I don’t believe there are any prescribed limits to this
Sujith:
But, even if there are constraints that prevent one from taking up an alms-bowl, this sense of complete disillusionment with life and the world can still be present in one’s mind. And one sees clearly that dilution of the path to justify one’s actions and activities results in subtle ego-gratification - it makes one think: the attachments which I cling to, the pleasures of the world which I relish, they are all good and exalted and profound, while the things that other people seek are low, vulgar and coarse. The Buddha’s teaching, on the other hand, makes no such compromises - all sensual indulgences are seen as ephemeral mirages that agitate the mind.
We also live in a propitious time for making dhamma connections even while physically far away - this forum for example. As such, the resources needed are available regarding teachings
My favourite Sutta certainly sets no limits as a result of wandering alone - Like a Rhinoceros
https://suttacentral.net/snp1.3/en/mills
And while looking for that one I stumbled across this one which may also be of use https://suttacentral.net/mil5.1.2/en/tw_rhysdavids
And also this topic may have some interest in it
bit.ly/bbclonely
BBC “Focus” March 2018
"You are not alone"
An article giving much focus on the fact of loneliness in this age of social networking. One solution reminded me of my bedsitter, pub socializing days in Belsize Park: strictly for the young.
Sadly no references to Dhamma, quite blind to this dimension.
From a Dhamma perspective, loneliness is the down side of the thrill of communication, on a conventional level - what goes up must come down - thus cutting down on social networki…
And lastly, a beautiful Sutta describing what is necessary to progress in the path - even if one has no alms bowl or robes
https://suttacentral.net/mn140/en/sujato
4 Likes
