My Experiments with Silence
Meditations for a simpler life
I wrote this before I started The Book of Ptah, so, in many ways, this was my first experience at writing things down as and when it came.
In this post I would like to thank
, , and (who contributed in the honor of her father, Ultan) for their contributions. I can call you the founding members/donors of this newsletter. In many ways you have given me the strength to keep writing and working on my other projects.In the past few months, I found myself drawn into the embrace of deeper, transformative practices in yoga. It was as if the universe was nudging me toward something I had long been searching for without even knowing it. One day, almost by mistake, I stumbled upon Vipassana. It happened so unexpectedly—a simple click on a white thumbnail on YouTube that read, “1-hour Vipassana.” I remember feeling restless, battling a quiet frustration within. The noise in my mind had become unbearable, and I realized that the missing pieces of silence and patience were what I needed most.
An inner voice, soft yet resolute, whispered, “You need to learn patience.” But I had no idea how to start, what shape that patience would take, or what journey it would lead me on. I had to experience silence to understand it, to let it unfold the path toward a deeper, more patient version of myself. And so, I sat in stillness, closed my eyes, and let go.
Now, I find myself living in a small village on the western coastline of India, where the rhythm of life is slow and unhurried, as if time itself stretches out like the horizon over the sea. The waves crash gently against the shore, their song mingling with the rustle of the palm leaves, teaching me the lessons I sought to learn. Here, the air is thick with salt and serenity, and the days melt into one another like the tides, ebbing and flowing with quiet wisdom.
Each morning, I wake to the sound of birds calling out to the dawn, their melodies reminding me that this journey is not just about seeking silence, but about listening deeply—to the world around me, and to the whispers of my own heart. As I sit on the edge of this vast ocean, the sea breeze carries the scent of the unknown, and I feel as though I am finally beginning to understand.
In this place, the simplest things have become profound teachers. The way the sun dips into the sea at dusk, leaving behind a sky brushed with hues of gold and violet, or the way the villagers move through their daily routines with an ease and grace that speaks of a life lived in harmony with nature. There is patience here, in the waiting, in the stillness, in the acceptance of things as they are.
I am learning to be like the ocean—vast, calm, and yet, full of depth. To hold within me the storms and the stillness, to understand that patience is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to be present, even in its midst. And in the silence, I am discovering a new way of being—one that is rooted in peace, in a quiet strength that I had long forgotten.
Living here, in this little corner of the world, I am beginning to see that the journey inward is like a river flowing toward the sea—meandering, sometimes turbulent, but always moving forward. And as I navigate this path, I find that patience and silence are not destinations, but companions on this ever-unfolding journey of self-discovery.
And so, with each passing day, I am learning to listen, to wait, to breathe. To let the silence speak, and to let patience be my guide, as I walk this path toward a deeper understanding of who I am and who I am becoming.
These are the things I have learnt so far:
The world will spin on without you; to find peace, you must first learn to let it.
When I chose silence, I noticed how people fill the air with unfiltered words, spilling thoughts before they’ve had time to settle. It made me see how rare and precious true contemplation can be.
A silent mind is a rare treasure. Those who dwell in its stillness radiate a different energy, grounded in a deep self-knowing. They move through life with a calm grace, navigating its storms with a quiet strength and ease.
My mind is always in motion, eager to soar here, there, and everywhere, even as my body stands still and grounded.
Reacting to every word can lead you astray, for silence often reveals more than the questions being asked. Demons lure you into restless motion, into action without thought. The true test is to remain silent amidst the storm, to understand that these demons are not just in your mind, but in others’ as well. People seldom hurt with intent; most are unaware of the shadows they cast.
Our reactions should be measured, for hasty responses can jeopardize our goals and lead us astray. Decisions made in anger often sow seeds of regret; it is wise to pause and breathe. The world can wait for you, for time itself is an illusion— a construct of the mind. We can bend it to our will, ignoring the relentless ticking of the clock when it serves no purpose but to rush us. In stillness, we find clarity; in patience, we reclaim our power.
We often stumble upon conclusions about the matters that shape our lives, unaware of how we arrived at them. Yet, trusting the process is the greatest act of faith, its a reminder that even in uncertainty, there is a path unfolding just for us.
You hold the power to elevate those around you, guiding them toward a deeper awareness of their being. This gift is both a duty and a responsibility bestowed upon you by nature. A silent mind, grounded in stillness, is best equipped to make wise decisions—for yourself and for others.
Would you be interested in ‘buying me a coffee’
Payments, however small, encourage me in my writing and mean that I can spend more time honing my skills.
Energy flows through all things; it is the unseen force that fuels our lives and actions. In every breath, every heartbeat, we are connected to this boundless source, reminding us that we are all part of a greater web of existence.
Each person has a unique perspective on how they view life; it is foolish to think that everyone thinks like you.
Being old can not be the mark of a silent mind. Merely living more days does not prove one wise. We should instead try to see and learn from the ones who have a silent mind.
