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your awareness. That is why I suggest that you take a vow of silence. It is an ancient Jain practice. The word muni derives from mauna meaning contemplation in silence. It also means oneness. Through silence you experience oneness. Your inner ears open and you dive into yourself. It will bring out such an energy that can burn many karmas hanging over vou. It will not be easy. Are you willing to do it?”
Munishree was eager to accept the challenge. “I gladly surrender myself to your guidance.
From that moment, the vow of silence was taken. The Master explained, “Your silence is for the purpose of finding the meaning of life. Like Bhagwan Mahāvir, you will keep silence to study the motives of your mind, and to purify your speech. Let it be a lock on the lips of excitement. It is not a rigid rule. A few words you will continue to speak. When you have questions we will talk with one another, and you will continue to study with Pannyas Shree Chandra Sāgarji. Whenever it is essential to speak, choose one word rather than many, or indicate your answer by writing it on a piece of paper. From time to time, I will call upon you to give a talk to the villagers, to share from your experience. But for the most part, you will be in vachangupti, keeping a watchful eye on all your thoughts, feelings, intentions, memories, dreams, and actions."
Munishree felt a new commitment to his inward journey. Keeping silence appealed to him, because he did not have to accept anyone's word on faith; he was eager to have his owrv experience and conduct his own self-inquiry. He bowed to his teacher and went to meditate in a quiet corner of the monastery where they were spending that night.
In and Out of Silence
We are all walking the path to inner perfection, to selfrevelation. For some, it is a conscious journey, accelerated by
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