Silence and the Dissipation of Thought
Silence is not the absence of speech
Nor is it the absence of dialogue, or debate
Silence is the cessation of the chattering mind –
It is separating the self from the mind.
The mind generates thoughts often in a sequence
But they are random and fleeting.
Thoughts do not arise out of volition,
They often arise out of the blue.
It is the natural function of the mind to create thoughts –
Often an unrelenting and unstoppable process.
it is not productive
and it can be destructive.
The moment we take ownership of our thoughts
And identify with them,
We have entered the rabbit hole –
A rabbit hole of inconsequential thoughts.
Silence and stillness are the very negation of thought.
observing a thought as a fleeting/passing apparition,
Thus, not letting it occupy the center stage.
Elimination of thoughts and its relevance
require finding a space beyond thought and mind,
A space that separates the self from the chattering mind.
That space is beyond the realm of thought,
It is a perch that lets one view the machinations
Of the mind sloshing below in action.
This spaciousness is vital to rescue oneself
From the quicksand of mind and thought.
Spaciousness liberates oneself from
being hijacked by the cascade of thoughts.
It is freedom we need to elevate ourselves
from the mundane, that vex us day in and day out.
Decoupling oneself from churning thoughts
let’s one find serenity in silence.
We can pursue all human endeavors and live a fruitful life
and not become a prisoner to our thoughts.
After all, thoughts are like cancer cells, ceaselessly proliferating
In pursuit of dissipation of our psychic energies.
By rising above thoughts, and going far beyond it,
We can savor silence in its most ethereal form.
Ajmal Sobhan
June 2025
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