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Long before the phrase entered our vocabulary, the Buddha stressed the vital importance of spiritual social distancing. He strongly urged us to journey through life with one or two good spiritual companions, people who raise our spiritual vibration. On the flip side, he said if you can't find such people, then walk alone. Here is the Buddha's wisdom on walking and wandering alone if you can't find someone who will support or increase your vibration:
For a sociable person
there are allurements;
on the heels of allurement, this pain.
Seeing allurement's drawback,
wander alone
like a rhinoceros.
Free from longing, finding no pleasure
in the world's sport, love, or sensual bliss,
abstaining from adornment,
speaking the truth,
wander alone
like a rhinoceros.
If you gain a mature companion,
a fellow traveler, right-living & wise,
overcoming all dangers
go with them, gratified, mindful.
If you don't gain a mature companion,
a fellow traveler, right-living & wise,
wander alone
like a king renouncing his kingdom,
like the elephant in the Matanga wilds,
his herd.
We praise companionship—yes!
Those on a par, or better,
should be chosen as friends.
If they're not to be found,
living faultlessly,
wander alone
like a rhinoceros.
- Khaggavisana Sutta: A Rhinoceros
Note that the Buddha dos endorse companionship but it must be the right kind: "those on par or better" than yourself.
For a sociable person
there are allurements;
on the heels of allurement, this pain.
Seeing allurement's drawback,
wander alone
like a rhinoceros.
Free from longing, finding no pleasure
in the world's sport, love, or sensual bliss,
abstaining from adornment,
speaking the truth,
wander alone
like a rhinoceros.
If you gain a mature companion,
a fellow traveler, right-living & wise,
overcoming all dangers
go with them, gratified, mindful.
If you don't gain a mature companion,
a fellow traveler, right-living & wise,
wander alone
like a king renouncing his kingdom,
like the elephant in the Matanga wilds,
his herd.
We praise companionship—yes!
Those on a par, or better,
should be chosen as friends.
If they're not to be found,
living faultlessly,
wander alone
like a rhinoceros.
- Khaggavisana Sutta: A Rhinoceros
Note that the Buddha dos endorse companionship but it must be the right kind: "those on par or better" than yourself.
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