“Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.”
This very brief but exceedingly powerful statement was made by Sir Francis Bacon, a nobleman, and one of England’s greatest 16th century philosophers, statesmen and politicians. He is famous for the publication of a series of well received essays dealing with every aspect of living. The above observation was contained in his 6th essay entitled “The Advancement of Learning” in which he examined all aspects of learning, presenting arguments for and against multiple approaches. It has since grown in acceptance, and has become one of his most popular quotations, used most often to draw attention to the extraordinary power of silence in all aspects of human behavior.
There is a general tendency by people, especially in the current modern Western cultures, to view silence as merely the absence of speech. However, nothing could be further than this presumption, for in reality, silence, when it is appropriately used, can become a powerful and effective tool of communication. In a variety of ways for example, the use of the non-verbal approach can effectively convey a wide and conflicting range of emotional and subjective expressions and deep feelings, where direct speech frequently fails to do. Similarly, in those difficult situations where disagreement and confusion develop, and especially where explosive responses threaten, the judicious use of silence, will release tensions and allow better judgment to flow in.
Without doubt, silence is the most powerful nutrient for the soul. It is only in silence can the mind relax enough to induce peace and feelings of wellbeing into the body. It is only under the cover of silence, can one find his true self, to hear his deepest thoughts, and to see the road he must travel on. It is only in silence can we fully appreciate our senses, listen to our hearts, find answers, and review and alter our life’s journey. And it is only under a canopy of silence can we fully know our senses; when we can see things not visible, hear things not yet said, touch things not present, and taste the essence of life itself. It is only when you have experienced this, and discarded the noises coming from outside, can you truly know the virtues of silence and be able to reconnect with your spirit. Indeed, it is only when you are able to listen to your silence, can be yourself.
Equally, there are other times when silence can often result in an avalanche of pent-up emotional reactions ranging from joy and acceptance on the one hand, or extremes of anger and rejection on the other hand. Either of which can become the most dominant factor in the ensuing conflict. And of course, as no doubt everyone can attest to the fact that, a period of silence will always serve as an opportunity for the individual to pause enough, to take the time to reflect, and to change direction. No other activity in human behavior can be as reliable or as rewarding to the individual caught in these circumstances. Confucius, one of foremost of the ancient Chinese philosophers, understood this property very well, when he noted:
“Silence is a true friend who never betrays.”
But unfortunately, most people generally have difficulty in being able to tolerate a silent environment for more than a brief period. To a significant extent this may be due to the fact that because of the prevailing influences, we are conditioned to equate it with being alone, lonely and isolated. And for some, the continued silence can paradoxically become detrimental, sometimes precipitating crises of fears and anxieties. But yet, in total contrast, there are many who eagerly embrace it, cultivate it, and look forward to benefitting from its blessings, and enriching their psyche with the peace and calm it provides. Like the double-edged sword, silence can be your greatest friend or your mortal enemy!
At its best, silence offers an opportunity to disengage from the activities of the moment, and to review one’s thoughts and actions. It can, in addition, by its power to increase creativity, encourage unhindered inner reflection, and suppress the over-active ego, it offers profound benefits to the emotional and physical health and to the overall well-being of the individual; including allowing for better insight and problem-solving. Physiologically, it has distinct health advantages which include, better sleep, improved cardiovascular and cerebral activity as well as boosting the body’s immunity system. And of great importance, the opposite situation equally applies, where in the presence of noise pollution, there are associated measurable adverse behavioral, health and development issues.
In a wider, more philosophical sense, we tend to forget that all the great powers by which life itself has existed, arise from silent forces. Consider the vast universe, the enormity of space, the immensity of the solar system, all operating in unity without any sound. As in fact are the very sources of energy that sustain life, all of which do so without any kind of noise. The forces of gravity, the life-sustaining sunlight, the changing of the seasons and the turning of the tides, are accomplished without sound. And no less significant is the fact that all living creatures, without exception, spend their time undergoing changes without a single sound. Growth takes place, cells multiply, die and are replaced, appearances change over time, as does all of life itself; and they are all taking place in absolute silence.
