In Vipassana meditation centers, we often come across signs which read, “Noble Silence”. We are told that we should avoid talking whenever possible when we are in a retreat. If we talk, we lose mindfulness.
However, a meditation instructor and a Dhamma friend of mine interpret the phrase in a different way. According to him, Noble Silence doesn’t mean “shut up”. Instead, it means “no mental chattering”.
3 comments:
I like to think it's "noble" because it elevates the mind. It's one of my favorite experiences. I do love silence.
Khiengsong, verbal silence is a useful Dharma tool, for sure. Your friend is also correct in that a deeper (and more profound?) silence is inner silence.
In fact, if we alter the focus of our awareness when hearing sounds, we can 'listen' to the underlying silence that always accompanies whatever arises in it. This silence is peaceful and illuminating in nature, and doesn't require that we are physically or mentally silent, just that we pay attention to it.
G at 'Forest Wisdom'.
Shhh!
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