Periyava Golden Quote

Periyava Golden Quotes-1010

The initial state of thoughtlessness is called ‘Layam” and the ultimate state of thoughtlessness is ‘Samadhi’. When the mind stops its oscillation and becomes empty, if it starts thinking of Eswara, is it not the means to regenerate those thoughts? If through rigorous practice one trains the mind to be empty, then one might feel that is just emptiness and not a joyful experience; thinking so, if one brings the thought of Eswara to mind, will not other unwanted thoughts come crowding to the mind? Consequently, one may feel that even if one does not have a joyous experience or sense of completeness, it is better to remain in this empty state than allow unwanted thoughts to clutter the mind.

After having steadied the mind to some extent and trained it to remain thoughtless one need not worry about Eswara Smaranai – constantly thinking of Eswara – because the mind will not wander in an evil direction, after this stage. After a being surrenders his heart to Him with great efforts, Eswara will not allow such a being to go astray. Even though love and devotion for the Eswara are thoughts the mind will gradually learn to submerge itself in the Ultimate Silence. – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-1009

The Brahma Thathva (Divine Supreme), ‘Para Brahmam’ cannot be understood by words or thoughts. It can be realized only though sheer silence wherein the words or the mind do not have a role to play (Mouna Vyaakyaa Prakatitha Parabrahma Thatvam). The Brahma Thathva which cannot be explained with words is described only through silence. Initially, there is the discarding of all unnecessary thoughts through observance of silence. Then this emptiness is filled with thoughts of Eswara. Then this dichotomy between the Self and the Supreme vanishes and there occurs the thoughtless state where one merges with Eswara. If one is careful not to remain at that state of emptiness, everything will eventually work out. One can reach the ultimate Divine state. The initial state of thoughtlessness is called ‘Layam” and the ultimate state of thoughtlessness is ‘Samadhi’. – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-1008

When a person attempts to remain completely thoughtless, a stage may come when the mind becomes empty. Thoughts may not arise but it will be a state of complete blankness. But it will not be a state of spiritual experience. Even though the mind has stopped its wandering, the Divine Spiritual light may not manifest itself. This is an unenlightened state. The ultimate spiritual experience is one of Complete Awareness. The light mentioned here is not fire. It refers to the Light Wisdom. The English language also refers to such a state as enlightenment or illumination. This knowledge is not obtained by any kind of research. It is a negation of duality and the subsequent self-awareness. Sometimes, in a state of slumber, one may have a feeling of absolute emptiness but one should not get scared. If we continue to ardently strive for the vision of the Divine Supreme or the Soul, gradually one will be led to that Divine state, from no thought to God thought. It will be sheer Divine Bliss without even an iota of suffering unlike the current state of numerous distractions. Then a state of Supreme Realization will be attained, a feeling of oneness with the Divine and the mind with its thoughts will disappear and a contented, absolute silence will ensue. – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-1007

The scriptures state that not only silence should be observed but thoughts must also be controlled (‘Dhurshaneem Kinchith Achinthayeth”). This is indeed a difficult proposition. Even if one chooses to observe this deliberately, one may feel that the desire to remain quiet is in itself a thought which is an activity of the mind. ‘Sindhaiyai Adakiye Summaa Irukkum Thiran Aridhu’ has been told because of this.  This is the reason it is said that the ability to control the flow of thoughts and keeping quiet is rare. But if a sincere attempt is made with dedication, then by the Grace of the Divine Supreme, the goal will be gradually attained. Only the effort is in our hands. The ultimate result can be bestowed on us only by the blessing of the Divine Supreme. Hence if one yearns to remain absolutely quiet in the mind (as Thayumaanavar said – ‘Summaa’) and puts in the effort to do so, one day God will bless us. – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-1006

