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No particular thought can be mind's natural state, only silence. Not the idea of silence, but silence itself. When the mind is in its natural state, it reverts to silence spontaneously after every experience, or, rather, every experience happens against the background of silence.
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The essence of the mind is silence, with thoughts emerging but ultimately returning to this silent state.

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj emphasizes that the natural state of the mind is one of silence, where thoughts may arise but do not permanently disturb the underlying quietude. True understanding comes from recognizing that all experiences occur within this inherent silence, suggesting a deep connection to inner peace beyond the fluctuations of thoughts.

Themes

SilenceMindNatural StateThoughtsPeace

In practice

Example use cases

In a meditation retreat, this quote can be shared to emphasize the importance of stillness.

More from Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

All happiness comes from awareness. The more we are conscious the deeper the joy. Acceptance of pain, non-resistance, courage and endurance - these open deep and perennial sources of real happiness, true bliss.
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Even faith in God is only a stage on the way. Ultimately you abandon all, for you come to something so simple that there are no words to express it.
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Forgetting your Self is the greatest injury; all the calamities flow from it. Take care of the most important, the lesser will take care of itself. You do not tidy up a dark room. You open the windows first. Letting in the light makes everything easy. So, let us wait with improving others until we see ourselves as we are/ and have changed. There is no need to turn round and round in endless questioning; find yourself and everything will fall into its proper place.
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Watch your thoughts as you watch the street traffic. People come and go; you register without response. It may not be easy in the beginning, but with some practice you will find that your mind can function on many levels at the same time and you can be aware of them all.
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Learn to live without self concern. _x000D_ _x000D_ For this you must know your own true being as indomitable, fearless and ever victorious. _x000D_ _x000D_ Once you know with absolute certainty that nothing can trouble you but your own imagination, _x000D_ _x000D_ you come to disregard your desires and fears, concepts and ideas, and live by truth alone.
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Do not neglect this body. This is the house of God; take care of it, only in this body can God be realized.
Sri Nisargadatta MaharajRead

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