The root of prayer is interior silence. We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words, but this is only one expression. Deep prayer is the laying aside of thoughts. It is the opening of mind and heart, body and feelings -- our whole being -- to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond words, thought, and emotions. We do not resist them or suppress them. We accept them as they are and go beyond them, not by effort, but by letting them all go by. We open our awareness to the Ultimate Mystery whom we know by faith is within us, closer than choosing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing -- closer than consciousness itself. the Ultimate Mystery is the ground in which our being is rooted, the source from whom our life emerges at every moment.
~ from OPEN MIND, OPEN HEART by Fr. Thomas Keating
We believe profoundly in silence -- the sign of a perfect equilibrium. Silence is the absolute poise or balance of body, mind and spirit. If you ask us: "What is silence?" we will answer: "It is the Great Mystery!" The holy silence is Great Spirit's voice!" If you ask: "What are the fruits of silence?" we will say: "They are self-control, true courage or endurance, patience, dignity, and reverence. Silence is the cornerstone of character.
~ Ohiyesa, Santee Dakota author in TOUCH THE EARTH by T.C. McLuhan
