Hi Sam, I always love to hear about your experience in the east during your younger years, and all that you learned from the eastern contemplative traditions, such as, meditation techniques, the truth about the self, eastern ethics, etc. But I haven’t really heard you comment on the fact that all these eastern ‘monks’ usually lead solitary lives, even in the company of students and peers.

I feel that in our western society, to be a part of the society while also living a solitary life, is looked down upon as downright pathological. But I see that a lot many people find it easier, and are happier, to forgo romantic and family relationships, due to trust/anxiety issues, or simply to avoid financial responsibilities, etc. And I wonder if a solitary life may also be more well suited for living an ‘enlightened’ life.

As a young man, I have seen the quality of my emotional life, and peace, confidence and stability of mind, increase tremendously after I stopped seeking out romantic relationships about a year ago. I would love your take on this phenomenon. Sadly, I feel this is a taboo question, and would probably get downvoted on this reddit-styled website of yours.