Antar Mouna Meditation (Inner Silence Meditation)
Antar Mouna Meditation is a meditation practice from the Satyananda Yoga tradition that systematically withdraws awareness from external distractions to inner silence.
Overview
Antar Mouna, meaning “inner silence,” is a six-stage meditation practice that guides the practitioner from external awareness through the stages of mental activity to the experience of inner silence. Developed by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, this technique systematically addresses the challenges of meditation by providing concrete methods for each stage of the practice.
Method/Content
The meditation progresses through six stages: 1) Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), 2) Chitta Shuddhi (purification of mind through observation of spontaneous thoughts), 3) Nishpanda Bhava (observation of thoughts without involvement), 4) Dharana (concentration on the inner space), 5) Dhyana (meditation on the inner silence), and 6) Samadhi (resting in the silence). Each stage is practiced for approximately 5-10 minutes, with the entire meditation lasting 30-60 minutes. The practitioner uses the breath as an anchor throughout.
Purpose/Benefits
Antar Mouna Meditation provides a systematic approach to meditation that addresses the common challenges practitioners face. It develops concentration, purifies the mind of unconscious patterns, and cultivates inner peace. The practice is believed to bring clarity, reduce stress and anxiety, and lead to progressively deeper states of awareness and stillness.
Verification Notes
- Developed by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
- A foundational practice in the Bihar School of Yoga tradition
- Widely taught in yoga teacher training programs worldwide