I have been at the Art of Living international centre since last Sunday. The place is teeming with thousands from across the world. The atmosphere and energy is indescribable and in the midst of this is the act of being in Silence. I attended a program starting Sunday the 2nd of October until Thursday the 6th, in which the participants remained in silence amidst all the daily activities and meditative processes. Total silence means no form of communication either written, spoken or through eye contact. Every year during this period even Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji goes into silence. And ‘Gurudev’s’ silence is powerful. His walk, his presence and his very look epitomise silence. So powerful is the silence that all mental activity ceases in His presence. It is unfortunate that many don’t realise the power of this practice and the effect meditation can bring to add power behind your words. And at the end of the period of silence, when Gurudev as much as lips a word, the power behind the words makes everyone sit up and be totally in the moment, a moment in which even though the words are eagerly awaited, the silence has already conveyed what cannot be expressed in words. To witness and experience this feeling of being totally present and in joy is a blessing. 

Here is a picture of mine with Swami Atmanand who was my advanced meditation program teacher this time. His presence was so light and joyful, which made the meditations effortless. In each of the guided meditations conducted by Swamiji in Gurudev’s voice I only remember hearing the first and last instructions. Swamiji took us through marathon meditation sessions lasting 2 hours plus each session and imposed silence in the first session of the program, making the whole experience really deep and blessed. Thank you for wonderful navratri moments of 2016