— Acharya Deep Chand Bhardwaj
The practice of maun is extremely beneficial in modern life. Human existence today is filled with worries, stress and tension. A disturbed lifestyle and constant noise have affected mental peace, and in such an environment, the practice of maun proves highly effective for maintaining a healthy and balanced mind.
The word maun means silence, while vrat means a vow. Thus, maun vrat literally signifies taking a vow of silence. It is a conscious withdrawal from unnecessary external engagement in order to turn inward—much like temporarily closing a system for spiritual maintenance and renewal.
Maun is primarily an internal discipline of the mind, not merely the stopping of speech. In Yogdarshan, Maharishi Patanjali explains that silence increases the strength and energy of the mind. Our ancient rishis believed that maun is a gateway to spiritual peace and bliss, as meaningless conversation dissipates mental and vital energy.
Modern science also acknowledges that silence has a direct impact on physical and mental health. Through the practice of maun, one attains inner peace, sharper concentration and enhanced creativity. While for an ordinary person maun may simply mean not speaking, in the spiritual path of sadhana, its meaning is far deeper and more profound.
Maun is a means of understanding that which lies beyond words. This inner silence becomes the doorway to the soul and to infinity. It is a state where the mind becomes calm, still and tranquil—remaining cool even amidst life’s storms.
For spiritual upliftment and the refinement of the soul, maun is an invaluable practice. It purifies speech and cultivates awareness. True silence is not only the absence of conversation with others, but also the cessation of inner dialogue. Talking is not limited to external speech; the mind’s constant chatter is also a form of speech. When all forms of speech dissolve, silence naturally reveals itself.
Once this silence is realised, a person learns its secret and abides in it—even while speaking or acting in the world. Maun provides a rare opportunity to observe the workings of the mind and to rest in a deeper state of consciousness.
In the spiritual journey, silence is not emptiness; it is fullness. It is not withdrawal from life, but a return to its very source.