Indeed, in many ways, silence is the creative energy of life, from which we all are beneficiaries. Consider all the activities of living, except for the noises emanating from our speech mechanisms, all the other activities take place in silence. And all the other senses work efficiently without sound, as are the endless electrical and chemical changes in the brain. Even in the very depth of absolute silence, life will continue, without interruption. Dr. Wayne Dyer, the respected and celebrated American psychologist and motivational speaker, in an article entitled: “Embracing Silence,” most exquisitely placed this concept in the right context when he wrote:
“Everything that is created comes out of silence. Thoughts emerge from the nothingness of silence, words come out
of the void, and your essence emerged from emptiness.
- All creativity requires stillness.”
During most of the past history of mankind, life was spent in relative solitude and silence, where, in the absence of all the modern technological advancements of today, people lived closer to the rhythm of nature. But as science advanced, not only did it provide opportunities for better living, but unfortunately it also succeeded in destroying the beauty of silence and making us addicted to noise. From a very early age we are conditioned by our environment to accept noise in the same way we do water, air and nourishment, as the essential components of survival. As a result, our psyches are conditioned to avoid silence, and seek out the noises of modern living. This explains why so often, in any given day, we find ourselves just wanting to talk or being unable to stop talking, without actually saying or meaning anything significant. It is as if we are ashamed, or afraid of being quiet, preferring to hide behind the noise, rather than risk being exposed by the silence.
The late Polish born primate of the Roman Catholic church, Pope John Paul II, in a public address on the importance of prayer in 2004, said:
“In this oasis of quiet, before the wonderful spectacle of nature, one easily experiences how profitable silence is, a good that today is ever more rare. In reality, only in silence does man succeed in hearing in the depth of his conscience the voice of God, which really makes him free.”
In stating this, he was in fact confirming
the beauty of the lost art of silence, and lamenting the price we are paying in
not being able to truly find ourselves, and by so doing, cheat ourselves from
the freedom of spirit it fosters that will include our beliefs in our God. For
it is only in the depths of silence can we hope to find our soul and touch our
Creator.
-The fundamental truth in this statement cries out for acceptance. For without doubt, the turmoil, misunderstanding and suspicion that has imprisoned this world, and ourselves, can be directly laid at the feet of rejecting silence.
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SELECTION OF RELIGIOUS REFERENCES ON SILENCE
Christian
The bible has at least 86 references on Silence:
Proverbs 17:27: The wise person restrains his words,
The one who remains calm understands.
Proverbs 17:28: Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he remains silent, he is considered prudent.
Proverbs 10:19: When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
But he who remains silent is wise.
Job 13:5: Oh, that you would be completely silent,
And that silence would be your wisdom!
Proverbs 11:12: Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man with understanding keeps silent
Amos 5:13: Therefore, the wise person will keep silent
at such a time, for the days are evil.
Proverbs 11:12: Therefore, the wise person will keep silent
at such a time, for the days are evil.
Proverbs 21:23: Whoever watches his mouth and his tongue,
Keeps himself from troubles
Islam
Islam, however, praises the quality of staying silent. It is considered a characteristic that beautifies a believer and instills modesty.
-"Wisdom consists in keeping silent, and those who practice it are few."
-"Whoever is silent will be successful."
-"Say good or be quiet, if you are a Muslim".
-“The wiser a man is, the less he will speak.”
-“A man who knows the value of speech, also knows the value of silence.”
Buddhism
Buddhism stresses wordless insight more than most other traditions.
- Silence is a sign of profundity, introspection and self-cultivation.
-A teacher does not need to speak because his/her silence is able to convey powerful messages that words would not be able to transmit.
-Enlightenment can be reached only through silence and teachings can only be understood with silent meditation and contemplation.
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