Friday, March 31, 2006

The importance of silence

I am aware of an increased intolerance for silence in the society at large. Have you noticed that hospitals and doctor's offices now have televisions in waiting rooms? I don't mind waiting if there's peace and quiet but to be subjected to the intrusiveness of a TV blaring forth is really painful. What's so terrible about sitting quietly with a magazine? Apparently that is too difficult for most people so they are accomodated with the entertainment of television. Here's an observation about the importance of silence:

Silence is a great help to a seeker after truth. In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth, and the soul requires inward restfulness to attain its full height.

~Mohandas K Gandhi

Don't buy in to what the culture says about silence - that it's somehow intolerable. Give yourself that space that can only come through turning off the radio and TV and just being with yourself. It's important for everyone's spiritual growth and well being.

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous10:59 AM

    Could't agree with you more, If I have to give a gift to my child probably it has to be art of Silence. In a noisy world of TV, Music Movies - People have forgtten the art of silence.

    Sound of silence,
    sound of one hand clapping
    Silence between notes

    Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete

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