We spend too much time watching other people live their lives on social media and this is true for all the young, middle-aged and old. We should remind ourselves that our phones, tv’s and laptops are but toys. None of it is required to truly live a life, they are a mere help.
Fear is the most dominating factor that forces us to do stupid things. We are almost, at all times in a state of fear, as if someone is watching each and every move we make. Nothing can be farther from truth. We should recognize fear in our waking life.
Not money, but inner work can be the only answer to the human problem.
We should refrain from taking decisions when we realize that anger has taken over. Every decision from then onwards will lead downhill. Instead, going on a walk, sitting in silence and contemplating on the scenario will lead to a better alternative that might not have presented itself in the heat of the moment.
You can buy my book which is a memoir about my 1800 km walk through India through my website. Thankyou, really!
Discipline is extremely necessary for a patient mindset. It is okay to have a discipline where you sit in nature and learn from the bees and the birds.
20, or 25 is not the end of life. It is not even the beginning.
Trusting your intuitions is much better than trusting someone else’s plans for your life, then be it an organization or any company. This alone is a great misery in many people’s lives. To know that you have a choice and that you always have a choice.
Listening to other people’s opinions of you will end you up in a mental prison, and that it is easier to escape an actual prison but it is extremely difficult to get out of a mental prison.
We should discipline our body into yoga, meditation and walking, so the stage never arises when we have to get our knees or our heart operated.
Our truth resides within, anchored in the present moment, for nothing truly exists beyond this space. Yet, our devices can weave illusions, convincing us that we are everywhere at once. To nurture the mental health of our society, we must choose to limit our tech use whenever possible. In doing so, we reclaim our sanity, returning to the quiet wisdom of the here and now.
We must remember that whatever unfolds on our phones is separate from our lives; these devices operate in thought, not in the present moment.
Politics and governments are marred by the social media phenomenon, where we engage with our concerns through screens, and politicians— from heads of state to prime ministers— become mere actors, distracting the masses. To abstain until the time is right is the wisest path forward.
Thus, inner freedom paves the way to a profound liberation on both biological and psychological levels.
We must recognize that we don’t need human rights alone to improve the world. By bettering ourselves, we directly enhance the world around us—an immediate and profound process.
Our thoughts should mirror the ocean, embracing what is essential while discarding the unnecessary. Just as the ocean contains all it needs, we too must cleanse our minds, letting go of the excess clutter— the mental plastic— that weighs us down. It is our responsibility to keep our thoughts clear and our minds sane.
Addictions take root when self-control falters, and to doubt oneself is to cheat one’s own spirit. Each addiction mirrors another, arising from a neglect of our true selves. When we adopt a victim mindset, we enable our mental egos and demons to shape addictive patterns, imprisoning us in cycles that obscure our inherent strength.
Not finding silence within us has brought the entire world into a mental health crisis, and this is an avertable one.
True divinity lies within.
It is essential to recognize that death stands before us at all times. The foolish games we play in life serve as a constant reminder that everything will come to an end. Embracing this truth leads us to a deeper understanding of life and our purpose in living.
To silence our thoughts and discover the peace within clears the barriers between us and our divinity. Spiritual growth happens within; every lapse into our addictive nature distances us from it, pulling us farther from our true nature. Hence, it is said that while being rich and powerful may be easy, but to be simple is a far greater challenge.
-Ptah
If you have reached this far then I hope it means you like what I’m doing and if so you might consider supporting me by ‘buying me a coffee’ -which is a one off payment rather than a continuous subscription. (Substack does not let me monetize my articles because I am based in India)
Payments, however small, encourage me in my writing and mean that I can spend more time honing my skills.
Now, I need your help on this one…
Most of you joined this Substack after reading stories from Saving a Village. In that series, I spoke about the urgency of taking action against the looming threats of deforestation, coastal highway projects, and the chemical and oil factories set to rise in this eco-sensitive zone. These developments could devastate many villages, including mine. That’s why I’ve decided to embark on a 500-kilometer journey across this stretch of land.
My purpose isn’t political, nor am I here to point fingers at specific companies or factories. Instead, I want to visit each village, sharing the message that while change is inevitable, it’s vital that we steer it in the right direction. I have no desire to cast myself as a hero; my goal is simply to witness this land and its fading culture before it's too late. However, if I can raise awareness and ignite even a small spark of understanding, I’ll be content knowing I did what I could.
But I can't do this alone. To plan the walk and cover necessary supplies, I need your support. Unfortunately, platforms like Kickstarter and other crowdfunding sites aren't available to me here in India, so I’m relying on your donations. You can contribute through PayPal—here’s the link. For donations over $30, I’d love to send you a personalized postcard as a token of gratitude.
Thank you!!
“A silent mind is a rare treasure,”… and to cultivate one is worth a lifetime’s work. Thank you for this wise posting Ashutosh!