Silence Amidst Noise

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It is one of our pet ideas that if we could somehow run away from the world to the solitary Himalayan heights, to some mountain caves or hermitages, we will be able to solve the problem of the quiet mind. The panacea is "solitude" and it is believed that it can be found only away from our work schedules, from our daily chores, away from the people we are used to.

How can we do anything about the mind unless we are able to somehow escape from intrusions by others who keep spoiling the meditation time by visiting and chatting? Thus thinking, we seek nature"s quiet spots. The desire to be alone, to keep off company, is for the purpose of tackling the mind free from outside disturbance.

There are some others like Paul Brunton who look upon changes from one"s ordinary life as, "a strategic retreat from the world". Having launched upon a feverish pursuit of work, used to looking with dismay at an empty page in the engagement diary or even a gap of few minutes, these retreats to scenic spots are regarded as a balancing factor. Time would then be available to learn about the subtlety and vagaries of the mind, its whims and fancies, since the normal run does not provide any leisure for such meditation or reflection. This is their attitude and hope that "far from the madding crowds" an understanding of the mind would come. Nave it may be but a common belief.

One can well understand the love of "lonely" spots in the conviction that then it is possible to be alone". True, nature"s fascination cannot be under-rated. It has its own magic, its own charm that goes to the very pore of one"s bones. By all means if one"s circumstances permit it, if karma is kind in this regard, one can resort to such places, where the mind is easily harmonious and restful.

It does not need argument to show that changes in environment or circumstances may not be possible for all or at times of one"s choice. Often, carefully laid plans break. Some one or the other, some totally unexpected event or the other would put a spanner in the works. Instead of the joy of the much looked forward to, disappointment would stare one in the face.

Do we need to regret this? Can we afford to place the all-important need for a silent mind in the hands of some outer circumstance such as a suitable environment away from work? In overrating the importance of solitude perhaps we have not understood what solitude really means. Looking at it fundamentally, the underlying assumption behind the linking of the mind"s quietness with a place with soothing surroundings only may be an error. "Solitude" says Ramana, "is in the mind of man". It means making the mind still.