Author: Pradeep Krishnan
Nestled in the lush greenery of Kanhangad, Kerala, Anandashram, founded by Swami Papa Ramdas, has always been a sanctuary for seekers longing for silence, simplicity, seva, japa and dhyana. During our annual visit, my wife Sreelakshmi and I had the rare blessing of participating in a full-day ‘Mouna Sadhana’ – a practice of conscious silence from 7 AM to 5 PM on 13th July, 2025. What unfolded in those ten hours went far beyond what words can capture.
The day was structured yet deeply meditative — comprising five silence sessionsof 45 minutes each, interspersed with conscious walking, a likhita japa yagna, and mindful eating. But more than the routine, it was the quality of presence and inner stillness that defined the experience.
During the mouna sessions, as the outer world receded, I experienced a profound sense of vastness. My mind expanded into the vision of a universe filled with countlessgalaxies, swirling in majestic silence. In that infinite cosmic dance, I saw myself andour little place on Earth as minute as dust particles, fleeting and yet mysteriously sacred. At once, the mantra “Om Anandamayi, Chaitanyamayi, Satyamayi Parame” arose spontaneously within, echoing through the stillness like a soul-song from a deeper realm.
As the silence deepened, I could sense an expansion of consciousness within. With no words spoken and no distractions, I felt a vast stillness envelop my mind. In that state, I couldn’t help but reflect—perhaps all the great Mahavakyas, the profound declarations of truth in the Upanishads, were received by the ancient Rishis in moments of absolute silence and contemplation.
At one point, gazing out the window, I watched rainwater gently dripping, and it stirred a deep sense of gratitude for the abundance of Nature. The Earth, in her silent generosity, seemed to be pouring love through every drop.
In my own case, positive and creative thoughts began to overflow—thoughts of compassion, love, peace, and inner joy. I felt renewed clarity, as if the mind had been gently washed by silence. Observing the other participants—around forty in total—I noticed a striking calmness and serenity on many of their faces. It was as though the silence had touched everyone’s core.
The awareness walking sessions brought me closer to the living Earth. I felt the cool, wet soil under my feet — raw, real, grounding. As if in divine play, two butterflies, blueand yellow, hovered above my head gently, one even brushing my head in a soft kiss of nature. The chirping of birds, the hum of insects, and the rhythmic symphony of rain all became part of a divine orchestra.
As I ventured quietly into a nearby forest-like grove, I found myself surrounded by tall trees of many varieties, their trunks rising towards the sky aspiration. Through their leaves, thin golden rays of sunlight filtered down — a stunning symbol of divine grace descending into Mother Earth. Each moment was filled with awareness, not just of breath and body, but of a vast, compassionate presence that holds all. Later, walking through the ashram’s garden, I noticed vibrant flowers, red, purple, yellow, blue and pink, dancing in the cool breeze, reminding me of the spontaneous joy of life.
One of the most memorable experiences was when I passed through a gently gurgling stream. Listening to the sound of the flowing water, soft and continuous, I stood still for a few minutes, absorbing the serenity around me. In that moment, enveloped by silence, I felt a deep connection with nature and a subtle expansion of consciousness. The stream’s smooth flow felt like a reflection of inner flow of peace that the retreat was awakening in me. It was not just water flowing over stones—it was a reminder of God’s, Nature’s, life’s grace.
I never imagined I could remain in silence for nearly ten hours. My mind wasn’t completely still — thoughts ebbed and flowed — but the joy and clarity I experienced were unmistakable. More than silence, it felt like I had entered into a field of heightenedperception, where every sound, sight, and sensation became a doorway to the sacred. The practice sparked creativity, opening new insights and aspirations from within.
The day’s sadhana was more than a retreat — it was a homecoming to the space within where the human aspiration from below meets the divine grace from above.
In this age of noise and distraction, even a single day of silence becomes a powerful spiritual act. At Anandashram, silence is not emptiness — it is a living presence, where the Divine whispers softly to the soul.
The day ended, but something within remained—a still presence, a silent awareness, and an appreciation for the power of quietude. With grateful pranams to beloved Papa Swami Ramdas, Pujya Mataji Krishnabai, and Swami Satchidanandaji for the divine gift of Anandashram—a sanctuary of Ananda and heartfelt thanks to Swami Muktananda ji for envisioning the transformative silent retreat.
***********
Anandashram: The ashram warmly welcomes all sincere spiritual seekers from around the world. Rooted in the ideals of universal love and harmony, the ashram is open to people of all religions, nationalities, castes, creeds, and backgrounds, offering a rare atmosphere of inclusivity and acceptance. Founded by the great saint Swami Ramdas and nurtured by Mataji Krishnabai, the ashram upholds the spirit of Sanatana Dharma while embracing the essence of all spiritual paths. Visitors/Sadhaks are welcome to stay at the ashram for up to three days free of charge, allowing them to immerse themselves in its peaceful environment, partake in its activities, and experience the divine presence that permeates the space. The core motto of Anand ashram— “Dhyana, Seva, and Nama” (Meditation, Selfless Service, and Chanting the Divine Name)—guides its daily rhythm, yet the ashram never imposes any rigid structure or dogma on anyone. Instead, complete spiritual freedom is granted to every individual to follow their chosen path, whether it be silence and meditation, karma yoga, bhakti, jnana, or any other form of sadhana. Deep reverence is shown toward all realized masters, and visitors will find a sacred space that honors every guru and every genuine effort made towards self-realization. Anandashram thus serves as a spiritual home for the world—a living example of unity in diversity, where seekers from every corner of the globe can come, reflect, recharge, and return with greater clarity, peace, and inner strength. For more details: www.anandashram.org
************
