude is the practice of the bodhisattvas

Abandoning one's homeland is not enough if one is just going to re-establish attachments some where else. The world is full of distractions that constantly pull one away from focus on the Dharma. As one abandons an environment of distraction clarity and awareness grow. Solitude here is not simply referring to physical location. There are 3 kinds of solitude; physical solitude, solitude of speech and solitude of mind. The first kind of solitude means abandoning the sensory inputs that can be distractions (Xbox or Stock Ticker). The second kind of solitude means abandoning both the influx and outpouring of speech, text or distracting communication (turn off Dr. Phil). The third kind of solitude means abandoning all other thoughts not associated with the Buddha, the Dharma or the Sangha (worrying about manscaping for the beach or what to make the family for dinner). Adhering to solitude can take place in Times Square. As one adheres to solitude ethical discipline becomes more robust, meditation becomes more focused, awareness opens and wisdom is grasped.

When I hear, "adhere to solitude" I think of two things; Simon the Stylite and Rocky IV. Simon the Stylite was a 5th century Christian ascetic who lived upwards of 35 years on top of a pillar. Food, water and waste were provided and removed by followers on the ground, and Simon never came down. While Simon was a bit extreme, adhering to solitude has been a foundational influence on Christianity. Truly fascinating and miraculous stories have emerged from folks like Antony of Egypt and the Desert Fathers. These early ascetics chose solitude because it removed them from distractions and allowed them to concentrate on their faith (if this sounds familiar see above).
Drago killed Apollo creed. Rocky knew that in order to beat this "Russian Killer" he needed to step up his training. So in a bold move Rocky left his town, his wife, his Survivor thumping Lamborghini, and all his fancy gyms in favor of a Siberian cabin and desolate wilderness. Rocky knew that when concentration and committment were paramount, solitude was the surest environment.
Solitude is of utmost importance in our lives. We need to disconnect from the world from time to time. Clarity, awareness, wisdom, committment, discipline and being able to whoop Roid-raging Russians are only a few of the benefits of solitude. If we hold our faiths dear, than solitude to reflect on the Dharma or the Gospel is imperative. If we can't do it constantly than we should at least set aside a little time each day. For those of us who call ourselves Christians there's even a whole day dedicated to this purpose...it's called the Sabbath. I am still working on this one, but hopefully with the help of bodhisattvas, Stylites, Rocky and a divine commandment, I can carve out a little more solitude.