By now perhaps several hundred people have undertaken short or long periods of silence.  These were just by way of training for the next level.  It is time to move on further.  In a real silence retreat you prepare a firm and comfortable bed on the floor on elevated wooden boards by spreading a number of folded blankets covered with a sheet.  For the period of silence you will sit there, meditate there, sleep there, and eat there.  The food will be brought to you.

You may move from that spot only for bathroom and exercise periods. 

For the lesser level of silence you are allowed to take a walk, by way of what we call sthala-sanyasa; where the guide sets the parameters out of which you cannot go.   At a higher level the exercise is taken only inside your cave. 

Your room will be darkened with not more than one light in the cabin at any given time. 

Of course the meditation and the mantra you have to do during this period will be guided for you. 

This form of silence must be undertaken only when I or one or two very select guides are present in the ashram.

When you undertook your first silence retreat you thought it was going to be difficult, but you passed through it and went on further.

Now overcome your fear and get on with the next adventure and exploration of the unknown territory that will open up to you.

The best way of conquering fears is to go ahead and do what you are afraid to do. 

Your safari camel is ready.  When would you like to come? 

You may also begin training yourself at home by doing the same level of practice for 36 hours at a time – no less, no more. 

A Khechari Mudra will be maintained during the silence.  If you have questions on this undertaking please write to the AHYMSIN Spiritual Committee and address it to Carolyn Hume at hch@olypen.com

Do not undertake to experiment with this kind of silence if you have not kept regular daily meditation for the past full six months. 

In love and reverence to Gurudeva and all his disciples like yourself.

Swami Veda Bharati