A relative was recently discussing an experience of a silent spiritual retreat.
I’ve heard of these before, but never had the courage to attempt one. Still won’t, I think.
But it’s interesting when you realize that verbal silence is only one aspect of it. The real mauna is in the ability to make the mind go quiet. Silencing the mouth is just a means to that end.
Apparently there are a few types of maunas.
Karna mauna: control of speech;
Kastha mauna: maintaining a neutral expression in every way;
Susupti mauna: clearing the mind of doubts, recognizing life’s transient nature and the role of the three Gunas, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas;
Maha mauna: achieving a complete cessation of thoughts
Clearly, shutting my mouth is far easier than the others!