The highest teaching in the world is Silence.
There is nothing higher than this. A devotee who sits with a sage purifies his mind just by being with the sage. The mind automatically becomes purified. No words exchanged, no words said. Silence is the ultimate reality. Everything exists in this world through Silence.
True silence really means going deep within yourself to that place where nothing is happening, where you transcend time and space. You go into a brand new dimension of nothingness. That's where all the power is. That's your real home. That's where you really belong, in deep Silence where there is no good and bad, no one trying to achieve anything. Just being, pure being.
The only freedom you'll ever have is when you go deep into the Silence and you transcend, transmute the universe, your body and your affairs.
Teachings of Robert Adams a disciple of Sri Ramana Maharshi. Source - The Mountain Path - 1993 - Aradhana Issue page 25
Explanation - Additional Information
The concept of silence as the highest teaching, as you eloquently shared, goes beyond the mere absence of sound. It reflects a profound state of inner stillness and spiritual depth that transcends the external world. In the silence of the mind, true knowledge and wisdom arise. Here, we can explore its deeper meaning, symbolism, and practical applications, drawing insights from Hindu philosophy, stories, and modern-day relevance.
Symbolism and Importance of Silence in Hinduism
In Hinduism, silence (often called mauna) is considered a powerful tool for spiritual growth and self-realization. It is symbolic of inner peace, purity of the mind, and a connection to the divine. Silence represents the cessation of the noise of the world and the ego, allowing one to experience the Atman (the True Self) and the ultimate reality, Brahman.
In the Hindu scripture Mandukya Upanishad, the sacred sound AUM (Om) is divided into four parts, representing different states of consciousness. The fourth part is Turiya, which is pure silence, symbolizing the transcendental state where one merges with the ultimate reality. Turiya is the state beyond the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states, where one experiences the absolute.
Silence is seen as the means by which one attains moksha (liberation). By quieting the mind and silencing desires, one can free themselves from the samsara (cycle of birth and rebirth).
Example from Hindu Scriptures:
The great sage Ramana Maharshi, one of the most revered saints of modern India, often spoke of silence as the highest form of teaching. His famous quote, "Silence is also conversation," reflects that the silent presence of a sage is more powerful than any spoken words. Many of his devotees would sit with him in complete silence and experience deep inner transformation without the need for verbal communication.
Ramana Maharshi emphasized the practice of self-inquiry (atma-vichara)—asking the question, "Who am I?"—to go beyond the mind, thoughts, and ego. The answer to this question is found in the silent, unchanging presence within.
The Silence of Sage Ashtavakra:
In the Ashtavakra Gita, the sage Ashtavakra teaches King Janaka about the ultimate reality in a simple yet profound manner. Ashtavakra often suggests that it is not through excessive talking or intellectualizing but through stillness that one attains knowledge. One verse states, “You are the one witness of everything, and are always completely free. The cause of your bondage is that you see the witness as something other than this.”
This points to the idea that the witnessing awareness—the silent observer of thoughts and the world—is the true self.
Modern-Day Relevance and Practicality:
In today's world, where we are constantly bombarded with noise, distractions, and sensory overload, the practice of inner silence has never been more relevant. Silence is not just the absence of noise but also the quieting of our restless thoughts, desires, and mental chatter.
Practical Steps for Applying Silence in Daily Life:
Daily Meditation: Setting aside time each day for meditation or mindfulness can help cultivate an inner state of silence. Even 5-10 minutes of sitting in stillness, focusing on the breath, or observing thoughts without judgment can create a deep sense of peace.
Observing Mauna (Silence): Practicing mauna—intentional silence—for short periods throughout the day can help quiet the mind. For example, refraining from unnecessary speech, avoiding distractions, and being mindful of one's words can lead to more clarity and focus.
Mindful Presence: In daily interactions, instead of always reacting or speaking, one can practice mindful listening. Silence often deepens understanding and connection. It helps create space for others to express themselves fully.
Simplifying the Mind: Reducing mental clutter—whether through simplifying one's schedule, reducing social media use, or being less reactive to external stimuli—can foster a deeper connection with one's true nature. In a world of constant activity, finding moments of quiet can nourish the soul.
Silence in the Bhagavad Gita:
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of silence in attaining wisdom. In Chapter 10, verse 38, Krishna declares:
"maunaṁ caivāsmi guhyānāṁ"
("Among secrets, I am silence.")
This highlights that silence is a secret, subtle power that contains immense spiritual depth. It is in the silence that the Divine can be found. Krishna further teaches that through equanimity, self-discipline, and controlling the mind, one can attain freedom from desires and reach the state of sthita-prajna (one who is steadfast in wisdom).
Simple Story: Silence of Lord Shiva
One of the most powerful symbols of silence in Hinduism is Lord Shiva, who often sits in deep meditation atop Mount Kailash. Shiva represents the stilling of the mind and the dissolution of the ego. In one popular story, when the gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain nectar, they inadvertently created poison. Lord Shiva, without a word, drank the poison to save the universe. His silence here represents inner strength, control, and detachment from the outcomes.
Quotes from Hindu Scriptures:
- "Silence is the language of God, all else is poor translation." – Rumi (though Rumi was not Hindu, this quote beautifully resonates with the idea of silence in Hindu teachings).
- "The less you speak, the more you listen, and the more you listen, the closer you come to the Truth." – Vivekananda.
Silence, as the highest teaching, is a powerful reminder that true wisdom lies beyond the words, thoughts, and emotions that typically occupy our consciousness. By entering the state of silence, one touches the deeper reality of life—the essence that transcends duality, time, and space.
In practical terms, cultivating inner silence offers immense benefits, such as greater peace, clarity, and resilience amidst the challenges of modern life. As we align with the silent presence within, we discover that this silence is indeed our true home, our real nature—unchanging, peaceful, and eternal.
In the end, silence isn't just an escape from the world but a gateway to understanding the essence of everything. Through silence, one can reconnect with the divine, experience true freedom, and live from a place of pure being.