Silence and Spirituality

Speech is silver but silence is gold – we must have heard this from our teachers, parents or grandparents. People, since ages, are practicing ‘maun vrata’ or the vow of silence to control their senses and attain a spiritual state of mind.

Silence and Spirituality are as interrelated as the speech and the civilization. While reading an article, ‘Silence is Blissful’, in the Speaking Tree, I got some real insight into the significance of silence.

Almost every religion including Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Christian and Muslim recommend the ‘vow to silence’ or ‘Maun Vrata‘ as an effective technique for self realization or attaining the state of salvation.

In the 16th shaloka of 17th chapter of Bhagvad Geeta is written, “Speech that is non-offensive, truthful, pleasant, beneficial and is used for the regular study of scriptures is called austerity of word.”

According to the Bible, even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. (17:28 psalm)

When you weigh your words by controlling your speech, you can prevent yourself from hurting others, which will help in establishing universal harmony and peace.

Swami Vivekananda has said, “The seeker’s silence is the loudest form of prayer.”

Practicing silence doesn’t mean keeping your mouth shut and being quiet. It’s a state of mind when can listen and appreciate the sounds of silence, seek the solace that silence streams and rejoice with silence.

Mother Teresa has said, “God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass—grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence… We need silence to be able to touch souls.”

Silence also helps you to realize your strengths and weaknesses. It allows you to connect to your inner-self and bring self-improvement.

As Buddha says, “When a man knows the solitude of silence, and feels the joy of quietness, he is then free from fear and he feels the joy of the Dharma.”

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