Some form of intentional silence is an element of spiritual life found in every religious tradition I can think of. We chose to practice silence in March since our silent retreat takes place later this month. In the Yogic tradition, this practice is called Mouna, and a similar Buddhist practice is called Noble Silence. Such practices done for spiritual growth include a withdrawal from self-expression even by writing or sign language.
This relieves us from the stimulation of outward communication and is conducive to inward communion with the presence of a deep healing Peace within us. Prayer, meditation, worship — many practices where we attune our minds to this spiritual consciousness within — are done in silence. Many of our daily activities can be done with this indrawn intention to remain attuned to that consciousness in the midst of movement.
One immediate benefit of silence is that it saves a tremendous amount of energy. Consider the thought and energy which goes into communicating with others, thinking about what to say and taking the time to explain the nuances of your opinions and feelings.
This effort to be silently present is an essential element of cultivating awareness through meditation. Tremendous insight into the nature of the mind and habitual thought patterns that we identify ourselves with comes from learning to observe without judgment or commentary. The ever changing nature of the mind is thus exposed against the backdrop of this unchanging witness, bringing to light a profound truth –that we are much more than the mind and thoughts. There is an ocean of peace beneath the surface waves of the mind.
With even a taste of this truth, we begin to experience a higher form of intelligence that awakens in us when thinking subsides. We feel a natural wellspring of love and compassion as we begin to free ourselves from identification with only this body and mind. However, with the waves of daily life constantly washing over us, this freedom is not easily maintained. A regular practice over a long period of time is required.
That is why we meditate together each day in all our Integral Yoga Institutes. The group energy supports each of us to silently disengage from all our mental stories and touch a ground of being that we all share. I hope you have the opportunity to join us for meditation or to observe silence in your own way, and experience ever more fully the profound peace within that is our true nature.