Speech is silver and silence is golden. This proverb is attributed to the poet, Thomas Carlyle. However, it is believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt.

Why is speech silver?

It refers to someone who is skilled at using language in a way that can charm or convince others often with great tact and subtlety. The implications are that the words of the individual are valuable and precious. Silver is also associated with the moon and having purifying properties. It represents feminine energy, intuition and emotional balance. It is a symbol of purity and protection from negative energies.

Why is silence golden?

The meaning of gold is understood as being very precious. It also denotes generosity, compassion, and is associated with divinity and power.

There is nothing the mind can do that cannot be better done in the mind’s immobility and thought-free stillness. When the mind is still, then truth gets her chance to be heard in the purity of silence. – Sri Aurobindo

Both silver and gold are considered precious. As we can see silver is used for speech and silence is considered golden. Aurobindo describes silence as being essential for the understanding of truth. One’s mind is in a state of tumult and the thoughts keep attributing more issues to the long-term resident thoughts. If one could hear the clamor, one would appreciate how the silence of the thoughts induces a sense of purity and the voice of truth.

Again, the eternal question, how can I quieten my mind?

Practice Samvrit (balancing) pranayama. Breathe to the count of 5, hold the breath to the count of 5, exhale to the count of 5, pause again to the count of 5. Practice 11 times, counting backwards. Then increase to 27, 54 and 108.

You will be surprised and you will find a gold mine within yourself. Do it whenever you are walking, waiting or sitting. Truth and purity will reign in your heart. Your heart rules your mind.

Aim Hrim Klim

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