The Universal Silence Mauna Dhyana Mantra is a contemplative practice centered on the cultivation of inner stillness (mauna). Unlike recited mantras, this dhyana (meditation) transcends verbal expression, aligning with the highest teachings of the Upanishads, such as the Mandukya Upanishad (verse 7) which describes the fourth state (turiya) as beyond speech and thought. The mantra is associated with Dakshinamurthy, the silent guru who teaches through stillness, as depicted in the Dakshinamurthy Stotra by Adi Shankaracharya, where the guru's silence is the ultimate instruction. The practice involves sitting in a quiet space, focusing on the breath, and gradually releasing all mental chatter, aiming to experience the self (atman) as pure consciousness.
The beej-akshara (seed syllable) often used in this context is 'Om', which according to the Mandukya Upanishad represents the entire universe and its transcendence. The phoneme 'Om' (A-U-M) symbolizes the waking, dream, and deep sleep states, leading to the silence beyond. Traditional purposes include attaining peace (shanti), mental clarity, and self-realization. The recommended chanting context is early morning or late evening, in a calm environment, with a count of 108 repetitions of 'Om' followed by silent meditation.
Ritual settings may include sitting on a woolen mat facing east, with a gentle focus on the space between the eyebrows. Cautions: Those with severe mental health conditions should practice under guidance, as deep silence can surface suppressed emotions. The practice is universal and not limited to any specific tradition, but its roots are firmly in the Vedantic and Tantric lineages, as referenced in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (1.2) where yoga is defined as the cessation of mental fluctuations. This mantra is not chanted aloud but internalized, making it a unique tool for transcending the mind.
The primordial sound, symbolizing the universe and its transcendence.
The mantra is centered on the seed syllable 'Oṁ' (A-U-M), which is the beej-akshara for the entire universe and its transcendence, leading to the silence of turiya.