Solitude and Enquiry

Sri Ramana Maharshi

Someone asked Sri Bhagavan if solitude is necessary for vichara (enquiry).

M. There is solitude everywhere. The individual is solitary always. His business is to find it out within, and not seek it without. 

V. The work-a-day world is distracting.

M. Do not allow yourself to be distracted. Enquire for whom there is distraction. It will not afflict you after a little practice.

V. Even the attempt is impossible.

M. Make it and it will be found not so difficult.

V. But the answer does not come for the search inward.

M. The enquirer is the answer and no other answer can come. What comes afresh cannot be true. What always is, is true.