Satyopanisad

[Guest guest]

Swami! Why did the ancient rishis, sages and saints, choose forests to

undertake tapas or penance? Why did they prefer solitude?

 

There is significance undoubtedly. Why did they choose forests for

penance? Here is an example. Suppose an exhibition is organised in a

city. Naturally, the stalls there and the articles kept there for sales

attract you. The music, eatables, clothes, etc., draw you. The exhibits

attract your senses since you find them right before you. But, in a

forest, there is nothing to attract or distract your attention.

 

Solitude helps you to maintain the inner peace and tranquility needed

for meditation. It provides a congenial atmosphere for spiritual life.

So, saints and sages always did penance in forests. In other

words, " forest " is " for- rest " spiritually.