Sadhguru Tattva | May 6, 1980
দেহের ভাষা
মনের ভাষা,
মুখের ভাষা বাক
মনের সঙ্গে বুদ্ধি জুড়ে
তা হয় স্বপাক।
Language is one of the most profound expressions of human consciousness. It serves not only as a medium for communication but as an intricate link between the mind, body, and soul. In the year 1980 when he returned from Gyangunj and reached the state of Sadhguru or Shreeguru he wrote different Tattvas which are not only knowledge but also wisdom. Out of that one is “দেহের ভাষা মনের ভাষা, মুখের ভাষা বাক” ("The language of the body is the language of the mind, the language of the mouth is speech"), lies the essence of how humans express thoughts, emotions, and consciousness through both physical actions and verbal communication. This article delves deep into the profound meanings of this phrase and explores how the body, mind, and speech interrelate as mediums of expression, delving into their spiritual, psychological, and philosophical dimensions.
The body is the canvas on which the mind paints its deepest emotions.
Understanding the Phrase
At first glance, the phrase seems to distinguish between two forms of communication: the body's language, which is connected to the mind, and the mouth's language, which is connected to speech. But beneath this apparent distinction lies a deeper harmony. The body, mind, and mouth do not operate as separate entities but rather as parts of a holistic system that reflects the entirety of the human experience.
The Language of the Body: This part of the phrase suggests that our body expresses what our mind thinks and feels immediately. The body is a vessel of expression for the mind’s inner workings. Body language is not conscious expression but natural flow.
The Language of the Mouth: Here, speech is regarded as a direct medium for expressing thoughts and emotions with our brain. The mouth forms the words and communicates consciously chosen expressions.
Body Language: The Silent Expression of the Mind
Body language is often referred to as non-verbal communication. While words linearly articulate thoughts, body language conveys emotions and inner experiences in a more nuanced and often unconscious way. Think about a person’s posture, facial expressions, gestures, or even the way they move – all these are physical manifestations of what’s happening in their mind.
Speech is the conscious art of expression, but the body holds the unconscious truth.
The Science Behind Body Language: Research in psychology has shown that body language constitutes a major part of communication. According to experts like Albert Mehrabian, non-verbal cues convey over 55% of a message’s emotional content. This includes body posture, hand gestures, facial expressions, and even eye movements. If the mind is filled with joy, the body tends to be more open, the movements more relaxed, and the facial muscles more engaged in smiling. On the contrary, stress and anxiety manifest through tense muscles, fidgeting, or withdrawn body language.
Body Language as an Expression of the Subconscious: While speech is often a conscious process, body language reflects the subconscious. Often, individuals may not be aware of the messages their body is sending, but those around them can pick up on these cues. For instance, crossed arms might indicate defensiveness or discomfort, while leaning forward can suggest interest and engagement. This subtle form of communication reveals much about a person's emotional state even when they are silent.
Cultural Pulse and Variations in Body Language: Body language can vary significantly across cultures. While some gestures may be universally understood, others can have different meanings depending on cultural context. For instance, direct eye contact is often seen as a sign of confidence in Western cultures but may be considered disrespectful in some Eastern cultures. The same gesture can evoke different interpretations based on cultural conditioning, highlighting the complexity of non-verbal communication.
Body Language in Spiritual Traditions: In many spiritual practices, body language is seen as a reflection of one’s inner state of being. Yoga, for example, emphasizes body postures (asanas) that align the body with the mind and spirit. A well-aligned body fosters a calm, focused mind. Similarly, in meditation practices, the way one holds their body can influence their mental state. A relaxed body aids in deeper meditation, allowing the mind to settle into stillness. In the Nath Yoga tradition, the emphasis on body postures serves as a key to unlocking spiritual awareness, with each posture symbolizing a state of consciousness.
Mind and Body: The Inseparable Connection
The connection between the mind and body is a well-established truth in many philosophies and modern science. When the mind experiences certain emotions or thoughts, they find their way into the body, sometimes in obvious ways, sometimes in subtle expressions.
The Psychosomatic Connection: Modern science increasingly recognizes that the body and mind are interconnected. Emotional and mental states directly influence physical health. Anxiety, for instance, can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, tension, and digestive issues. On the other hand, maintaining physical well-being through exercise, relaxation, and mindful practices can lead to mental clarity and emotional balance. This psychosomatic connection is a powerful reminder that the body often expresses what the mind experiences, even when those experiences are not consciously acknowledged.
Mindfulness and Body Awareness: Practices like mindfulness and meditation enhance the awareness of this body-mind connection. By focusing on bodily sensations, one can tune into the underlying thoughts and emotions. For example, noticing tension in the shoulders might indicate underlying stress, while focusing on the breath can reveal the mental patterns at play. This awareness allows for a deeper understanding of how the mind influences the body and vice versa.
