Regular practice of silence makes you more aware, alert and alive.

For most of us ‘silence’ means not talking. Just keeping quiet and not communicating with word sounds is interpreted as silence. There are times when people go into silence for an extended period of time as a part of their Meditation (sadhana साधना). This is a recommended practice in almost all religions.

‘Silence is God, God is silence’. Like the quest for God, the quest for silence is not easy. We should try to understand the true nature of silence and how to practise it for silence is not a function of the body, but of the mind.

Meditation (Sadhana साधना) does not mean that we sit quiet with our eyes closed. It is purification of the mind-body complex. There are several pillars of Meditation (sadhana साधना), of which five are popular with practitioners. The five are silence, stillness, fasting, celibacy and overcoming sleep. All these practices are supportive of each other.

Stop Inner Chatter

What are the aspects of silence and how is silence to be practised? First of all, there is the silencing of the voice or vocal cord that produces speech. This form of silence is called akara mauna अक्र मौन.

The other form, which is far more rigorous, is called kastha mauna काष्ठ मौन or being silent like a piece of wood, where one does not express anything even with the eyes, hand gestures, facial expressions or in writing. In any of these two forms of silence, suspension of vocal communication without quietening the mind does not silence the mind-body complex. The real practice of silence must incorporate systematic methods that gradually reduce the internal dialogue — all that chatter in the mind.

Benefits of Silence

Regular practice of silence helps increase awareness and equanimity which, in turn, deepens spiritual practice. It helps you stay calm and composed even through difficult situations. Compulsive talking and action are reduced. You speak and act from deeper levels of the mind. As you progress, you master your speech by following its three principles: hitam, mitam, priyam हितम मितंम प्रिअम — beneficial, measured and pleasant. You find that your words have a deeper meaning and even when you are silent, people find comfort and joy in your presence.