Meher Baba silence
Meher Baba began His profound silence on July 10, 1925, a silence that He maintained for 44 remarkable years. Each year, on July 10th, His followers, affectionately known as His lovers, honor this day by observing 24 hours of silence from midnight of the 9th until midnight of the 10th. This annual observance, known as Silence Day, is a solemn reminder of Meher Baba’s commitment to silence and the profound spiritual implications it holds.
From the start of His silence until His passing in 1969, Meher Baba communicated in unique ways. Initially, He used an alphabet board, and later, he conveyed His messages through hand gestures. His devoted disciple, Eruch Jessawala, often served as His interpreter, voicing the silent messages of Baba to others. Over the years, Meher Baba encouraged His followers to engage in various spiritual practices on this special day. Besides maintaining silence, He guided them to fast, pray, repeat the names of God, and partake in similar spiritually enriching activities. In His final guidance on this matter in 1968, He specifically requested His followers to observe silence.
We often wondered when Meher Baba would end His long silence. One day in 1954, He suddenly stopped using His alphabet board, only saying, “I won’t use this anymore.” We thought maybe He would start talking again, but instead, He began to communicate through hand gestures. Whenever asked about His silence, He would simply mention, “It’s a tough restriction, but it’s for a good reason — for all of you.”
Out of this silence came a meaningful lesson one day. Baba asked us, “Why do people yell when they’re upset?” We tried to answer, suggesting they yell because they’re angry and want to show it. But Baba explained it deeper, saying, “When someone’s mad at another, they feel distant in their heart. That’s why they shout — the further apart they feel, the louder they shout. Anger takes over and love fades, leading to a cycle of shouting.”
But Baba didn’t stop there. He wanted us to see the other side too. He asked, “And what about two people in love? How do they talk?” We knew they talk quietly. Baba nodded and said, “Right, the deeper the love, the softer the conversation. And when love is really deep, words aren’t even needed. A mere look is enough, and sometimes, not even that.”
That’s why Meher Baba chose silence. Words weren’t necessary. He reminded us of his closeness, saying,
“I am closer to you than your own breath.” — Meher Baba
Whether others understood this closeness didn’t bother Him. When people met Him, they felt He spoke directly to their hearts, even if it was through signs or interpreted words. Meher Baba had a special way of touching people’s hearts deeply.
Meher Baba, amidst His physical silence, proclaimed a profound truth:
“I am never silent. I speak eternally. The voice that is heard deep within the soul is my voice — the voice of inspiration, of intuition, of guidance.” — Meher Baba
This statement illuminates the essence of His silence. Though physically quiet, Meher Baba’s spiritual presence and guidance continued to resonate deeply within the hearts of His followers, transcending the need for spoken words and illustrating the boundless nature of His spiritual communication.
How can I be silent? I don’t speak with my tongue. I speak continuously with my heart. — Meher Baba
When I break my Silence, the impact of My Love will be universal and all life in creation will know, feel and receive of it. — Meher Baba
When the Word of my Love breaks out of its silence and speaks in your hearts, telling you who I really am, you will know that that is the Real Word you have been always longing to hear. — Meher Baba
Sources
- Anzar, Naosherwan, The Ancient One: A Disciple’s Memoirs of Meher Baba (Hamilton, New Jersey: Beloved Books, 1985), pp. 101–102. ©Naosherwan Anzar. Used with permission.
- Silence Day Wikipedia
- Meher Baba Europa
