WISDOM SPEAKS IN SILENCE
Most of us know the difference between mere learning and analysis. We usually read for delight but we also explore—to acquire knowledge. The equation isn't so simplistic because knowledge is germane only when it strikes an agreeable chord within us. To quote a timeless adage: "What you learn is of interest to your teacher and what you know is of interest to yourself, but the knowledge you put to use is of interest to all mankind. Knowledge unharnessed is but idle vanity and an affront to the gods."

Take for example, the word, silence. A physician and scholar in Eastern philosophy, Rolf Alexander explains that science holds the key to the attainment of knowledge. "It is a simple feat," he adds, "in the ordinary physical plane." But to attain silence in the metaphysical sense calls for something more than merely abstaining from making a blare, he avers. It means the absolute stilling of all thought processes in our wakeful state. The method of sleep, adds Alexander, is a remarkable parallel. Nature stills the mind to sense impressions periodically in our sleep. Small wonder why sleep is so vital for us.

Meditation is one of the primary steps in attaining silence. It provides us with the energy to turn our mind inwards upon self and hold it as still as a serene lake. Yes, when you begin, there will be difficulties. Sometimes, they could be quite enormous by themselves—little thought-ripples that become big and intrude into your silence. This should not pose a problem if you have patience. Once the art of silence and patience is cultivated, you will overcome their 'hold' on your mind. You would also hurl out unwanted thoughts as they come in, and invite new thoughts. Soon, you will get into the stage where everything else will be a formless, soundless void.

The best way is to meditate upon the all-pervading sea of Universal Mind. It is the great ocean of constantly operating wisdom. You can call upon this at will and be able and ready to solve all your physical problems. The next step is visualisation. Visualise a force at work, and realise that this energy is ready to assist you. To achieve this state is not easy. But, it is within your grasp, provided you are truthful to, and understand, the cosmic laws. Yes, you have to be receptive to understand the cosmic laws. Example: what the laws of computer graphics are to a computer engineer or the art of perfect footwork is to a batsman.

There's yet another stratagem you could use. Think of the ether of space through which the Absolute transmits creative vibrations from the cosmic rays to sunlight. It is an entity that exists in and between every cell of your body and brain. It also conveys the vibrations of your thoughts. Which brings us to the conclusive, and the most important, step. Meditate upon the fact that the laws of the Absolute always work the same way, that they are automatic, invariable, and were put into force for us to attain our fullest expression of perfection.

So far so good. But, don't you now apply the brakes! Imagine the embrace of the natural law, and create the drama of creation. Next, realise that the Intellectual Mind has a new perspective to base its reasoning upon. Dwell upon the soul and its emancipation—the Spiritual Mind. This will tell you that your existence is more permanent than the ancient mountains or the distant stars and, that your present self is just as sublime.

The idea will also tell you a unique story: you have often misinterpreted your vague yearnings and feelings and tried to satisfy them by seeking material and sensual diversions. So, what's the supposition? Always remember that you are a spiritual being. And that you own the various phases of your mind, in the same way that a plumber owns his tools. In other words, you should meditate upon the fact that you inherit the creative ability of the Divine Creator and its blossoming will settle your problems. It cannot, after all, bloom in the parched land of fear and discord. Why? It requires the fruitfulness of a contented, positive expression.

The ideal methodology, therefore, is the quest to be yourself: to allow your sense of being to gel with the flow. It is also the best possible path to harness knowledge. Yet, it may be incomplete if you don't read and re-read until the intellectual acceptance of the first reading is replaced by an inner certainty of knowing. It will be more than useful in your lives and career growth. As Madhva, philosopher par excellence and supreme proponent of the Dvaita school of Vedanta, observed: "Knowledge is relative; it is never absolute."

But, don't worry. Notwithstanding the smorgasbord, the best avenue is always open to you. It is within you. All you would need to do is channel the relative into an Absolute within the framework of possibility. On the lines of what is called as Possibility Thinking. This works for your good and that of society.

The idea will also tell you a unique story: you have often misinterpreted your vague yearnings and feelings and tried to satisfy them by seeking material and sensual diversions. So, what's the supposition? Always remember that you are a spiritual being. And that you own the various phases of your mind, in the same way that a plumber owns his tools. In other words, you should meditate upon the fact that you inherit the creative ability of the Divine Creator and its blossoming will settle your problems. It cannot, after all, bloom in the parched land of fear and discord. Why? It requires the fruitfulness of a contented, positive expression.

The ideal methodology, therefore, is the quest to be yourself: to allow your sense of being to gel with the flow. It is also the best possible path to harness knowledge. Yet, it may be incomplete if you don't read and re-read until the intellectual acceptance of the first reading is replaced by an inner certainty of knowing. It will be more than useful in your lives and career growth. As Madhva, philosopher par excellence and supreme proponent of the Dvaita school of Vedanta, observed: "Knowledge is relative; it is never absolute."

But, don't worry. Notwithstanding the smorgasbord, the best avenue is always open to you. It is within you. All you would need to do is channel the relative into an Absolute within the framework of possibility. On the lines of what is called as Possibility Thinking. This works for your good and that of society.

The outcome is obvious. Wisdom, to verbalise a metaphor, speaks only in silence. Stillness is its simple agenda. It is also something that is more than tailor-made for the turbulent times we now live in.

Rajgopal Nidamboor, India