If the water is being churned constantly, how can the pearl inside be visible? When so many thoughts are churning the mind, the Soul – the pearl inside is not visible. True silence is to still the waves of thought. Keeping quiet is an instrument to achieve this goal. Sri Adi Sankara has said in ‘Viveka Choodamani’ that Silence is the first threshold when one seeks to enter the Kingdom of Yoga: “Yogasya Prathamam Dwaaram Vaangnirodha:” (Shloka 367) – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-1005

If we accustom ourselves to true silence, our ‘human’ reactions and characteristics will change. The spark inside us-the Divine spark-the spark which is dull, as though covered by ashes, because of the life we lead (motivated by our senses) will start glowing through the Sadhana of Silence. The glow will continue to increase in intensity as it seeks to merge with that Divine Spark from which it came. As this happens, our fiery senses will start calming down and eventually only the glow of the soul will remain like a lamp steadily glowing in a windless place – the glow which has no distinction as the Jeevatma or the Paramatma, this being the ultimate culmination of Silence. – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-1004

When we are in a state of deep sleep, if an ant crawls over us, we rub it off. If a cold wind blows, we cover ourselves with a blanket. We turn sides. When we get up in the morning, we are not aware of these things. We would have performed all these tasks without being aware of them. Not even in that state of deep sleep we have lost the attachment towards the physical self, hence these actions are performed to protect the body. All actions are performed by the nerves under the directions of the brain; attachment towards the physical self is so ingrained. Many actions are performed involuntarily by the nervous system, without any desire on our part. One laughs if he is touched in a particular way on the neck or waist. Fear makes one nervous or great distress churns the stomach. If a person yawns, the others near him do the same. These are involuntary actions of our nervous system.

How will it be in True Silence? In True silence, one will not be aware even if a python crawls over the body. There will be no reflex action. One will be like a statue without any awareness of heat or cold. Since one ceases to identify himself with the body, the desire to protect the body will disappear, even involuntarily. The nervous system is under control. Such a person is the ‘Jitendriya’ who has conquered all the senses. – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-1003

In the beginning, it will be impossible, indeed, to put an end to all tasks and thoughts and keep quiet. At such a stage, it is better to start keeping quiet with at least the aid of gestures and written communication. After all, even if one communicates through gestures and writing, one cannot be as talkative as he or she is while employing the instrument of speech. Does not one exercise some control over the tongue which is all the time desirous of uttering one thing or other? That is a good beginning. Gradually one can give up the activities of the restless mind, and achieve that state of silence which is like an ocean without waves, a state of true peace. One should start at some point even if there may be some drawbacks. With practice, the drawbacks will disappear and one will be blessed with that seamless state of complete silence. This practice is an instrument for the worship of Eswara. Later at the stage of completion, this Silence will glow with Divinity as true Realization wherein the Divinity is revealed in the Silence when we realize that Eswara is not separate and we don’t have to worship him. The ideal state of True silence is wherein not only does the mouth not speak but the eye does not see, the ear does not listen and above all, thoughts too are stilled. – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-1002

Observing silence also means that one does not express any opinions. There is no point in communicating through gestures while keeping quiet. When it is absolutely necessary to communicate, one can write and show. When one is determined to observe ‘Kaashta Mounam’ – to remain absolutely wooden, one should certainly not communicate even through gestures or writing.– Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-1001

Srimad Bhagavad Gita declares that the person who does not eat or sleep does not acquire Yogic powers (‘Naathyachnasthu Yogosthi…Jaakratho Naiva Saarjuna). However in order to facilitate this general rule the shastras declare that one should fast, stay awake and meditate upon Eswara on those special blessed days. Lord Krishna Himself has upheld the undeniable validity of the Sastras (Thasmaath Shaastram Pramaanam The’). – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-1000

