We began with everyone mentioning what they thought of as silence, whether it be positive or negative and the different ways that silence is used, i.e. the “silent treatment” of punishment, and also the positive quality regarded by teachers of young children. following this introspection we went into our own silent phase and all remained silent (not just refraining from talking, but without making any noise at all), as we read quotes projected onto the wall. following the quotes, we spent 10 minutes in silent meditation with only some soothing instrumental music to accompany us.

Afterwards, we launched into a discussion of the quotes, and the experience of having to be silent. From de Gaulle’s comment that “silence is the ultimate weapon of power” with Lao-Tzu saying that “silence is a source of great strength”. we moved into Wiesel’s refusal to ever remain silent when people are suffering because “Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” Mother Teresa told us that “we need silence to be able to touch souls.” Naturally there was Depeche Mode and Simon & Garfunkel thrown in for good measure.

Personally, I find those times of silence to be the most introspective. I recall times that the silence was deafening because it was so real, so crisp, and so alive. The difference between silence being considered the absence of sound and considering it to be the presence of something else entirely, something which we cannot comprehend was also brought up. Gandhi, Buddha and Baha’u'llah told us of the importance of being silent in order to meditate, and contemplate the mysteries of this world. I hope that we were able to do some of that this week.

In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in an clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness.

~ Ghandi

From meditation springs wisdom. From lack of meditation, loss of wisdom.

~ Buddha

Bahá’u'lláh says there is a sign (from God) in every phenomenon: the sign of the intellect is contemplation and the sign of contemplation is silence, because it is impossible for a man to do two things at one time — he cannot both speak and meditate.

~ Baha’u'llah

Good is filial devotion to one’s mother in the world

~ Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards)

Today is a day to honor mothers.  We all have one.  She carried you in her womb and during that time was the sole provider of sustenance in your life.  Your entire world was inside of her while you were developing and being prepared for this world.  It was she who made you who you are while she was so entirely devoted to you.  No matter what your relationship with her today, spend time with her today… whether it be a visit or phone call, let her know that you are still devoted to her.

It is not just by means of morality and religious observances, not by great learning nor by attainments in meditation, nor by living alone, nor by thinking,"I am enjoying a spiritual happiness which ordinary people do not know" that a bhikkhu* achieves peace if he has not achieved the elimination of inflowing thoughts.

~ Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards)

I imagine those “inflowing thoughts” to be the temptations and desires of this world.  The Baha’is are instructed to resist the desires of materialism and placing the accumulation of things above service to others and to God.  But, in this Buddhist text we see that no matter what else we do in our efforts to become closer to God, such as adherence to observances, prayer and meditation will mean nothing if we cannot eliminate the inflowing thoughts.

* Bhikku is the term for an adult Buddhist monk.