When the mind is silent and peaceful it becomes very powerful. It can become a receptor of bliss and wisdom enabling life to become a spontaneous flow and expression of joy and harmony. However, this inner silence cannot arise while there is a continual stream of disturbing thoughts and emotions. All this inner noise of thoughts and emotions has to be removed before one can truly experience the soundless sound of inner silence. – Swami Satyananda Saraswati
What is Antar Mouna?
Antar Mouna or Inner silence is a meditation technique that progressively cultivates witnessing, mindfulness and self-awareness. Antar Mouna works progressively through six stages in which we delve on more subtle levels of perception. As we clean the conflicting content of the mind; it induces dhyana.
6 Stages of Antar Mouna
Stage 1: Awareness of external sensory perceptions
We begin by being aware of all the sensory perceptions. That is, listening to the sounds, being aware of the smells, feeling the ground, clothes etc. Thus, reducing the influence of the outside impressions on our perception. The mind becomes bored having checked out all the possible distractions. Thereby, ceasing to be either interested or disturbed by the environment.
Stage 2: Awareness of the spontaneous thought process
In stage 2, we look at our thoughts like a boring movie. That is, we do not get involved and just watch them pass by. Allow the mind freedom to think anything it wants. And allow the emotions to be there. As, there is no control, judgement or criticism.
With time these thoughts start to lose their emotional force. And the most painful experiences can gradually be eradicated. This helps the mind to become silent.
Stage 3: Creation and disposal of thoughts
A particular theme or thought is chosen at will, then reflected upon for a while. The practitioner chooses confrontational, difficult, negative themes. So that our mind, perception is cleansed. And it is easier to be silent.
The key over here is patience and trusting oneself to face whatever comes up. It sounds easy, but with time, it helps in releasing pent up emotions and experiences. This is like psychotherapy.
Stage 4: Awareness and Disposal of spontaneous thoughts
This stage is a refinement of previous stages. By this time many disturbing thoughts would have been cleared. The mind is calmer by this stage. The thoughts now arise from a deeper or more subtle space.
Again, be detached from the thoughts. As, when one is heading inwards, into uncharted territory, the witness must be strong. Gradually the mind becomes more refined and lucid.
Stage 5: Create a state of thoughtlessness
The mind has to become blank whilst alertness or awareness is still maintained. It is like a mental vacuum, but it is not sleep. It is shoonya. This stage leads to Antar mouna. It should arise almost spontaneously as a result of having practiced and perfected the previous stages.
Stage 6: Dhyana
When thoughtlessness is achieved, then we get into a meditative state. Here constant awareness of the chosen psychic symbol is required. Which avoids us from getting side-tracked by other psychic scenery.
Antar mouna is designed specifically to eradicate mental noise. While inducing peace, tranquility and one-pointedness.
If you will be able to keep your inner consciousness alert and relaxed. Then no phenomena concerning you will go unnoticed.
Iti Jain
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