Solitude

[Jitendra Hydonus]

"Without solitude God cannot be found.  Those who are striving to attain to the Supreme Being by meditation in silence and freedom from ties will find the Himalayas a most congenial abode.  Braced by the grandeur and magnificence of nature, enveloped in its stillness, it becomes easy to contemplate Infinity, one spontaneously dives into the depths of the Self.
        Those, on the other hand, who are devotionally inclined will prefer to stay by the seashore.  Inspired by the music of the rolling waves, ecstatic emotion surges up high, until engulfed in the boundless love of the Lord of Love, one is carried away straight to one's Goal.
           For those who have no special line, but are eager to be wayfarers on the path to Enlightenment, any beautiful, secluded spot will be suitable. Householders should set apart a corner in their homes kept sacred as a shrine for divine contemplation. But for one who has forsaken everything for the love of God, who everywhere sees Him alone, all places are equally good. Endeavor to control your rambling thoughts and rise above the changing circumstances of life; then the problem of having to select a suitable site for your 'sadhana' will cease to exist."
     ~ Sri Anandamayi Ma 

("Sad Vani" Teachings of Shree Shree Ma Anandamayee Compiled by 'Bhaiji' (J. C. Roy) Translated by Atmananda, pages 54 - 55)