It looks like this February is abound with mystical signs and omens. Not even a week has passed since I had the dream I described on my blog (read HERE), and I have already had another interesting nightly experience. Last night I dreamt about one of my Jyotish teachers. In the dream, I remember asking the Guru: “how can we deal with this turbulent planetary gathering in Capricorn? How do we get through February?”. There was no answer, or at least I don’t recall hearing one.
When I woke up in the morning, I suddenly realised that there are currently three planets transiting through Shravana Nakshatra. This lunar mansion is symbolised by an ear. As one of the most mystical Nakshatras, Shravana represents the transmission of transcendental knowledge through the total silence that an individual can experience in intense meditation. In fact, it was through Shravana’s power of connection (samhanana shakti) that the Vedic rishis heard the ethereal cosmic sounds, from which the Vedas and Vedangas originated. Opening ourselves to God requires shutting off the outer senses and turning within. In this digital age of constant external cacophony, it is essential to seek inner stilness and listen to the silence of our hearts. Without proper introspection, it is virtually impossible to see through the misleading veil of Maya, the world of illusion and falsehood.
How, then, can we survive this difficult month? By listening to our inner voice. Rather than drowning in the stormy seas of “other voices”, we need to seek the safe haven of inner tranquillity and wisdom. Amazingly enough, on February 11 we celebrate a unique Hindu tradition called Mauni Amavasya. Mauni comes from the Sanskrit word Mauna, meaning “silence” or “taciturnity”. It refers to the practice of refraining from speaking or speaking less, as well as seeking inner quietude and tranquillity. On Mauni Amavasya, many Sadhus and Sadhaks practice mental fasting by abstaining from speaking or maintaining complete silence.
Even if we cannot follow in their footsteps, we can still refrain from unnecessary speech and try to find some time for meditation or just quiet introspection. To everyone reading these words, I send you my sincere wishes of success in this very matter.
May the wise guidance of Lord Vishnu, the ruling deity of Shravana, make us receptive to the sound of cosmic silence, through which the glamorous mirage of Maya ceases to delude our minds.
Om Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevāya
Aum Shanti,
Karol
Celestial Trail 
This resonates with some experiences I’ve had this week – a lot of family members forcing their voices on me, and making some blunders speaking before listening to the full story. I fueled the situation by reacting instead of remaining quiet. Will take note of the advice offered here, thanks. 😉
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I’m sorry to hear about these experiences, Brooke. It’s okay, we are all humans, and I know that this is not your default behaviour. Sometimes being more defensive is the right way to handle arguments and sometimes remaining quiet might be a better choice. After all, the venomous Ashlesha is opposite the quiet Shravana. Finding a sense of balance in this regard is not always easy (especially when intense emotions dominate or when the problem in question is very personal), therefore it is perfectly understandable that you chose to react that particular time. Thank you for commenting. 🙂
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