Rumi and Yoga both covey the same massage to us. Yoga means union with self. When we do yoga in form of physical movements, we constantly focus on what we do every moment and breathe in and out as we move. When we sit in silence in an attempt to meditate, another form of yoga, we are present in the moment without doing anything aside from the vital breathing. In other words, it is being present.

Rumi also invites us to be silent, present, and to become one with self. According to Rumi through silence we can hear our inner voice and be guided by it. Silence brings peace with itself. Through silence we are observers of our busy thoughts. If we are the observer, we will simply watch the thoughts come and go without being swayed by them. In Rumi’s poetry “Be Silent” is an invitation to stay calm, present and connected with self.

Do not Speak, so that thou mayst hear from the Speakers that which came not into utterance or into explanation. (Mathnawi of Jalalu’ Ddin Rumi, Book III, 1305, translation by Reynold A. Nicholson)

Do not speak, so that thou mayst hear from the Sun that which came not into book or into allocution. (Mathnawi of Jalalu’ Ddin Rumi, Book III, 1306, translation by Reynold A. Nicholson)

Do not speak, so that the Spirit may speak for thee: in the ark of Noah leave off swimming!

(Mathnawi of Jalalu’ Ddin Rumi, Book III, 1307, translation by Reynold A. Nicholson)