Lessons from a Monastery — Silence
“The first requirement for prayer is silence. People of prayer are people of silence.”
–St. Teresa of Calcutta
Something that may come as a surprise when visiting a monastery (even if it is expected) is the silence you encounter there. As a monastic virtue, silence is found in every monastery and monastic order, though to different degrees. It is so important that at certain times some orders will even use sign language or written notes for necessary communication. The Carthusians are an example of one of the strictest orders regarding silence; talking only happens during a weekly meeting, when necessary for work, and during a weekly walk (I recommend a unique film that was made about the Carthusians:Into Great Silence).
Silence isn’t something most people are used to and may even avoid. Many of us know the feeling of “awkward silence” or may have uttered the words “The silence is deafening” and yet the practice of silence is invaluable to aiding the spiritual life. It aids in keeping one from committing sins of the tongue and opening one to contemplation of God.
However, silence is not an end in itself. St. Abba Pimen said it perfectly:
“A man may seem to be silent, but if his heart is condemning others, he is babbling ceaselessly. But there may be another who talks from morning…
