what is silence?

We believe profoundly in silence - the sign of a perfect equilibrium. Silence is the absolute poise or balance of body, mind, spirit. Those who can preserve their self-hood ever calm and unshaken by the storms of existence - not a leaf, as it were, astir on the tree; not a ripple upon the shining pool - those, in the mind of the person of nature, possess the ideal attitude and conduct of life.

If you ask us, "What is silence?" we will answer, "It is the Great Mystery. The holy silence is God's voice."

If you ask, "What are the fruits of silence?" we will answer, "They are self-control, true courage or endurance, patience, dignity, and reverence. Silence is the cornerstone of character."

- "Wisdom of the Native Americans," edited by Kent Nerburn