A ntarmauna is a profound Yogic practice of inner silence. It is not trying to stop thought waves, but to observe them without reacting. This simple shift transforms the network between the mind and awareness. The practice of Antarmauna was systematised and popularised by Swami Satyananda Saraswati of the Bihar School of Yoga, Munger. He termed it as the living link between meditation and daily life. Antarmauna is not an escape, but a direct engagement with the mind as it is. In this practice silence is not empty, but alive and awake. The practice involves sitting comfortably and observing the thoughts to arise naturally. There is no suppression nor any judgement. Thoughts are observed like the moving clouds on the sky of awareness.

 

It has been found that observation gradually dissolves their emotional charge. Modern neuroscience demonstrates strong support for this ancient insight. Human brain is constantly active. Even during rest, important neural circuits are working. Default Mode Network of the brain remains active during mind wandering, self talk, and rumination. It has been found that excessive DMN is associated with anxiety, depression, and stress. Studies on mindful practices and meditation show that silent observation reduces over activity in DMN. When thoughts are observed silently, the brain shifts from reactive to reflective mode. Thus Antarmauna becomes a regulating force for the nervous system. Antarmauna also influences the limbic system The limbic system is the emotional centre of the brain. When emotions are resisted, the amygdala becomes more active.

 

On the other hand, when emotions are witnessed, the amygdala calms down. Neuroscientifically, this shift leads to better emotional regulation. Another important aspect is neuroplasticity. The brain changes with repeated experiences. When the brain repeatedly practises inner silence, new neural pathways are formed. These pathways support clarity, mental stability, and emotional resilience. Thus, silence is not passive, but it is the training of attention. Antarmauna unfolds in stages. First, external sounds are heard without reacting. Then thoughts are observed. After sometime, emotions start settling down, leading to inner silence and awareness. This progression reflects how the brain moves from sensory output to deeper layers of neural stillness. In daily life most of the people are trapped in continuous mental noise. The overstimulation keeps the mind constantly engaged in the external noise. Antarmauna helps in bringing back the attention inwardly. Silence improves the cognitive faculty. Quiet states enhance memory consolidation and creativity. During the period of inner silence, the brain remains in an integrated state. Antarmauna is a conscious tool, not an accidental pause. It is not the withdrawal from the society, but an awakened self solitude. Solitude prepares the ground for clear action and measured responses. The sustained practice leads to the development of Sakshi Bhava, a high level of awareness. Neuroscience calls it metacognition. Studies have found that inner silence restores nervous balance. Antarmauna is not the absence of thoughts, but the presence of awareness. It leads to mental clarity, healing, peace, and inner strength. In the modern world of noise and stress, Yogic science of silence is not a luxury, but a necessity.

 

 

(The writer is Former DG Police & CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra) ■