Silence can be used in a variety of ways. Contrary to the popular conception of ‘suffering in silence’, there is also the possibility of using silence as a protest. Psychologists might regard it as passive aggression but when chosen consciously there is nothing passive about it. Silence need not be taken to mean consent or acquiescence. It can be smoldering with resistance and filled with pent-up hostility and frustration. Or then again it can be as potent, all-seeing and compassionate as the silence of the conscious and still mind.
Yes, silence has many layers. There is an angry silence just as there is a scared silence; there is a loving silence and there is a grieving silence. Silence can be awkward or easy, friendly or aggressive, spontaneous or pregnant with possibilities.
Why do they call silence golden? Because often it means you are refraining from reacting to a bad situation and making it worse. So then silence means the exercise of restraint. Silence can be prayer. Silence can be coming full circle. Silence can be completion, fulfillment, gratitude; silence is simplicity per se, acceptance of what is.
Words that arise from silence are meaningful words. Words that are born of noise are distractions and add to the chaos around. Words born of silence carry the awareness of silence between them and so have the power to awaken and inspire. Noisy words lull one to sleep or mental fatigue, if they arouse then they work upon the lower passions and instigate one into activities that are not truly fulfilling.
If and when you are faced with verbal assault of this nature it is better to remain silent. Participation in such a dialogue will only draw you into the circle of attachment-involvement-action and reaction. Refraining from the use of words will give you the energy to direct your attention back to where it is needed – to the inner peace and tranquility that is your basic nature – silence.
It is true silence has many colours. The composite of all these colours, as well as the ground, the base colour is that of silence. Amen!
Om shanti, shanti, shanti om!
Yes, silence has many layers. There is an angry silence just as there is a scared silence; there is a loving silence and there is a grieving silence. Silence can be awkward or easy, friendly or aggressive, spontaneous or pregnant with possibilities.
Why do they call silence golden? Because often it means you are refraining from reacting to a bad situation and making it worse. So then silence means the exercise of restraint. Silence can be prayer. Silence can be coming full circle. Silence can be completion, fulfillment, gratitude; silence is simplicity per se, acceptance of what is.
Words that arise from silence are meaningful words. Words that are born of noise are distractions and add to the chaos around. Words born of silence carry the awareness of silence between them and so have the power to awaken and inspire. Noisy words lull one to sleep or mental fatigue, if they arouse then they work upon the lower passions and instigate one into activities that are not truly fulfilling.
If and when you are faced with verbal assault of this nature it is better to remain silent. Participation in such a dialogue will only draw you into the circle of attachment-involvement-action and reaction. Refraining from the use of words will give you the energy to direct your attention back to where it is needed – to the inner peace and tranquility that is your basic nature – silence.
It is true silence has many colours. The composite of all these colours, as well as the ground, the base colour is that of silence. Amen!
Om shanti, shanti, shanti om!
