Mauna - how to shut up peacefully

So I've decided to write a bit about this thing called "Mauna". First we should clarify what it is.

Mauna is the sanskrit word of "silence". It plays a huge part in the Hindu Philosophy. If you're familiar with the Vedas (collection of the oldest sacred texts originating in ancient India), you might have already heard about it. To be more exact, Mauna is mentioned several times in the Rig Veda.
Silence, the absence of speech is inevitable when it comes to reaching and maintaining inner peace and tranquility. The best way to practice it is to just simply stop talking for a while. It's even more challenging (and of course effective!) if you're surrounded with a bunch of other people. Well, that's how I tried it.

So here's my experience:

I was in a yoga camp for a few days last summer. It took place near the Balaton, in a small village called Aszófő. The location, in itself, was pretty well chosen that had a refreshing atmosphere- it was a quiet region, in the middle of nature, with big gardens and lots of space.

My teacher (called Kemenczei Ágnes, I'll link her studio at the end) has always come up with new ideas, new ways of practicing yoga. She's very innovative yet she uses the basic and fundamental teachings of the ancient Hindu Philosophies. She's also a knowledge- seeker, when she's not teaching, she's always learning. During the camp, she introduced us the Ayurvedic personality types and nutrition (among the many other methods of reaching balance and permanent happiness and peace).

One day she asked us if we'd be interested in practicing the Mauna. We were really curious about it, and decided to participate. 

Here's how it went down:

• first we sat in a circle and sang a mantra (to indicate the beginning of the silence)
• when we finished, we had to prepare our lunch (together, approx. 15 people, without any words!)
• about after 2 hours, she beckoned to us, we sat in a circle and we sang the mantra after her

Needless to say, many of us has given up. Not necessarily because they couldn't be quiet, but rather because they forgot about the silence and said a word out lout (without thinking before saying it).

Then the other day, we went on a 2 hours long excursion into the nature, so we did the same. On the last day, it was optional, so only a few of us (about 4 people) decided to go for it.

Here's the experience, from my point of view:

I honestly never thought that I could take seriously something like this. Mainly because I was usually around girls the same age as me (around 24) and at first it would just seem weird to be in an awkward silence for hours long. But the exact opposite happened. As it was a challenge, it was not awkward at all, it rather seemed like a task that we had to accomplish. 

So at first it was more about "oh geez I can't say this but it's very important" "okay now I'm gonna use my Activity skills" and stuff like that. Then about half an hour later it became usual. 

First I was scared that we would forget about each other, as everyone is trying to "look inside". Then I realised that we cared MUCH MORE about each other then ever. While making food or just simply walking in the forest we were somehow more connected than while having a conversation.

The other interesting thing I couldn't miss is that the majority of the things we say, are useless. There were many times when I wanted to say something really badly, but after a few minutes of not saying it I already forgot that really important thing.

It really helps to relax the mind and awaken senses that we usually forget to use in our rushing days. Even if just a glimpse of it, but I could really experience that so called "oneness" with other human beings and with nature. And of course I was more focused, calm, nothing bothered me and developed a deeper understanding of meaningful things.

Conclusion:

I'm not saying that speech is useless, but we definitely give too much credit for it... which is starnge because we all seem to know that some things are just cannot be expressed by words or that the essence gets easily lost in translation.
I do recommend this for everyone to try out! I think it's easier with others simply because it's more challenging. This experience has definitely changed my life for the better and I wish I could practice it more with individuals who are interested in it.


Here's the link I promised: https://www.jóga-budapest.hu

Also here are some pictures taken during the Mauna:

If you're interested in trying the Mauna, please contact me! I'd be beyond happy!

Thank you for reading! Much love ♡