Question : I am confused if i have to mantra japa or be in silence. I know that turning inwards is the ultimate goal.Which method of these two i should follow to turn mind inwards...Please guide.

Mind is not visible.  You cannot operate on it, as you can on your bodily parts.

Begin to think, and then the mind will be involved.  The best will be to have an optional thought, and then try to preserve it.  As long as it is there, other thoughts would not come in.  In a place, at a time, only one thing can be placed.

Mantra is such an optional thought, representing the seeker’s need and goal.

When you preserve the optional thought, mantra, without distraction for a while, the mind and thinking process will naturally cease.

You will be in an object-free state, the Subject-full state.  Ah, what to speak of it!  It is like stepping out of the universe to withness it !

Mind divides Existence and Expression into objectude, the external hemisphere, and subjectude, the internal one.  When the object ceases to reflect in the mind, it will irresistibly reveal the subject horizon.  In a way this is simple.  But the pure-minded alone are led to it.

Such a filtration is good. I bless you to be in this rare orbit.

Love and ashirvad.

Antaratma,

Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha