User:Geofferybard/Monastic silence

Monastic silence is a means of approaching deity or elevated states of spiritual purity is the practice of silence. Silence has been practiced in every monastic tradition for centuries. It may or may not be in accordance with formal vows of silence but can also engage lay practitioners who have not taken vows or novices who are preparing to take vows. Monastic silence is more highly developed in the Roman Catholic faith than in Protestantism, but it is not limited to Catholicism and has corresponding manifestation in Orthodox church. The practice of silence is observed during different parts of the day; practitioners talk when they need to but maintain a sense of silence or a sense of prayer when talking

Buddhist tradition
Buddhist meditation techniques use extensive use of meditation practice of vissipana and samatha techniques. In addition, one of the central categories of Buddhist thought is sunyata, which can be characterized as the silence of ontological Being. [6]

Cistercian tradition
Cistercian monastics have remained active in the promotion of contemplative meditation. Part of the emphasis is on achieving spiritual ascent, but monsastic silence also functions to avoid sin.

Although, in itself, speech is morally neutral, the Epistle of James (3:1-12) and many writers of the monastic tradition see in silence the only effective means of neutralizing our tendency towards sins of the tongue.

Thomas Merton
One of the leading exponents of monastic contemplative awareness is Thomas Merton. His poem, "In Silence" begins as follows:

Be still. Listen to the stones of the wall. Be silent, they try to speak your name.

Interfaith dialogue
Monastic silence is a category of practice which unites faiths and contributes a perennial topic of dialogue.