The Value of Silence

This morning we woke late, but early enough to meet our friends Eve and Allen at the trail-head for a 3.5 mile desert hike. It was a wonderful walk.  We saw a desert that was coming to life after the rains. Its a magical transformation.  Amazing what a little water can do.

 

Monday and Tuesday morning I led morning Zazen at Peace Camp with about 30 middle school and high schoolers.  I return Thursday and Friday, then next week lead Zazen for elementary aged children. I am always impressed with the children at Peace Camp.  They are a remarkable group of children.  Polite, interested, and willing to learn.  They sit like so many little buddhas in the sanctuary at the Unitarian Universalist Church. I can understand why Thich Nhat Hahn loves to have children at Plum Village. 

In Zen, we often speak of "beginner's mind".  This means a mind open and willing to see without pre-existing constructs.  We have challenges getting to this mind, but it is always there with us. What is required is a willingness to sit still, shut up, and be present.

At the Temple discussion group this morning a speaker talked about the Israeli desert areas.  He made the point of saying that major religions begin in desert areas.  One of the reasons is the expansive sky, the nearly magical light, and the deep silence.  I suspect this is the case.  Secluding oneself and allowing silence to wrap us as if in a blanket allows for contact with that 'still small voice' of the Infinite.

We are not typically willing to do such a thing.  We, more often than not, surround ourselves in distraction. I wonder if it is not ourselves we try to get away from.

Anyway, this afternoon is Peace Vigil at the Federal Building, then Zazen this evening at Temple Beth El.

I hope all is well with each of you.