Interior Silence
When the subject of silence comes up, it almost always means that we stop talking or remain silent. When we gossip, it is better to keep still. When speaking would hurt someone’s feelings, we realize that it might have been better to not say anything about a person or situation. Because of the lapse of judgment that has us say cruel things, we recognize that we shouldn’t speak. But if we do speak, we need to be forgiven to ease our conscience. Most of us, over time, learn to control our words, so that it becomes beneficial to ourselves and others. Since angry words can often not be taken back, apologies don’t mean that we will be forgiven at all. Words that target others can cause the dissolution of friendships and then trust is lost too. When we don’t control our words, we finally end up with a bad reputation that is difficult to overcome.
But in virtually every religion I’ve studied, there is also another kind of silence that in Christianity is called “interior silence.” This type of silence is the absence of thoughts. In other words, not only not speaking but also not engaging in thought as well. This is a discipline where when thoughts come up, some form of practice addresses and dissolves thoughts and feelings all together for brief periods of time. Eventually, thoughts disappear for longer periods of time.
In meditation, I have tried to follow through with this practice of inner silence and sometimes I can go for brief periods without thoughts and feelings. This had led to a feeling of nothingness that is really something. Without thoughts, the mind can become quite peaceful which is actually much like a spiritual experience. Thoughts that are replaced with silence can provide a closeness to God that can’t really be experienced if the mind is actively thinking, because thoughts and desires fill up the mind that eventually led to possible frustration and disappointment. In fact, since nothing is permanent and to live means to change, when thoughts can be overcome, change can be more manageable.
For many years, I have tried to practice interior silence in the belief that it would eventually lead to the divine. In fact, in every region I’ve studied and tried to practice, the promise is made that interior silence leads to a state of bliss. Although it has indeed brought me peace of mind and even gratefully helped with mental challenges, regrettably, I have only once experienced overwhelming joy. I have, however, experienced moments of serenity that I can briefly take back into my life.
I still believe that nothing is impossible. While inner silence is the path to the divine for many, perhaps it doesn’t apply to everyone. Since there are many paths to the top of the mountain, perhaps inner silence for me is not realistic. Then, there is the matter of grace. All the effort in the world is not successful, when grace is absent.
The problem is that I don’t know any other practices that seem safe. In addition, the practice of inner silence is invaluable for managing thoughts and feelings so that I can lead a better life. I’d like to finish today by reprinting two poems about silence that I’ve written many years ago. The honest truth is that after all these years, I haven’t been able to progress any further.
The first one is called “Interior Silence.”
God cannot enter
when thought forms appear.
No logic or reason
can draw His love near.
Yet merged in the quiet,
God visits us there.
These moments of silence
are man’s deepest prayer.
But I can’t pretend
my ego is spent.
I flee from the moment
again and again.
Yet still I can see,
the task now at hand.
I’ll seek God in silence
and give up selfish plans.
The second poem is called simply “Peace.”
Quietly sitting alone in the space,
I replace my wandering mind with faith.
My breath is suspended,
thoughts falter and cease,
and the void of energy flourishes
in a moment filled with peace.
(Please remember these are my own ideas, and I’m not attempting to persuade anyone to change theirs.)
Quotes:
“There was a brief silence. I think I heard snow falling.” Erich Segal
“The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.” Albert Einstein
“The closer you are to the truth, the more silent you become inside.” Naval Ravikant
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