Emotional Intelligence and Body Language: Emotional intelligence involves recognizing and understanding emotions in oneself and others. The body plays a crucial role in this process. By observing one’s body language and that of others, one can gain insight into unspoken emotions and mental states. An emotionally intelligent person is attuned to the subtleties of body language and uses this awareness to navigate social interactions with empathy and understanding.
The body’s gestures are the echoes of thoughts that words may never speak.
The Power of Speech: The Mouth as the Voice of the Mind
While the body communicates silently, the mouth is the instrument through which we articulate our thoughts and emotions in a structured, deliberate manner. Speech is a conscious act, allowing us to express the complexities of the mind in a more refined way.
Speech as a Creative Force: In many spiritual traditions, speech is regarded as a powerful creative force. The Tantric tradition, for instance, refers to “Vak” (speech) as a manifestation of divine energy. Words carry vibrations that have the power to create, inspire, heal, or harm. This is why many teachings emphasise mindful speech, encouraging individuals to speak words that are truthful, kind, and constructive.
The Role of Speech in Shaping Reality: Words are not just a means of communication; they shape our reality. The way we talk to ourselves and others influences our perception of the world. Positive affirmations can uplift the mind and body, while negative speech can drain one’s energy. In psychological terms, this is known as the “self-fulfilling prophecy” – what we speak often becomes our reality. The words we choose can reinforce beliefs, shape attitudes, and influence our actions.
The Ethics of Speech: In many philosophical traditions, speech is governed by ethical considerations. In Buddhism, for instance, “Right Speech” is one of the steps on the Noble Eightfold Path. This involves speaking truthfully, avoiding harmful language, and using speech to foster understanding and compassion. The mouth, as the instrument of speech, holds great responsibility. It can be used to heal and unite or to harm and divide.
The Art of Listening: While speech is an important part of communication, so is listening. True communication involves both speaking and listening. When we listen mindfully, we honour the speaker’s words and emotions. This creates a space for genuine connection and understanding. Often, listening requires us to silence our minds and judgments, allowing the other person’s words to fully resonate within us.
Harmony Between the Body, Mind, Buddhi and Speech
For holistic communication, there must be harmony between the body, mind, Buddhi and speech. When the body’s language aligns with the mind’s thoughts and the words spoken by the mouth, expression is authentic. Conversely, when there is a disconnect – for example, when someone’s words do not match their body language – the communication lacks integrity and can create confusion.
Authentic Communication: Authentic communication involves congruence between what we think, feel, and express. When there is alignment between the mind, body, and speech, communication flows effortlessly. This authenticity fosters trust and understanding in relationships, as others can sense when our words are genuine and reflect our true feelings.
The Role of Integrity in Speech and Action: Integrity is essential for harmony between the mind, body, and speech. When our actions reflect our inner values and beliefs, we experience a sense of inner peace and coherence. On the other hand, when we act or speak in ways that contradict our inner truth, it creates internal conflict. This conflict often manifests as stress or discomfort in the body, reinforcing the idea that the body reflects the mind’s state.
Mindful Speech and Action: Mindfulness practices encourage us to bring awareness to both our speech and our actions. By being mindful of the words we choose and the way we carry our body, we cultivate a deeper connection between the mind, body, and speech. This mindfulness allows us to communicate more effectively, with greater clarity and compassion.
The Spiritual Dimension: The Unity of Expression
In many spiritual traditions, the unity of the body, mind, and speech is seen as a reflection of the unity of all existence. When we are aligned in our expression, we are in harmony with the flow of life. This alignment is not only a personal experience but a universal one.
The Divine Voice and the Body: In sacred traditions, it is often believed that the divine communicates through both the body and speech. The Nath Yogis, for example, emphasize the importance of aligning body postures with the flow of divine energy, while speech is regarded as a sacred tool for invoking divine power. The ancient yogis often viewed speech as an extension of inner vibrations that are in harmony with the universe. When speech is mindful, it connects the individual with the universal consciousness.
Kundalini and Expression: In the Tantric tradition, Kundalini energy, which resides at the base of the spine, rises through the body’s energy centres (chakras) when awakened. The Vishuddha chakra, located at the throat, is associated with communication and speech. When this energy centre is balanced, it enables clear and powerful expression, aligning the individual’s speech with their inner truth.
Conclusion
The phrase “The language of the body is the language of the mind, the language of the mouth is speech” holds profound wisdom. It reminds us that our body, mind, and speech are interconnected, each reflecting and influencing the other. The body silently expresses what the mind feels, while the mouth articulates those feelings in a structured form through speech. To live authentically, one must seek alignment between these modes of expression, ensuring that the body, mind, and speech are in harmony.
In today’s fast-paced world, where communication is often superficial, this phrase calls us to pause and reflect on the deeper dimensions of expression. It encourages us to listen to our body’s cues, be mindful of our thoughts, and speak with integrity. Only when there is harmony between the body, mind, and speech can we communicate with true authenticity and live in alignment with our inner truth.
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