Try not to say it. You may want to say it, you might ache to say it, it may be funny, it may be the truth, it may be justice, it may be vengeance; but it might be better to Just Shut Up.
Andrew Marshall, Seize the Day
The practice of silence, however, plays an essential part in the spiritual development of a man. The Psalmist in Psalm:46:10 says, "Be Still, and know that I am God." When next you are in company try this little exercise : Who does all the talking? You or the other person ? Monitor the situation. You will find in most instances people like to talk about their problems; what is happening in their lives. They can't wait until we have stopped talking so that they can discuss their problems. To them our problems are not that important. Do we fall into this category ? Not really interested in what the other person says or his or her problems. He should be listening to me. I am more important ! His problems are insignificant compared to mine. This is the ego in operation, the little self, the 'I' Most people thing that the world revolves only around them. they are too wrapped up in themselves to listen to the other person. We know to our regret that the tongue can get us into a lot of trouble. A harsh word spoken in the heat of the moment can ruin a long -standing relationship. An unkind word from someone we love can cause pain. Many a promising career has been blighted by a critical remark. Words are the conduit of our thoughts. They are a reflection of our inner state. Do we radiate an atmosphere of calm and tranquility or an atmosphere of agitation and anxiety ? How often have we told something to some in the strictest confidence, only to have that something rebound on us ? Mirdad says:
Words are vessels that ply the seas of Space and touch at many ports. Take care as to what you load them with: for having run their course, they shall ultimately discharge their cargo at your gate.
The Book of Mirdad, Mikhail Naimy
Thomas a Kempis refers to needless talking in The Imitation of Christ : Shun the gossip of men as much as possible, for discussion of worldly affairs, even though sincere , is a great distraction inasmuch as we are quickly ensnared and captivated by vanity. Many a time I wish that I had held my peace and had not associated with men. Why, indeed, do we converse and gossip among ourselves when we so seldom part without a troubled conscience ? We do so because we seek comfort from one another's conversation and wish to ease the mind wearied by diverse thoughts. Hence, we talk and think quite fondly of things we like very much, or of things we dislike intensely. But sad to say, we often talk vainly and to no purpose; for this external pleasure effectively bars inward and divine consolation. In The Science of the Soul, Maharaj Jagat Singh States:
Much physical and spiritual energy is dissipated by talking. Silence is golden.Speak as little as possible. Open your lips only when it is necessary. And when you do speak, do so in the most kind and gently manner. Never lose your temper over anything. You are not running this world. So, unless we can say something uplifting or edifying or enriching, rather keep quiet.
Courtesy: Spiritaul Link
