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64 VIEWPOINT
SILENCE PROVIDES SANCTUARY
TOTHEC Samani Pratibhapraya (seated right)
SAMANI PRATIBHAPRAGYA SPEAKS FROM FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE
Jain Education International 2010_03
e live in a world of words - television, radio, Internet, telephone, text messaging, books, newspapers - the list is endless. Words are everywhere and hence silence is much more than simply the absence of
W
VV sound. To the seeker of the ultimate truth, silence is an important part
of daily spiritual discipline. In this technological age, the airwaves are filled with digital transmissions; our senses are attracted to multimedia that fills our minds with information, messages and thoughts. In our infatuation with the material world, the message of Jainism is more relevant than ever. We must look inwards to search for the peace and spiritual energy to realise our full potential. This can only occur when we achieve physical silence externally and mental silence internally.
The beauty of silence is that it requires less energy than speech, delivers more mental calm than thought and infuses the being with greater consciousness. Silence is strong despite its lack of speech. It enables one to listen to others, and to take great care in the words which come from the mouth. Regular practice acts as a natural filter, sending out only good thoughts and energies.
Lord Mahavir, spent the major part of the 12 years of his monkhood in sadhana - deep contemplative meditation in total silence. Acharanga Sutra states: "He tolerated all sorts of hardships, remaining unmoved from any distractions..." When his disciple Gautam Swami questioned the benefits of silence, Bhagwan Mahavir replied that the practitioner of silence attains complete thoughtlessness. Unfortunately, thoughts themselves can be victims of violence. In the last century, the great apostle of nonviolence Mahatma Gandhi, practised to remain silent one day in a week. Gandhiji said, "The divine radio is always singing if we could learn to tune, but it is impossible to listen without total silence."
The vow of silence (maun-vrata) is commonly practised during Paryushana and evidence clearly shows the boost in spiritual and material energy from this type of meditation. Jain spiritual practice defines three types of self-control: Man Gupti - control of mind, Vachan Gupti - control of speech and Kaya Gupti - control of body. Jain canonical literature contains many sutras pertaining to the control of speech - Apuchio na Bhasejja, Bhasmanssa Antre - one must not speak without asking, nor interrupt others. However, it is silence in the mind that one really yearns for. Ascetic practice, meditation and penance are merely aides to discipline the mind. Non-violence cannot be truly practised without the ability to generate positive thoughts and intentions. It is the limitation of our mind that prevents us from realising our true potential and this can only be overcome through inner silence.
Modern saints like Acharya Mahaprajna have reiterated the benefits of silence"Words once uttered get lost. Silence prevails forever. The song of the soul can only be heard in silence." Preksha Meditation is a positive practical technique for reaching into the soul and enjoying the experience of silence. Silence is free, it costs nothing at all. It can be practised anywhere at any time. For some people, it may be difficult initially to get rid of the 'noise' of worry, but if they persevere, silence will bring deep calmness. You can start with ten minutes each day, and increase the time with practice. More silence, less waste, more peace. Try it and see for yourself!
Samani Pratibhapragya is a teacher and nun based at Jain Vishwa Bharti, London and can be contacted at: jvblondon@yahoo.com
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