There are plenty of benefits in being mouna (silent), especially during arguments, conflicts or difference of opinions. If we are able to maintain silence consciously, it means we have managed to diffuse a situation by exercising self-control from within. We have succeeded in staying calm rather than losing control and becoming emotional.
Let’s analyze this path of success...
The reason for conflicts?
The main reason behind any conflict, difference of opinion or an argument with others is our own intellect. When we listen to what our intellect is telling us, we become emotional. This leads us into expressing our thoughts with a personal bias, attached to it. Therefore, these words harm others.
When there is the slightest element of insistence, expectation or biased opinion in our mind, it could lead to conflicts, because the intellect and the ego then combine together and make us speak harshly and relentlessly to get our point right. However, if we decide to remain silent in such a situation, it will turn things around.
“However much silence you behold, that amount of intellect will stop”.
The intellect subsides in proportion to the amount of silence you hold on to. Silence will follow the cessation of intellect.
Benefits of maintaining silence:
Stops an argument from getting out of control.
We learn to appreciate the point of view of others.
Helps our intuition during conflictual times.
Makes us open-minded and appreciative of a broader viewpoint.
People won’t get unnecessarily hurt.
We give up by trying to be right.
We do not hold onto our point of view only.
Being silent should not be mistaken with sulking, emotional intimidation or getting things your way though; it is silence with good intentions that makes one humble, open-minded and more understanding. Our inner intent should always be that of, “May no living being be hurt even to the slightest extent through my mind, speech, and body.”
How does Silence help in spiritual progress?
‘Intellect’ prevents our progress on the path of spirituality. Since intellect is always looking for justice, in every situation and with everyone, it never allows one to remain content and happy. The general tendency of the intellect is to find faults in everyone and have complaints for anything. So when we listen to such intellect, we endorse its opinions, and thus happen to blurt out words that are hash and hurtful.
However, for liberation, at the foundation lies one’s pure inner intent of not hurting any living being, even to the slightest extent, through their mind, speech and actions.
So, during arguments or disputes, if we hold our silence (mouna) with deliberation, we are maintaining our intent of not hurting others. This is indeed a positive and powerful step for spiritual progress.
Being Mouna with The Right Belief helps in Spiritual Progress.Generally, it is very tempting to be right while in a fight or an argument, however, the strength lies in being a mouna i.e. remaining silent, even if we believe that we are right. On our part, when we decide and maintain a strong resolve that we do not want to get involved in any friction with anyone, we do not want to hurt anyone to the slightest extent, that’s really the beginning of our right belief.
Going ahead with this firm resolution of ours will soon help us bring an end to all the conflicts in our life. It will result in a spontaneous, inner, intuitive approach within us, which will guarantee our liberation from all conflicts.
And when you let go, so will the other person! This helps resolve a lot of issues that otherwise led to fights and stress between the two. Later, when things calm down, both sides are in a better mindframe to discuss the matter and sort out the remaining issues very easily, peacefully and amicably. When issues get resolved and relations become harmonious, it paves a smooth way for an uninterrupted spiritual progress not only for us, but for all involved!
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Ambalal M. Patel was a civil contractor by profession. In June 1958, spontaneous Self-Realization occurred within Ambalal M. Patel. From this point on, Ambalal became a Gnani Purush, and the Lord that manifest within him became known as Dada Bhagwan. A Gnani Purush is One who has realized the Self and is able help others do the same. Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan used to go from town to town and country-to-country to give satsang (spiritual discourse) and impart the knowledge of the Self, as well as knowledge of harmonious worldly interactions to everyone who came to meet him. This spiritual science, known as Akram Vignan, is the step-less path to Self-realization