Self Transformation Awareness and Reflection Month Week 1

Silence

A. Inspiration from the Source

Silence: The Voice Within

Practice silence. For the Voice of God can be heard in the region of your heart only when the tongue is stilled and the storm is stilled, and the waves are calm. There will be no temptation for others to shout when you talk to them in whispers. Set the level of the tone yourself: as low as possible, as high as necessary to reach to outermost boundary of the circle you are addressing. Conserve sound, since it is the treasure of the element Akasha (space), an emanation from God Himself. Reason can prevail only when arguments are advanced without the whipping up of sound. Silence is the speech of the spiritual seeker. Soft sweet speech is the expression of genuine Love.

Sathya Sai Speaks: Volume I0, Chapter 4

Speak Less, Speak Sweetly

The tongue is liable for four big errors: uttering falsehood, scandalizing, finding fault with others, and excessive articulation. These have to be avoided if there is to be peace for the individual as well as for society. The bond of brotherhood will be tightened if people speak less and speak sweetly. That is why silence was prescribed as a vow for spiritual aspirants by the scriptures. You are all spiritual aspirants at various stages of the road, and so this discipline is valuable for you also.

Sathya Sai Speaks: Volume I, Chapter 10

Meditate on Swami’s Teachings during Silence

Promote love in your hearts and share it with others. That is the best form of worship. Love is the only property of Sai. My life is love. That is what I offer to one and all. I go on giving, giving. But to what extent are you putting into practice Swami’s teachings? Practice silence for at least ten minutes in a day. Meditate on Swami’s teachings at that time. Realize that in this transient world the Eternal is immanent. Hold fast onto God. Experience the bliss of union with the Divine. Make love your life - breath. With love of God in their hearts the ancient sages could transform even the wild animals in the forests.

Sathya Sai Speaks: Volume 29, Chapter 11

Be Silent and Induce Silence in Others

Be silent yourself; that will induce silence in others. Do not fall into the habit of shouting, talking long and loud. Reduce contacts to a minimum. Carry with you an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, wherever you happen to be.

Sathya Sai Speaks: Volume 29, Chapter 21

Questions for Self - Reflection and Center Study Circle Discussion

How often do I create enough silence - in my speech and in my mind - to hear the Voice of God within?
When I speak, are my words necessary, truthful, and sweet? How could I speak less and listen more, and meet Swami’s T - H - I - N - K (T - Is it truthful?; H - Will it hurt anyone?; I - Will it improve silence (or is it better left unsaid)?; N - Is it necessary?; K - Is it kind?) standards on speech?
How can I use a few minutes of silence each day to reflect on Swami’s teachings and put one teaching more fully into practice?
What situations, people, or habits create the most “noise” in my life - and what is one practical way I can create more silence in those moments?
Can I practice being fully present in a conversation - listening without interrupting, preparing my response, or feeling the need to fill the silence?

B. Personal Spiritual Practice

Daily Spiritual Practice: Silence & Reflection

Each day during the first week, set aside at least 10 minutes for silence and reflection, as Swami has encouraged us to do. Quiet the tongue, calm the mind, and use this time to meditate on Swami’s teachings and reflect on how we are putting them into practice in our daily lives. Whether together as a family or individually, let these ten minutes be a daily opportunity to turn within, hold fast to God, and listen for the Voice of God in the heart

C. Community Spiritual Practice

An Hour of Silence

On Monday, October 5, from 6:00 - 7:00 PM PT, let us come together from across the country for an hour of shared spiritual practice. We will begin with light meditation, followed by silence for the remainder of the hour - an opportunity to turn inward, reflect on Swami’s teachings, and experience the power of collective silence. Please share with family and friends and let us all share the peace that arises from community meditation and silence!

Join here: https://sssio.info/join-star

Similarly, on Saturday, October 10, from 5:00 - 5:45 AM PT, let us come together from across the country for an hour of shared spiritual practice. We will begin with OMs, Suprabhatam (the morning prayer to awaken the Divine), light meditation, followed by silence for the remainder of the time - an opportunity to turn inward, reflect on Swami’s teachings, and experience the power of collective silence.