Silence as a path to the soul

[Darth Necrom]

Something I have tried in my great absence from the online Jedi community is silence. Much like meditation, silence helps us to focus and observe. Being silent does not just mean to be silent verbally. You must also be silent inside your mind. Next I normally just observe what is going on around me. This is best done in nature or in a large city but any where will work. Feel your surroundings and observe the movements of the creatures (and yes I'm referring to both animals and humans lol). Study what happens and reflect upon it. I have learned much just watching things. So often we are so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget to just be silent and watch every now and then. After a while this will help your mind function even when it is engaged because it will be observing in a hightened state.

[Empress Palpatine]

Excellent point. Sometimes we are so busy thinking thinking thinking, that we never come up for air, or to observe.

[Draco]

I agree a silent mind is a strong mind.

[Darth Necrom]

Thank you. Silence in our society is looked down upon. We must always have some quick decision/reply to every thing. But I find that decisions made out of desperation are actually worse than a decision not made.

[Darth Draconis]

Most people don't like me for this reason, I am silent and observe my surroundings. Some would even go as far as saying I'm not social enough, but why would I talk to people I dislike(and that's a large amount of people). I like people who have depth to their personalities, those people are the ones I guess I'd call friends....

[Draco]

In my life, I do not go out of my way to make people nervous I will make small talk and such as ice breakers and they warm up to me very quickly. You can still verbally talk and keep a quiet, still strong mind.

I believe you should be as wise as a serpent and appear harmless as a dove. It is easier to blend in, in a crowd and to influence better.etc

But your choices are yours, we all have our own ways of things.

[Darth Necrom]

Yes Draconis a problem I have had quite often. Even my parents think I am rude just because I choose not to speak to every one I come across. I do however speak up to answer questions in class, to help others, and to speak to friends, but I will not and cannot just "small talk" with others. I respect the individuals out there who are quiet but can still have good conversation. I do not, however, like the individuals who talk just to talk and, going to the other side, those who do not talk when they should. The world is all about compromise and diversity and those who fail to see that will fall upon their own sword.

[Mrs. Darth Vader]

necrom said:

Something I have tried in my great absence from the online Jedi community is silence. Much like meditation, silence helps us to focus and observe. Being silent does not just mean to be silent verbally. You must also be silent inside your mind. Next I normally just observe what is going on around me. This is best done in nature or in a large city but any where will work. Feel your surroundings and observe the movements of the creatures (and yes I'm referring to both animals and humans lol). Study what happens and reflect upon it. I have learned much just watching things. So often we are so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget to just be silent and watch every now and then. After a while this will help your mind function even when it is engaged because it will be observing in a hightened state.

This is a well thought out post. I have read stuff very simular in many Bhudhist text. You are right we need to slow down the mind and learn silence. I do not have predjudice against the silent. I think if people get on your case for just being silent than those people are not worth hanging around. Of course the balance of silence and when to speak up is very wise. I can appreaciate the knowledge of silence. I hope you will give more silent lectures. I do not hate the big mouth either since I have learned from both the silent and the noisy. Each has their own stile, value and lesson to teach.

[Darth Necrom]

Thank you it is always good to get feed back. And as for new silence lessons, I have started writing some but they havent been fully fleshed out yet. So I'll have to wait and see where I shall go with them.