Introduction

Did you ever find yourself carrying on an inner monologue with yourself? That internal stream of speech that just continues to go on in our heads—thoughts, judgments, thoughts—is what ancient Indian philosophy calls Antarvacna—the internal speech or internal dialogue that constantly goes on within our minds. Our conversation that goes on outside is public, coarse, and mundane, while Antarvacna is intimate, raw, and private. It colors our perceptions, shapes our feelings, and even constructs our reality.

1. What is Antarvacna?

The term Antarvacna (Sanskrit) is “internal discourse” or “inner speech.” It is a combination of two terms

Antar (अन्तर्) – “within” or “inner”

Vacna (वचन) – “speech” or “utterance”

In Yoga schools and Vedanta, Antarvacna is considered an energy that directs our consciousness. As words are being uttered outward, inner speech is the quiet internal discourse we carry out within ourselves—sometimes aware, largely subconscious.

Historical and Philosophical Origin

Ancient Indian Scriptures: Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita discuss the regulation of inner speech to accomplish self-attainment.

Modern Psychology: Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky studied inner speech as an emergent system in children, demonstrating how external speech becomes internal with growing age.

Cognitive Science: Contemporary neuroscientists investigate the brain’s “default mode network,” employed when thinking about the self, i.e., inner speech.

Antarvacna is not mindless prattle—it is the foundation of our sense of self, decision-making, and mood.

2. The Psychology of Inner Speech

Inner speech is a part of being human, but what is going on behind the scenes?

Types of Inner Speech
Dialogic Self-Talk – Having a give-and-take argument with oneself (e.g., pros and cons of a decision).

Condensed Inner Speech – Short, stunted thoughts (e.g., “Late… hurry!”).

Evaluative Self-Talk – Self-criticism (e.g., “I could have done better“).

Motivational Self-Talk – Encouraging oneself (e.g., “I can do this“).

How Antarvacna Evolves

Childhood: Children say things out loud before internalizing speech.

Adulthood: Inner speech is on autopilot, influencing beliefs and habits.

Neuroplasticity: The brain becomes accustomed to repeating thoughts.

Studies indicate that positive self-talk increases performance, whereas negative self-talk generates worrying and doubting oneself.

3. How Antarvacna Influences Emotions and Behavior

Our inner voice immediately impacts:

Self-Esteem – Criticism sucks the confidence out.
Decision-Making – Analysis paralysis leads to indecision.

Stress Levels – Catastrophic thinking (“What if I don’t make it?“) provokes anxiety.

Relationships – Projection of others’ motives leads to conflict.

Case Study: The Power of Reframing
Study in Journal of Positive Psychology showed that individuals who re-framed disappointments into opportunities (“This is tough, but I’ll learn”) were more resilient than those who criticized themselves (“I’m not good enough”).

4. Constructive vs. Destructive Antarvacna

Not all of inner speech is healthy. Being aware of the difference is a key to good mental health.

Destructive Antarvacna
Self-Blame: “I always mess things up.”

Rumination: Dwelling on past failures.

Catastrophizing: Creating worst-case scenarios.

Comparison: “Other people are smarter than I.”

Positive Antarvacna

Self-Kindness: “I’m doing the best I can.”

Problem-Solving: “What can I do differently next time?”

Affirmations: “I am capable.”
“I am competent.”
“I am strong.”
“I am confident.”

Gratitude: “I am grateful for that which I have.”

5. Skills to Dominate Your Inner Dialogue

1. Mindfulness Meditation
Observe thoughts in the present moment.
Reduces identification with negative self-talk.

2. Journaling
Track typical thinking to see patterns.

Reframe negative thoughts in positive language.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Strategies (CBT)
Challenge illogical thinking (“Is the thought true?“).

Replace distortions with healthy thinking.

4. Affirmations & Mantras
Repetitions of empowering affirming statements (“I am enough“).

Use Vedic mantras (e.g., “Aham Brahmasmi” – “I am the universe“).

5. Solitude & Silence
Spend quiet time out to shut off internal chatter.

Practice Mauna (silence vow) to observe inner speech.

6. The Spiritual Aspect of Antarvacna
In Advaita Vedanta, the practice of inner speech is a door to self-awareness.

Neti Neti (“Not This, Not This“) – Letting go of thought-conceived notions of the self through meditation.

Witness Consciousness – Observing thoughts without attachment.

Sankalpa (Intention) – Embarking on transformation by conscious inner speech.

The Bhagavad Gita (6.5-6) states:

“Raise yourself to a higher plane by consciousness and do not bring yourself down to lower levels, for the mind can be your friend or your enemy.”

By Antarvacna, we reach our higher self.

Conclusion

Antarvacna isn’t thinking—Antarvacna is the gentle chisel of our universe. Listening to our inner voice enables us to:

Lessen worry and self-doubt. Improve focus and decision-making. Practice self-compassion and resilience. Seek spiritual evolution.

It begins with listening. What is your Antarvacna saying to you? And most importantly—will you let it determine you, or will you recast it?

Final Thought

“Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become deeds. Watch your deeds, they become destiny.” — Lao Tzu