Sadhana Panchakam - Post 47

Human being unlike other animate creatures in creation is a talking animal, though other species too have their own language of communication. But unlike human beings, whose imaginative mind plays a greater role in communication with one another, others in animate creation, it is generally seen that they communicate with others more in response to their emotions than with their mind. 

Krishna points out in Bhagavad Gita (III.27) that human being, influenced by their ego-sense or the 'I-sense' tend to think that they themselves are the doers and not the attributes and inclination with which they are born in Nature. 

It is only when the seer perceives that the attributes are the real doers and no one else, becoming aware of That which is beyond these attributes becomes delivered.

Krishna further mentions that it is the craving and the consequential anger born of passion to be the root cause, covering all this as fire is covered by smoke, as mirror by dust, as embryo by the womb. Enveloped by these insatiable craving, the wisdom of the wise is constantly endangered. Mind, intellect and the senses are the foundation of the desire, veiling which it deludes the self within.

Sankara also informs that it is common experience of all people that they are ignorant of nature of the self and prompted by craving and attachment, undertake activities with great enthusiasm. In the final analysis there are only two kinds of people – unenlightened and the enlightened ones. 

The unenlightened ones, feeble in understanding or in knowing the way of action or of renunciation, having neither purity of mind or clarity of vision, neither good conduct or ethical behavior, declare the world to be unreal, without any supreme controller, being impelled only by desire, know not the proper Path to be traversed. 

The enlightened ones are restrained in thoughts and speech, accepting that even though speech is silver, silence for them is undoubtedly golden. 

Their communication is pregnant in Wisdom and their thoughts, speech and actions, born of reflection and meditation, are effective as of those who are born with authority to speak. Not everyone who speaks of God but one who does work ordained by Him that is noble, says Jesus Christ. 

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad declares that Brahman made Mind, Speech and Praana – Primal Breath as His instrument of effulgence, therefore, it is said this is what is known, what is to be known and what is unknown. 

Whatever is known speech becomes its form, for Speech is the knower and through Speech alone it (Knowledge) is protected. Similarly with Mind and Praana. 

Yajnavalkya says the indemonstrable and constant Being, can be realized as One only. The Self is taintless, beyond space, unborn, supreme and constant. Knowing Him alone, let a seeker of Wisdom concentrate on Wisdom, Brahman and not depend on mere words, because that would be merely weariness of speech.

A Sadhaka should concentrate more on silent reflection and meditation rather than expressing opinions howsoever they may be or appear to be illuminating.

Arguments for the sake of argument neither convinces the wise nor the discerning ones, only fooling the undeserving and the unqualified. It is like concentrating on the leaves rather on the wood. Therefore such speech is said to be bluff and bluster, mere weariness of speech. 

When we observe the lives of saints, we find they lead very quiet lives. They not only speak very little, but conduct themselves with great dignity and respect for others. The seeker of Truth soon comes to realize that companionship can be a help in life only when it is respected and not abused or taken for granted.

There are spiritual benefits in restraining the tongue.

 i) Not uttering a ‘wasteful word’ may limit our relationships, but it will make available more time for Sadhana.

ii) Immense power lies at the tip of the tongue. By keeping a close watch over our words, we soon acquire the habit of uttering only words which are helpful to others. 

The seeker trained in this art soon acquires a tremendous power to influence others. His words compel the attention of others.

iii) One who does not waste his words always encourages others, he never condemns or criticizes. He is quick to see good qualities in others, and draws out the best in them. He never bothers about their faults and weaknesses. 

These are enormous spiritual gains in life for a spiritual seeker.

How can silence of speech be achieved?? It is only possible ultimately when the mind is silenced.  

Sri Ramana clearly points out on what "silence" is.

Ramana  says,

 

“The most valuable thing in the ocean lies on its floor. The pearl is so small a thing, yet so valuable and so difficult to procure. Similarly, the Self is like the pearl: to find it you must dive deep down into the silence, deeper and ever deeper, until it is reached.” 

“Silence is of four kinds: silence of speech, silence of the eye, silence of the ear, and silence of the mind. Only the last is pure silence and is the most important.” 

Only when the mind is silenced, silence of eye, ear, speech can happen which would be a natural outcome of the silenced mind.

We celebrated Christmas just a couple of days before. Let us end this post with an affirmation from the Bible on silence.

 Love.