Why We Can't Walk Alone

Why We Can’t Walk Alone: The Power of Spiritual Community

We have all been there. You decide that today is the day you will meditate for thirty minutes or study the teachings. But then, the excuses start crawling in. "I didn't sleep well; I don't have the energy to sit," or "I have a slight headache; I should rest instead." Our minds are remarkably creative when it comes to avoiding the hard work of internal change.

If we rely solely on our own willpower, we often find ourselves in a cycle of "one step forward, two steps back." This is why understanding the relationship between study, meditation, and community is essential.

More Than Just a Blank Mind

There is a common misconception that meditation is simply about "not thinking of anything." But if meditation were just about a blank mind, a stone would be the ultimate meditator.

To truly change our habits and thinking, we need the Buddha’s wisdom as a guide. We must study the teachings to understand the reality of the world. Then, in the stillness of meditation, we use that calm state to contemplate these truths. We replace our old, distorted way of thinking with a clear, wise perspective.

For example, when we deeply understand that everything is in a state of constant change, we stop gripping our possessions or relationships so tightly, which significantly reduces our suffering. We also learn that for anything to happen, all the necessary conditions must be present. Simply wishing for a result without putting in the effort to create the causes is just "wishful thinking," which inevitably leads to disappointment.

The Remedy for Laziness: The Community

While the spiritual community was established for many profound reasons, it serves as a powerful antidote to our natural tendency to drift and find excuses. In a community, whether it is an in-person group or an online study circle, we support each other through a disciplined way of life.

When we practice with others, the energy of the group carries us through those days when we feel lazy or tired. It is much harder to make excuses when you are part of a collective effort. Furthermore, being in a community allows for mutual reminders—if we stray in our behavior or thinking, others are there to kindly point it out and help us stay on the path.

The Whole of the Holy Life

There is a famous story where the Buddha’s disciple, Ananda, asked him: "Lord, is it true that spiritual friendship is half of the holy life?"

The Buddha corrected him immediately, saying: "No, Ananda. Spiritual friendship is not half of the holy life. It is the whole of the holy life."

Conclusion: Find Your Pack

Learning to calm the mind and gain insight is a difficult task that requires consistent study and disciplined practice. If you try to do it entirely on your own, it is very easy to fall back into old habits.

My advice is to find your "pack." Find a group that shares your values and goals. Whether it is a formal meditation group or a simple book club dedicated to wisdom, being part of a community transforms the practice from a lonely struggle into a shared journey. Don't try to be a hero on your own; find the strength that comes from walking the path together.

Luke Lin 2/1/2026