mounadeeksha

Sri Swamiji’s speech about the Silence Seminar/Mouna Deeksha in Germany, given from the balcony during Sri Bala Swamiji's discourse on Sivananda Lahari:

Sivananda Lahari gives Vairagya/dispassion and Jnana/spiritual knowledge. Soundarya Lahari of Mother Goddess gives bhakti and bliss. For all lifetimes it benefits. I am happy you are listening to the Sivananda Lahari.

3 days of Mounam will be observed in Germany. What will they do? From sunrise to sunset they will practice Mouna/silence. Then sleep without speaking. Generally man speaks with mind and sense organs. Mouth is used extensively. When it is suppressed, the mind talks. Not speaking even with the mind is dhyana Kriya – that is true silence. Dhyana with mouna. Meditation is silence but people internally ponder over some philosophical concept or chant a mantra. Mouna is where we should not even do that. In sleep alone we think that we are silent. In Dhyana we think that we are thinking of God and it is not wrong; no matter how you argue, the real silence is silencing the mind. Not chanting of God’s name also. Only the breath should be focused on. Only soham hamsoham. Only in silence the mind is satisfied.

Mounam kalaham nasti. Kalaham is quarrel with people, about money or about people. Kalaham also is internal conflict and internal arguments, calculations, joy, sorrow, and the nine types of Vikaras/distortions of mind. Mouna eradicates them all. We then do not have the taste of the sense organs or the desires associated with them. We must take up this challenging task. It is so powerful, this Mouna. No matter how much penance or Karma you do, this type of perfect silence gives a superior multifold power. It gives radiance. Thereafter, at least for 2 hrs. a day you must practice silence. No music, no TV and no bhajans. Only see the Sun. Do Surya Namaskara. At least for half an hour each day you practice this silence.

First I have explained the fruit, the benefit to be gained by the practice of Mouna. Both body and mind become powerful and concentrated. Asana siddhi is attained. Radiance and strength are achieved. No sign language should be used. Only concentrate on the breath.

The tongue becomes totally empowered by this practice. It will be only used for good words. Even one bad word uttered will turn everything we say and do to turn to poison. Mouna is not simply tying a cloth to the mouth. Mouna earns all kinds of benefits.

Satvic, moderate quantity of food should be taken. White clothing is to be worn; do not see other colors with the eyes. The clothes should be clean. Bathe twice. Eat moderately and have food with no salt or pepper. Then control is achieved. Do not be near close and intimate persons. You will accidentally speak. You must tie a cloth to the mouth to remind you to be silent. Otherwise after one hour suddenly you may speak without intending to. After the control is achieved, the cloth may be removed. Only listen to the sound of your own breathing. Inhalation and exhalation.

Uchitaasanam/comfortable seating should be used. Keep a distance from others. Guru dhyanam is also not allowed. No exception. If you wish for the full reward, then engage in no negotiations. The reward is that the blood, body, and Nadis/subtle invisible energy channels in the body - all get purified. Mind will become very peaceful. The decisions taken afterwards will be very firm and correct. Otherwise, we waver in our decisions. Direct decision making will be acquired. Control of food intake and control of the sense organs will be achieved. Meditation will become steady. Mouna will do half the job for you.

Mouna will prepare you for your good contemplation. You can then envision a light at the top of the nose and concentration will be achieved. Thereafter health will be excellent. As per the requirements based on the stage in life, as a celibate (brahmachari), or a householder, or an aged person, the duties may be followed. Wrong decisions will be prevented.

Mounam sakalam siddhi. No more conflicts will be there with the demands of the sense organs. To do it in the presence of Guru is most excellent. It is a great privilege. In dhyana you go to different levels. You keep a drone of shruti/steady tone.

Thereafter you may do karma. Bhakti will be the end result. Even heart disease, kidneys, the 14 nerves will be cleansed. It will create a path for meditation and good health. Guru's grace and good personality will result.

Celibacy, no speaking, not sharing bed, twice daily bath, Satvic food, no listening to any pleasing music even – these are the conditions. After this training, in the next stage, you may listen to music. Now not even Nama smarana. This is the most challenging Vrata/austerity. I am going to conduct this. We will all follow this. On that day, you will receive further instructions.