The world is a noisy place. Industrial activity, vehicles, aeroplanes and other forms of human activity contribute to these unnatural sounds. These sounds, believe it or not, destabilize and affect the natural rhythms and vibrations that make up the environment around us. Everyone can accept that the sounds of nature that stem from the gentle waves of the ocean to the chirping of the birds can have positive effects and vibrations on individuals. There are even machines that mechanically produce these natural sounds for people who live in the city or away from nature. They can be purchased as meditation aids. The point remains that natural sound and the absence of sound are phenomena which every individual craves as we attempt to remove ourselves temporarily from the world of manmade noise and so rejuvenate our minds. Hinduism once again comes to the rescue with prescriptions that possess positive side-effects and daily dosages of practices that will remedy the restlessness of the modern human condition.
One such practice that depends only on the individual is that of maun (silence). The Dharma Shastra advises that when one is bathing, eating or performing shraaddh one should be silent. Apart from these activities there are instances in one’s daily life where the practice of maun may prove beneficial. In admiring the life and sacrifices of Mahatma Gandhi, one would appreciate the fact that every Monday he would not speak. This is the man who led masses and provided the world with inspirational thoughts on life and living. However, if our circumstances and job commitments will not allow such a sacrifice then, at least, practise silence for a brief period of time during the day; it can prove to be just as beneficial. This frees the mind to contemplate the serious matters of life, including the spiritual aspect. A habit of introspection is inculcated which can prove useful in the practical life. We all know that silence is the mark of a wise man and speaking less and listening more ensures better productivity especially in daily communication.
Silence is a virtue especially in the weighty matters of religion and spirituality. After all, silence is merely a physical manifestation of meditation. Even those whose profession is to speak require generous spells of quiet or maun-vrata to make their speech more powerful and effective. Remember that an active tongue has created many a war, spoiled many a relationship, generated many misunderstandings, bred many ill feelings, broken many hearts and hurt many more than swords and guns.
Silence is of two kinds – vocal silence and mental silence. The first one involves no speaking. The second one is a harder exercise that requires putting the thinking processes of the mind into neutral gear. It is emptying the mind of all thoughts; this may be difficult for ordinary persons although yogis can do it, after having practised for many years. Normally one can’t stop thinking of something. At best, one can concentrate one’s mind on a single thought. You should give it a try. The Shastras guide us to make maun a daily ritual in order to strengthen the peace process and make one’s life and the world a happier and more peaceful place.
By Varistha Persad, Teacher III, SWAHA Hindu College
