“… When there is silence one finds the anchor of the universe within himself …” ~ Lao Tzu
“… Our nature is silence and this silence is freedom …” ~ Papaji
Both Lao Tzu and Papaji are offering a clue (each in his unique way) to … What Is Both Eloquent & Benefits Humanity?
In our ever unfolding journey of self discovery silence is inevitably encountered: either we are naturally led to directly exploring “being in silence” experientially and discover what is revealed or we are intellectually curious about it because all traditions and teachers “talk” about it.
Sri Ramana Maharshi, of course, is the preeminent “sage of silence” because he retreated into a multi-year silence at a very young age shortly after experiencing “… a profound experience of the true Self without the guidance of a Guru and thereafter remained conscious of his identity with the Absolute (Brahman) at all times …” … Apparently, this experience was triggered by the 17 year old Ramana asking the question “what if I were to die now?” and then earnestly – and deeply – exploring what was revealed.
Sri Ramana is one of the rare few who preferred – and used – to “teach” through his silence presence. Of course, most people, being naturally and intellectually inclined ended up having a Q&A session with him.
So, today, we offer Sri Ramana Maharshi’s answer to the opening question … excerpted from the classic The Spiritual Teaching of Ramana Maharshi, which is …
“… a collection of Sri Ramana’s instructions and discourses culled from three works: Who Am I?, Spiritual Instructions, and Maharshi’s Gospel. These teachings are arranged by topics such as work and renunciation, silence and solitude, peace and happiness, and the discipline of self-inquiry. Reading this book, presented in question-and-answer format, evokes the feeling of being with this outstanding teacher at one of his intimate teaching sessions. “ …
This post is the 1st in a multi-part series offering a substantive preview of The Spiritual Teaching of Ramana Maharshi … via chapter excerpts … where Sri Ramana addresses questions like:
Is a vow of silence useful? … Is solitude necessary … What is silence? … and more …
D is Devotee or questioner and M is Maharshi.
This post is part of our ongoing Shambhala Publications series that offers substantive previews of selections from Shambhala Publications new and classic titles …
All italicized text (except Lao Tzu & Papaji’s quotes) here is adapted from The Spiritual Teaching of Ramana Maharshi, © 1972 Sri Ramanasramam. Biographical Sketch and Glossary © 1998 by Shambhala Publications, Inc. Reprinted in arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Inc. Boulder, CO.
You can purchase the book at Shambhala Publications or Amazon.
What Is Both Eloquent & Benefits Humanity? Silence & Solitude
D. Is a vow of silence useful?
M. The inner silence is self-surrender. And that is living without the sense of ego.
D. Is solitude necessary for a sannyāsin (renunciate)?
M. Solitude is in the mind of a man. One might be in the thick of the world and yet maintain perfect serenity of mind; such a person is always in solitude. Another may stay in the forest but still be unable to control his mind. He cannot be said to be in solitude. Solitude is an attitude of the mind; a man attached to the things of life cannot get solitude, wherever he may be. A detached man is always in solitude.
D. What is mouna (silence)?
M. That state which transcends speech and thought is mouna; it is meditation without mental activity. Subjugation of the mind is meditation: deep meditation is eternal speech. Silence is ever-speaking; it is the perennial flow of “language.” It is interrupted by speaking; for words obstruct this mute language. Lectures may entertain individuals for hours without improving them. Silence, on the other hand, is permanent and benefits the whole of humanity. . . . By silence, eloquence is meant. Oral lectures are not so eloquent as silence. Silence is unceasing eloquence. It is the best language. There is a state when words cease and silence prevails.
D. How then can we communicate our thoughts to one another?
M. That becomes necessary if the sense of duality exists.
D. Why does not Bhagavan go about and preach the Truth to the people at large?
M. How do you know I am not doing it? Does preaching consist in mounting a platform and haranguing the people around? Preaching is simple communication of Knowledge; it can really be done in silence only. What do you think of a man who listens to a sermon for an hour and goes away without having been impressed by it so as to change his life? Compare him with another who sits in a holy presence and goes away after some time with his outlook on life totally changed. Which is the better, to preach loudly without effect or to sit silently sending out inner force?
Again, how does speech arise? There is abstract Knowledge, whence arises the ego, which in turn gives rise to thought, and thought to the spoken word. So the word is the great-grandson of the original Source. If the word can produce effect, judge for yourself, how much more powerful must be the Preaching through Silence! But people do not understand this simple, bare truth, the Truth of their everyday, ever-present, eternal experience. This Truth is that of the Self. Is there anyone unaware of the Self? But they do not like even to hear of this Truth, whereas they are eager to know what lies beyond, about heaven, hell, and reincarnation.
Because they love mystery and not the Truth, religions cater to them so as eventually to bring them round to the Self. Whatever the means adopted, you must at last return to the Self: so why not abide in the Self here and now? To be a spectator of, or to speculate about, the other world, the Self is necessary; therefore, they are not different from the Self. Even the ignorant man, when he sees the objects, sees only the Self.
Stay tuned for … more from Sri Ramana Maharshi …
All italicized text (except Lao Tzu & Papaji’s quotes) here is adapted from The Spiritual Teaching of Ramana Maharshi, © 1972 Sri Ramanasramam. Biographical Sketch and Glossary © 1998 by Shambhala Publications, Inc. Reprinted in arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Inc. Boulder, CO.
You can purchase the book at Shambhala Publications or Amazon.
May you realize the gift of … silence and solitude … in your everyday life … and …
May you remain safe and healthy.
Opening Quote is from: Tao Te Ching: Lao Tzu, Translated by Jonathan Star.
Papaji’s quote is from: This: Prose and Poetry of Dancing Emptiness by H.W. L. Poonja.
Images (edited & Logo added): Header: Annapurna mountains by saiko3p, 1 & Featured) Serene Pastel Sky and Lake Background A Beautiful Blend of Tranquility by jejepripermadi, 2)The Spiritual Teaching of Ramana Maharshi cover image from Shambhala, 4) Night street in the Old Town of Riga, Latvia by olgacov, 5) Night view of a street in the historical center of Kranj, Slovenia by Dudlajzov. 3 & 6) Shambhala Publications logo. All images (except ones from Shambhala Publications) purchased from depositphotos or 123rf. All are for use only on our website/social channels (these images are not permitted to be shared separate from this post). 2, 3, & 6) generously provided by Shambhala Publications with permission to be used on our website and other digital assets.
