Paramhansa Yogananda was once asked why his most advanced disciple, Rajarsi Janakananda, made such rapid spiritual progress. Yogananda replied, “He knows how to listen.”
Our minds are like short-wave radios: when the switch is set to “broadcast,” all we can hear is our own voice talking. A busy, chattering mind is always in “sending mode,” which prevents us from experiencing anything new. We only begin to hear when the switch is turned to “receive.” Similarly, true inspiration comes when the mind is calm and listening. Talking less is a marvelous practice for deepening one’s receptivity in meditation.
Paramhansa Yogananda said that most people use only one-tenth of their ability to concentrate. When you restrain your speech and practice silence, the mind becomes less impulsive. It is not always possible, or appropriate, to be completely silent, but we can practice being quiet. It is estimated that only a tiny part of our speech—some say 1%—is due to the demands of our outer environment. The rest of the time the urge to talk comes from the desire to relate to others. The admonishment given in monasteries, "Do not speak unless you can improve on the silence," is a helpful guideline for appropriate speech and staying inwardly receptive.
Our minds are like short-wave radios: when the switch is set to “broadcast,” all we can hear is our own voice talking. A busy, chattering mind is always in “sending mode,” which prevents us from experiencing anything new. We only begin to hear when the switch is turned to “receive.” Similarly, true inspiration comes when the mind is calm and listening. Talking less is a marvelous practice for deepening one’s receptivity in meditation.
Paramhansa Yogananda said that most people use only one-tenth of their ability to concentrate. When you restrain your speech and practice silence, the mind becomes less impulsive. It is not always possible, or appropriate, to be completely silent, but we can practice being quiet. It is estimated that only a tiny part of our speech—some say 1%—is due to the demands of our outer environment. The rest of the time the urge to talk comes from the desire to relate to others. The admonishment given in monasteries, "Do not speak unless you can improve on the silence," is a helpful guideline for appropriate speech and staying inwardly receptive.
How to practice the art of being quiet:
1. Concentrate more on listening to life. Avoid the sense that you have to direct it.
2. Remain centered in yourself.
3.When you feel the urge to talk, restrain your first impulse to do so. Ask yourself, “Will my words contribute to the situation? Improve on the silence? Bless others?”
4.When you break your silence, speak as long as you feel inspiration but no longer; then return to the silence.
1. Concentrate more on listening to life. Avoid the sense that you have to direct it.
2. Remain centered in yourself.
3.When you feel the urge to talk, restrain your first impulse to do so. Ask yourself, “Will my words contribute to the situation? Improve on the silence? Bless others?”
4.When you break your silence, speak as long as you feel inspiration but no longer; then return to the silence.
5. Enjoy the tranquility. Express a sense of inner calmness in everything you do.
Practice regularly the technique of being quiet. The more you do, the more you will experience its benefits: increased energy, deep concentration in meditation and outward activity, and inner serenity.
Bharat Cornell
