Retire into solitude and silence now and then; experience the joy derivable only from them. (SSS Vol.2)

Sankara suggested satsanga (good company) as the very first step in sadhana; the company of the wise and the good will develop into detachment and love of silence and solitude. That will promote the disappearance of moha (delusion), which according to Arjuna, was the fruit of listening to the Gita. When that happens, one is established steadily in the Tat-tvam, the reality of this and that, the identity of this with that. Well, the recognition of that identity is the attainment of Mukti (liberation). (SSS Vol.3)

Man’s dharma is to cultivate his faculties for the great adventure of realising his oneness with the basic substance of the Universe, a substance that is attributeless, but, yet is mistaken to have attributes like names and forms and functions. This is declared in the Mahavakyas (Vedic Dicta) enshrined in the Vedas and elaborated in the Upanishads. To get the mind and the intelligence fixed in that oneness, man must meditate on them in silence and solitude, under the guidance of a Guru. If the teacher himself gives the answers for the questions he asks, how can the pupil progress? If the pupil is left to himself, he would be helpless. If he is asked to scribble whatever he can, he can only doodle. So, the teacher has to hold his hand and train him in the movements. The skill of the hand and brain have thus to be reinforced by the guiding hand of the Guru. The pupil has to cultivate concentration. When attention flows in all directions, no progress can be made. A good teacher must love the pupil and lead him, step by step.

Practising meditation in silence and solitude, one can in due course establish silence and solitude in the heart, even in the busiest thoroughfares. Now, the puja room or domestic shrines are invariably found next to the kitchen; there, the smells of cooking attack the nostrils, the sounds of frying and boiling attack the ear, the mind is distracted by voices and noises. How can concentration grow in such an atmosphere? Silence has to be started with oneself; that is to say, one must talk less, and think more deliberately, more discriminatingly. One must try to empty the mind of impulses and prejudices and preferences. Thus, man must strive to reach down to his real nature or dharma, which is Divine, Dharma swarupa (righteousness personified). (SSS Vol.5)

Emphasise the universal atma tattvam---essential nature of the Self; encourage prayer, meditation, quiet contemplation of the grandeur and glory of God, reflected in Nature; repetition of the Name of the Lord; encourage silence and solitude, for the sake of introspection and contact with the springs of joy inherent in man. (SSS Vol.5)

People retire into solitude and attempt to contact God; but, solitude is best used for discovering and curing defects of character and conduct. To contact God, one has to open his eyes and serve brother man. He is the God Incarnate one can worship and adore to his heart s content. The greatest joy springs from the utmost sacrifice. That is the utmost bhoga (enjoyment), though it is called tyaga (sacrifice). It is the utmost fulfilment. (SSS Vol.11)

Wrestle with your Own errors in solitude
When the pot has a leak, tiny as a needle prick, the water drains out whole. When the heart is full of faith and strength, of light and love, a prick-leak caused by anger, or malice, envy, or pride is so damaging that the precious wealth is spent away quick and fast! Resolve this day in the Presence that you have so ardently wished for, not to be swayed by these low desires and insidious foes; never be moved by fame or blame, by praise or persecution.

When the crows see the kokil (nightingale), they pursue it and try to wound it with their envious beaks. Good men are the targets for the malignity of the small. Have your own errors and evils hidden so that you can tackle with them in solitude; do not inflict them on others. Wrestle with them, and overwhelm them in the silence of Sadhana . Deal with others only beneficially and in joyful co-operation. Look at Lord Shiva. The poison which will ruin the world ruthlessly, He has hidden in His throat! The Moon that can shower cool calm comfort, He wears on His Head, for all the worlds to benefit from! That is a lesson for you. Why render others miserable, because you are too weak to suppress the bandits your heart has welcomed? (SSS Vol.11)