Don’t Meditate Alone
Lots of us start meditating by using an app. In days of yore, folks used books, cassettes, and YouTube videos. Whatever the source, these learning methods may
lead one to believe that meditation is something you do alone, by yourself.
And yet, many seemingly solo pursuits benefit from a connection with others. In theory, we can learn to paint, play piano, cook tikka masala, drive a car, or swim just
through using an app. Nonetheless, we often benefit from classes, guidance from a teacher, getting together with other beginners, and meeting up in groups. We do
these not only for the early stages of learning but for sustaining and deepening our craft or skill.
The same principles and effects apply to meditation and, more broadly, to spiritual formation. Even as these are deeply interior, we need real-time teachers and the company of other learners. The social component is not only helpful but critical. Notably, the Buddha advised, “Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie is the whole of the holy life. If someone has admirable companions, it is expected that they will attain awakening.”
While you’re at Yale, residing in community, take advantage of learning and practicing meditation with others. The Good Life Center (the Koru program, especially), the Yale Buddhist Student Community, and Being Well at Yale offer these settings, among many other pockets of support on campus. Meditating with others breathes life into the practice in extraordinary ways.