Silence of Mind

Outer verbal silence means little without inner silence of mind. Most of us are speaking
through our thoughts all the time, either to ourselves or to imagined other people we are
involved with or would like to influence, plotting and rehearsing what we would like to say to
them.

Our thoughts are more erratic, disturbed, over emotional or out of control than what we say
because they move more quickly and don’t have to face direct resistance from the outside that
speaking to others entails.

Yet we cannot have silence of mind without a corresponding control of the vocal organ.
Silence of speech, speaking little, speaking kindly, speaking the truth, or chanting mantras are
among the best spiritual practices, and form the foundation for a genuine sadhana.

Mauna is more important for deeper Yoga practices than Asana. Without Mauna or silence of
outer and inner speech, any asana will be cluttered with thoughts and unnecessary verbiage,
like blockages in the muscles. Mauna creates stability for the mind, an inner seat or asana for
the meditation.

Mauna is necessary for Pranayama because speech and thought are the main areas where we
waste or lose prana. Speech arises from exhalation. If we cannot control speech we cannot
control exhalation or breathing overall.

Mauna is the basis of Pratyahara, which is control of the senses and motor organs from the
standpoint of a higher awareness. Without mastery of speech, there can be no control of the
senses or motor organs on any level.