Solitude ☀️ bright
In The Path of Dhamma (Dhammapada)
DhammaPada verses 60-75 describe the traits and consequences for an immature person. They suffer from delusion, cling to false views of self and possessions, perform harmful actions, seek status without wisdom, and long for recognition. In contrast, the wise avoid their company and pursue seclusion and true understanding of the Dhamma.
DhammaPada verses 197-208 describe the happiness of those who live without hatred, affliction, and anxiety. It includes poetic verses on happiness and Nibbāna, and emphasizes seeing, dwelling, and association with the wise, Noble Ones.
Dhammapada verses 290–305 share on the renunciation of lesser happiness for greater joy, mindfulness of the body, and applying effort to overcome defilements. Further, the verses highlight the harm of neglecting what should be done, consequence of imposing suffering on another, while praising recollection of the Buddha, Dhamma, and Saṅgha as well as the qualities of mindfulness, non-violence, and cultivation. The verses conclude with the benefits of solitude and the wilderness for those who are energetic and self-restrained.
Dhammapada verses 320–333 highlight self-discipline, wisdom, and perseverance through the imagery of elephants. They highlight inner mastery over strength, the value of solitude over company of immature persons, and the importance of taming one’s mind. Honoring parents, cultivating virtue, and letting go of suffering lead to true ease.
Dhammapada verses 360–382 depict the ideal bhikkhu as one who restrains the senses, body, speech, and mind, leading to freedom from suffering. Emphasis is placed on mindfulness, inner joy, collectedness, and self-reliance. Through discipline and reflection, the bhikkhu advances towards the peace of Nibbāna, shining like the moon freed from clouds.
In As It Was Said (Itivuttaka)
The Buddha instructs to dwell in seclusion, enjoying solitude, being devoted to tranquility of mind, meditating with diligence, being endowed with discernment, practicing in an empty dwelling.
In Middle Length Discourses (Majjhima Nikāya)
The Buddha outlines a progressive training guideline for the bhikkhus to undertake in order to be recognized as ascetics and Brahmins. The Buddha also describes the abandonment of the five hindrances, the four jhānas, and the three knowledges using similes.
The Buddha explains the four cases of taking up practices, based on whether they are pleasant or painful now and whether they ripen as suffering or a pleasant abiding in the future.
In Linked Discourses (Saṃyutta Nikāya)
The young deity Kassapa, on Buddha's invitation, shares a verse on the instruction for a bhikkhu.
In Numerical Discourses (Aṅguttara Nikāya)
The Buddha explains the three guiding authorities for developing wholesome qualities and maintaining purity - 1) Oneself, 2) world, and 3) Dhamma.
The Buddha describes the seven grounds for wholesome inclinations, of 1) undertaking the training precepts, 2) attending carefully to the Dhamma, 3) removing longing, 4) seclusion, 5) arousing energy, 6) skilled mindfulness, and 7) realization of right view.
Venerable Anuruddha reflects on seven qualities conducive for practicing the Dhamma, but his thoughts are incomplete until the Buddha appears to add an eighth.