Attention please..

From the very birth of a child, when he discovers that from his sound that he makes, he can get attention, the child begins to control his surroundings. At first is was the crying, then the words, until one realizes that by talking and presenting ideas, one could control his environment. Sometimes the sound could be quiet and alluring, and other times  harsh- loud sounds that are intended to control and to  manipulate.

But what about the sounds of silence at a monastery, where the inhabitants have taken a vow of silence. How do they control their environment? In true reflection, they do not. They do not speak, they look and signal with their body signs, but for the most part the monks try to avoid any outward signs of communication. They try to focus inward and hear the sounds of their own thoughts which guides them through the day. They know when to arise in the morning, they hear the birds outside, and they know when to eat and go about their chores. So it is with the monks and those who meditate, words have no value to them, for their seek not to control, but be control with their own thoughts from within.

Try to go about your day without talking with anyone, it is a strange and refreshing feeling.

Moral: The one who speaks first, seeks to control.