On those days of fasting when we do not open the mouth for the purpose of eating, another rule also has to be followed. One should not close the eyes on those days. One should stay awake throughout the night spending the time on thinking, singing, and reading about Bhagawan. Because of the silence that is being observed, the strength and concentration to remain awake is also created. Keeping awake does not mean merely keeping one’s eyes open throughout the day. We stay awake during Sivarathri and Vaikunta Ekadasi. (A practice has developed by which one keeps awake in the nights on these days by watching films there by packing off the ‘Punnya’ to be earned.)  This rule of staying awake applies to every Ekadasi. One has to follow not ‘Bhojana Dvayam’ but ‘Bhojana Thrayam’ during Ekadasi.  That means along with Upavasam and Bhajans, one should also stay awake (‘Jaakaranam’) during the night. – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-999

When one discusses all sorts of things or elaborates on undesirable matters or abuses many, the Goddess of Speech, Saraswathi is disrespected. To expiate this sin, it is a practice to observe silence on the day of Moolam star, the star of Saraswathi. One should meditate silently at least for half an hour every day. – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-998

When fasting and silence come together, in other words, when the mouth is denied its two allotted tasks, one can realize from experience that the mind turns towards spirituality. So when one observes fasting to appease the deity close to their heart as on Sivarathiri, Sashti or Ekadasi it can be accompanied by silence. The devotees of Ambal observe silence during the nine days of the festival of Navarathri. – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-996

One can observe complete silence on Mondays, Thursdays or on Ekadasi. Since Mondays and Thursdays are working days one can observe silence on Sundays-at least for half a day. – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-995

Similar to the way in which Dharma Sastras have prescribed days on which fasting can be observed specific periods have also been mentioned for observing silence. It is also stated that one should not talk while eating. Since the mouth has to do the work of both talking and eating, only one work should be given to it at one time. This rule enables one to control the taste also. When one is eating quietly, one cannot choose the food or ask for more of salt or ghee, is it not? – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-994

The Upanishads states that the Sage who has attained the status of a Brahma Gnani (a person who has experienced the Ultimate Divine Supreme) gives up both speech and silence. In the initial stages after educating himself he engages in a number of debates and arguments and eventually realizes the Ultimate Truth. Then he gives up his knowledge and speech and is all the time in a state of meditation. Then when he becomes Brahma Gnani, the Upanishads state that he gives up both speech and speechlessness. How is it possible? Either one should give up speech and be silent or one should give up silence and start speaking. How to give up both? It is possible to understand this conundrum only if one attains the state of this Gnani. He will not have any personal opinion about speech or silence. Even if some advice comes for him for the blessings of this world, he will not think he is speaking. Even if Parasakthi places him like Dakshinamoorthy to convey the greatest message through sheer silence, the Gnani will not think he is observing Mounam. This is what is meant by the state beyond silence and speech. It is a goal far away from us. In practice we should start practicing silence gradually.  – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-993

A sage or Muni is one who has controlled his mind. The word means that whatever is the character of the Sage is silence. There is a general opinion that silence is the foremost characteristic of a sage and hence the word ‘Mounam” itself has come to mean keeping quiet. Though this is the characteristic of a person who has controlled his mind it also helps the novices like us who have not yet controlled their minds to attain that superior state. – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-992

The means to control the mind is to control each of the senses. The mouth has to be controlled in matters of both food and talk. Silence is the virtue which enables us to control the constant urge to express ourselves through one statement or other. If we are able to achieve this, controlling the mind becomes easy. – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-991

Is speech not the root cause of all arguments? When we observe silence for one day, such arguments will be avoided at least on that day. ‘Mounam Kalaham Naasthi’, this is also a social service. Silence has the power not only to prevent such wrong things but also to bestow lots of good things upon us in the form of different kinds of prosperity! (‘Mounam Sarvaartha Saathakam’)  –Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

Periyava Golden Quotes-990

Nowadays there is too much of talking.  With the mushroom growth of orators wherever you see loudspeakers are used whether it be a meeting or other functions like marriages and it is an affliction. When one observes this one feels that silence not only benefits the person who observes it but it is a social service indeed!  – Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal