Silence/Presence

o “Become empty of yourself and realize inner silence.” Lao Tzu - Tao

o “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 – Judeo/Christian

o “Thus, only true Silence is eternal speech, the Heart-to-Heart talk.”

Swami Satyeswarananda Giri - Hindu

o “Be silent that the Lord who gave you language may speak.” Jahal – Al – Din Rumi -Islam

o “Silence is a privileged entry into the realm of God and into eternal life. For silence is a language that is infinitely deeper, more far reaching, more understanding, more compassionate, and more eternal than any other language.” Meister Eckhart – Christian

o He (the American Indian) believes profoundly in silence – the sign of perfect equilibrium. Silence is the absolute poise or balance of body, mind, and spirit. Ohiyesa – Native American

o “When you pray…you yourself must be silent; let the prayer speak.” Archimandrite Kallistos Ware – Greek Orthodox

o "It is as we join with others in a way that only human beings can, in a shared engagement in a common vision, that we find ourselves in the presence of another presence that is the final source of our hopes and intentions, and that undergirds and sustains them." -Rabbi Judith Plaskow - Jewish

o "The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers." Thich Nhat Hanh - Buddhist

(From Spiritual Directors International email 3-25-08)