Silence. Dhammīvā kathā ariyo vā tuṇhībhvāvo (Speak Dhamma, or else be silent).
Silence, or "nishabdh," is not merely about avoiding speech but represents a deep state of stillness at the core of being. It is not something one can actively "do" but a state one can "become." All things in life produce sound, whether it is the wind, water, or human emotions. These sounds reflect different compulsive tendencies. Silence, on the other hand, is about moving from this compulsiveness to consciousness. It is not the absence of external noise but the quiet at the core, beyond the surface-level sounds of life.
One can practice silence ("mauna") by quieting external speech, but true silence is internal and profound stillness. It is sustainable only in stillness, not through external acts or intense activity, which are temporary. This inner stillness is the key to transcending the compulsions of life, connecting with something beyond life and death.
Thich Nhat Hanh echoes this in his teachings, suggesting that "silence has the power to heal, transform, and connect us to ourselves and the world around us." Silence helps us slow down and become more present, allowing us to experience life more deeply and fully. Through silence, we can connect with our true nature, tapping into innate wisdom and compassion. In his book Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise, he writes, "Silence is essential. We need silence just as much as we need air, just as much as plants need light. If our minds are crowded with words and thoughts, there is no space for us." When the mind is filled with constant thoughts, "like a radio being played," there is no room for silence.
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