Ramana Maharshi says Silence is the most potent form of work

June 19, 2009

A very interesting account of Ramana’s silence is given by Major A.W.

Chadwick, also known as Sadhu Arunachala. Chadwick came to Ramana’s ashram on

Nov 1, 1935, having heard of Ramana though Brunton’s book Search (Chadwick, 11).

Chadwick asked Ramana about his vow of silence. Ramana said there was never any

vow, but he had observed how convenient it was:

…while living in temple at one time he found himself seated for a while by a

Sadhu who was observing such a vow and saw how convenient it was as the crowds

did not worry the Sadhu in the same way as they worried him. So for convenience

he pretended to copy him. “There was no vow, I just kept quiet, I spoke when it

was necessary,” he explained. I asked him how long this had continued. “For

about two years,” he replied. (Chadwick, 18)

Once he had achieved perfection, he just sought out quiet places where he

thought that he would not be disturbed and where he might enjoy Bliss.

It was all a dream anyhow, so why do anything about it? Just sit somewhere and

enjoy the Self. What did teaching others and helping the world signify? There

were no others (Chadwick, 19).

But it is clear that after Brunton wrote A Search in Secret India, Ramana

promoted this view of his powers of silence. Here are some quotations from

Ramana after the date of Brunton’s visit:

Lectures may entertain individuals for a few hours without improving them.

Silence on the other hand is permanent and benefits the whole of humanity

(Talks, 18; Jan. 30, 1935).

Public speeches, physical activity and material help are all outweighed by the

silence of Mahatmas. They accomplish more than others (Talks, 227; Oct. 23,

1936).

Preaching is simple communication of knowledge. It may be done in Silence, too.

(Talks, 243; Nov. 18, 1936).

Silence is the most potent form of work (Talks, 370; April 14, 1937).

Guru’s silence is the loudest upadesa [instruction] …If the Guru is silent the

seeker’s mind gets purified by itself. (Talks, 501; Sept. 27, 1938).

Silence is “eternal eloquence” (Talks, 141; Feb. 24/1936).

There are no 'others' to be helped. For the Realized Being sees only the

Self…The Realized One does not see the world as different form Himself.

Source: Paul Brunton and Ramana Maharshi by Dr. J. Glenn Friesen Book

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Om namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya

Prasanth Jalasutram

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