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Q: Is solitude necessary for vichara?

Sri Ramana Maharshi :

There is solitude everywhere.

The individual is solitary always.

His business is to find it out within, not to seek it outside himself.

Solitude is in the mind of man.

One might be in the thick of the world and maintain serenity of mind. Such a one is in solitude.

Another may stay in a forest, but still be unable to control his mind. Such a man cannot be said to be in solitude.

Solitude is a function of the mind.

A man attached to desires cannot get solitude wherever he may be, whereas a detached man is always in solitude.

Q: So then, one might be engaged in work and be free from desire and keep up solitude. Is it so?

Sri Ramana Maharshi :

Yes. Work performed with attachment is a shackle,

whereas work performed with detachment does not affect the doer.

One who works like this is, even while working, in solitude.

~ From Be as you are book