SILENCE AMIDST NOISE

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SILENCE AMIDST NOISE

 

It is one of our pet ideas that if we could somehow run away from

the world to the solitary Himalayan heights, to some mountain caves

or hermitages, we will be able to solve the problem of the quiet

mind. The panacea is "solitude" and it is believed that it can be

found only away from our work schedules, from our daily chores, away

from the people we are used to. How can we do anything about the

mind unless we are able to somehow escape from intrusions by others

who keep spoiling the meditation time by visiting and chatting? Thus

thinking, we seek nature's quiet spots. The desire to be alone, to

keep off company, is for the purpose of tackling the mind free from

outside disturbance.

 

There some others like Paul Brunton who look upon changes from one's

ordinary life as, "a strategic retreat from the world". Having

launched upon a feverish pursuit of work, used to looking with

dismay at an empty page in the engagement diary or even a gap of few

minutes, these retreats to scenic spots are regarded as a balancing

factor. Time would then be available to learn about the subtlety

and vagaries of the mind, its whims and fancies, since the normal

run does not provide any leisure for such meditation or reflection.

This is their attitude and hope that "far from the madding crowd" an

understanding of the mind would come. Naïve it may be but a common

belief. One can well understand the love of "lonely" spots in the

conviction that then it is possible to be "alone". True, nature's

fascination can be under-rated. It has its own magic, its own charm

which goes to the very pore of one's bones. By all means if one's

circumstances permit it, if karma is kind in this regard, one can

resort to such places, where the mind is easily harmonious and

restful. But then, it does not need argument to show that such

changes in environment or circumstances may not be possible for all

or at times of one's choice. Often, carefully laid plans break. Some

one or the other, some totally unexpected event or the other would

put a spanner in the works. Instead of the joy of the much looked

forward to. Disappointment would stare one in the face.

 

Do we need to regret this? Can we afford to place the all important

need for a silent mind in the hands of some outer circumstance such

as a suitable environment away from work. In overrating the

importance of solitude perhaps we have not understood what solitude

really means. Looking at it fundamentally, the underlying assumption

behind the linking of the mind's quietness with a place with

soothing surroundings only may be an error. "Solitude" says

Ramana, "is in the mind of man". It means making the mind still.

This can be done in a crowd also. "Solitude cannot efface one's

thoughts. Practice does it. The same practice can be made here too".

Solitude per se cannot bring about a cessation of thoughts. What is

required is positive effort to bring it about.

 

This position is consistent with Ramana's teachings that

circumstances are pre-ordained and not of our making while at the

same time the freedom to get back to the natural silence of the pure

mind is unfettered. The opportunity of discovering the silent mind

is open to all. It does not really matter if outer circumstances,

like pursuit of one's sadhana (method of spiritual discipline) in a

conducive environment, is available or not. If the sun of a

favourable fortune shines, by all means let one make hay. If,

however, the situation is dark let it not deter. One can see the

stark reality of what Ramana says. The obligation to practice the

quest, to search within for the source of the mind cannot be excused

away, even if the circumstances are not to one's liking. For,

practice alone can rid the mind of its trappings, of its addiction

to thought.

 

Hunting the "I" with the twin invincible weapons provided by Ramana,

one had to dive within. Entering as a pearl diver would with breath

and mind control, persisting beyond the lulls of the mind, one

arrives at the source of the mind only to be lost in the vastness of

the mind's space. When the mind is not crowded with thoughts it

becomes free and spacious. It is like removing furniture from the

room which is cluttered with it. Then, the very act of removing

furniture makes it spacious. Space was not created. It was there

before. The furniture had cramped it. When the mind is freed from

noise within, a deep and vibrant peace would prevail.

 

NOTE: TAKEN FROM "THE SILENT MIND", BY A. R. NATARAJAN, PAGES 26 AND

27.