Only Changeable Can Be Talked About - Unchangeable Can Only Be Realized In Silence - Hinduism Teaching
The Changeable: Words and the World of Duality
Words are the tools of expression, used to convey ideas, emotions, and concepts. They operate in the realm of the changeable — a domain characterized by form, motion, and duality. The material world, or maya, as described in Hindu philosophy, is ever-changing. The Bhagavad Gita (2:16) states:
"That which is unreal has no being; that which is real never ceases to be."
This verse highlights the ephemeral nature of the world we experience through our senses. Everything we see, hear, or talk about is subject to time and transformation. Language itself is a product of this changing world; it relies on distinctions, such as light and dark, joy and sorrow, or life and death, to make sense. Words are inherently dualistic, as they seek to describe phenomena that are bound by space and time.
The Rig Veda (10.129.2) articulates this beautifully:
"In the beginning, there was neither existence nor non-existence; there was neither the realm of space nor the sky beyond."
This ancient hymn reminds us that language arises only after differentiation occurs. Before the manifestation of creation, silence prevailed, and with it, the unchangeable reality.
The Unchangeable: Silence and the Realm of the Eternal
In contrast, the unchangeable is beyond words, beyond duality, and beyond the reach of the intellect. This eternal truth, referred to as Brahman in Hinduism, is infinite, formless, and immutable. The Mundaka Upanishad (2.2.5) declares:
"The imperishable is the real; it is beyond sound, touch, form, and taste; it is eternal, without beginning or end."
Brahman, as the ultimate reality, cannot be captured by speech or thought. The Kena Upanishad (1:3) emphasizes this ineffability:
"That which speech cannot express, but which enables speech to express, know that alone to be Brahman."
Realizing this unchangeable truth requires silence — both external and internal. Silence here is not merely the absence of noise but a profound stillness of the mind, free from the chatter of thoughts and desires. Saints and sages emphasize meditation and self-inquiry as paths to this realization. Ramana Maharshi, a revered Indian saint, stated:
"Silence is the eternal flow of language. Words obstruct that silence."
This silence is the gateway to self-realization, where the seeker transcends the mutable realm of words and forms to experience the eternal truth.
The Science Behind Silence
Modern science corroborates the wisdom of silence as a means to access deeper truths. Neuroscience reveals that meditative practices and silence can significantly alter brain activity. Studies show that silence activates the default mode network (DMN) of the brain, associated with introspection, self-awareness, and creativity. Prolonged silence has been found to:
Reduce Stress: Silence lowers cortisol levels, promoting mental and physical well-being.
Enhance Cognitive Clarity: Quieting the mind improves focus and decision-making.
Foster Emotional Resilience: Silence cultivates a sense of inner peace, helping individuals navigate life’s uncertainties.
In essence, silence aligns the mind with the unchangeable, offering a glimpse into the profound stillness that lies at the heart of existence.
Relevance in Modern Life
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the wisdom of silence and the unchangeable has never been more relevant. Social media, instant messaging, and 24/7 connectivity have amplified the realm of the changeable, often leaving individuals overwhelmed and disconnected from their inner selves. Embracing silence can serve as a counterbalance to this chaos.
Mindfulness practices, rooted in ancient traditions, have gained immense popularity for their ability to restore balance. By observing silence, even briefly, individuals can:
Reconnect with their true essence.
Gain perspective on fleeting worries and attachments.
Access a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.
Practicality of Embracing the Unchangeable
While the unchangeable may seem abstract, it is profoundly practical. Recognizing the eternal amidst the transient fosters equanimity. The Bhagavad Gita (2:47) advises:
"You have the right to perform your actions, but not to the fruits thereof."
This teaching encourages individuals to focus on their efforts while remaining detached from outcomes. Such detachment becomes easier when one understands the fleeting nature of the changeable and the permanence of the unchangeable.
Daily practices to integrate this wisdom include:
Meditation: Spending time in silence to observe the mind and transcend its fluctuations.
Self-Inquiry: Asking questions like "Who am I?" to peel away layers of identity tied to the changeable.
Gratitude: Acknowledging the beauty of the impermanent while anchoring oneself in the eternal.
Journaling: Writing down thoughts to discern between the transient and the timeless.
Insights from Hindu Saints and Gurus
Hindu saints and gurus have long emphasized the interplay between the changeable and the unchangeable. Swami Vivekananda proclaimed:
"The moment I have realized God sitting in the temple of every human body, the moment I stand in reverence before every human being and see God in them — that moment I am free."
This realization transcends words and can only be experienced in silence and contemplation. Similarly, Adi Shankaracharya, the proponent of Advaita Vedanta, taught that:
"Brahman is the only reality; the world is illusory; the individual self is not different from Brahman."
These teachings guide seekers to shift their focus from the ephemeral to the eternal, from talking about changeable phenomena to realizing the unchangeable truth.
Benefits of Understanding This Wisdom
Inner Peace: Realizing the unchangeable brings a sense of calm amidst life’s turbulence.
Resilience: Understanding the impermanence of difficulties fosters emotional strength.
Spiritual Growth: Silence paves the way for self-realization and unity with the divine.
Improved Relationships: By transcending ego-driven conversations, individuals cultivate empathy and connection.
The teaching that "only the changeable can be talked about, while the unchangeable can only be realized in silence" serves as a profound reminder of the dual nature of existence. The changeable, expressed through words and actions, is an integral part of life but ultimately fleeting. The unchangeable, on the other hand, is the eternal substratum that can only be accessed through silence and self-realization.
By embracing this wisdom, individuals can navigate the complexities of modern life with greater clarity, purpose, and peace. Anchoring oneself in the unchangeable allows one to witness the dance of change without losing sight of the eternal silence that underlies it all. This journey from words to silence, from change to permanence, is the essence of spiritual evolution and the key to a fulfilled life.