I’ve always wondered about Vipassana retreats and Mauna Vrat. Maun, or silence, is the language of true worship, capturing Ashabda Brahmn, the soundless word. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says, “maunam chaiva’smi guhyanam” – Of secrets, I am also silence.
Practicing Maun Sadhana celebrates the Divine within. By closing our senses, silence fosters deep self-understanding. Figures like Buddha and Mahavir, who embraced silence, significantly contributed to global peace.
There are at least 4 types of silent practices (I learn new stuff every day!).
Maun Sadhana starts with Vak Mauna, silence of speech. Next is Chitta Mauna, silence of the mind, including Buddhi Mauna (intellect), Ahamkara Mauna (ego), and Iccha Mauna (desire). Indriya Mauna is the silence of the senses.
Incorporating Maun Sadhana daily, even briefly, is said to bring inner peace and strengthen our connection with the Divine.