The following talk is given by Tara Brock, meditation teacher, psychologist and author.

In Buddhism, as well as most spiritual paths, most faiths, there is a centrality to teach

things on how we are with each other.

There's really a message that it matters.

It's part of whatever we consider to be progress or meaningful on the path.

And in Buddhism, Sangha, which is spiritual community, is considered one of the three key gateways

to freedom.

It's considered one of the refuges.

The idea being that the field of relationship, really when we're conscious, is the place

for profound awakening and freedom.

Yet, what we'll notice if we really look closely on many paths, and I can certainly see this

in Buddhism, it's very easy to subscribe to the notion that it's important ethically

and for many reasons to be good with each other.

But the real important moments of spirituality come when we're alone in the cave.

When you think of the pictures that depict the Buddha, you don't see him socializing

at moments of enlightenment.

You see, he's alone under the tree or in a cave.

So there's a subtle hierarchy we sometimes get that real spirituality happens in this

kind of inward process.

And one of my favorite little cartoons that came out in Tricycle magazine was a Buddhist

personals.

And it said, tall, dark, handsome Buddhist looking for himself.

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