Buddha said that it is better to walk a path alone in life than to travel with fools. People are often so desperate for any kind of companionship that they lower their standards for the sake of not being alone, for there is great fear in being alone. Lack of self-esteem, or self-confidence is often the reason for this. Psychologists will say that it is because man is a social creature. Being social is fine, but not to the point where it becomes a great hindrance in our quest to be one with Tao.
We should keep our goal in mind and not lower or compromise our standards because we feel a need to have a friend, a friend who may be of dubious honor or value. Thoreau said; “ I have never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude. We are for the most part more lonely when we go abroad among men than when we stay in our chambers.”
If we befriend a donkey, we must expect to be kicked. If we lie down with dogs, we will rise with fleas. Those who tap into the Tao within are strong and wise. They seek to get along with all, but respect their own ways first. In a culture that values how many friends you have in social media, or how popular you are, your real friends are the trees, rivers, and mountains and all that Tao has created. Your best friend dwells within you.
