[Why Silent People Are the Strongest] Learning the Power of Silence and Appropriate Speech from Buddhism

Hello, everyone. Today, I’ll talk about why silent people are considered the strongest, based on Buddhist teachings. In today’s world, speaking and communication skills are often emphasized, but did you know that “silence” holds immense power? Let’s delve into the “power of silence” and the “appropriate use of words” as taught in Buddhism.

Chapter 1: The Power and Danger of Words

First, let’s consider the essence of “words.” In Buddhism, words are seen as a force that can work for both good and bad. A single kind word can brighten someone’s life, while a careless remark can leave a deep scar.

As the famous saying goes, “The tongue is the source of calamity,” words carry significant responsibility. Buddhism stresses the importance of carefully selecting words and avoiding unnecessary speech. Speaking too much can sometimes lead to unnecessary trouble.

For instance, words spoken in anger or haste can hurt others and damage your credibility. This is why Buddhism places great importance on teachings related to speech, such as the precept of “not lying” (avoiding falsehoods) and “not using hurtful words” (avoiding malicious speech).

Chapter 2: What is the Power of Silence?

So, what does silence truly mean? It’s not merely the absence of speaking. In Buddhism, silence involves calmness and self-reflection. It’s about creating a space to reflect on oneself and choose the right words carefully.

Let me share a Buddhist story. A monk named Kaushal tried hard to mediate between conflicting parties, but his words failed to reach their hearts. Feeling frustrated, Kaushal encountered another monk, Amrita, who maintained silence and calmly listened to people. Amrita shared this wisdom about the power of silence:

“Before speaking, ask yourself these three questions: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? Words that don’t pass these filters are better left unsaid.”

Amrita’s calm demeanor helped to ease the tension among the conflicting parties and eventually led to reconciliation. This illustrates that silence isn’t just about not speaking—it creates trust and calms the environment.

Chapter 3: How to Practice the Power of Silence

Now, let’s explore practical ways to incorporate the power of silence into your daily life.

1. Develop the Habit of Choosing Words

Buddhism teaches the “three filters” for speech:

Is it true?: Are these words based on facts?
Is it necessary?: Are these words truly needed?
Is it kind?: Do these words show consideration for others?

By using these filters, you can reduce unnecessary speech. For example, when you feel frustration, pause and ask, “What will I gain from saying this?” This simple step can prevent potential conflicts.

2. Create Moments of Silence

Set aside just five minutes daily to sit quietly and breathe deeply. This time allows you to reflect on your inner self and organize your emotions and thoughts. Eliminating distractions like smartphones helps cultivate peace and clarity.

3. Cultivate the Skill of Speaking Appropriately

Silence doesn’t mean never speaking. It’s about speaking appropriately when necessary. To do this, develop your listening skills. Listen to others carefully, understand their intentions, and respond thoughtfully.

Chapter 4: The Benefits of Silence

Here are some concrete benefits of embracing silence:

Improved Relationships Reducing unnecessary speech fosters trust. Listening attentively to others creates a sense of security in your relationships.
Stress Reduction By avoiding unnecessary conflicts caused by careless words, you can reduce stress. This also helps you manage your emotions and choose your actions wisely.
Deeper Self-Understanding Spending quiet time with yourself allows you to reflect on your emotions and values. This process leads to greater self-awareness and better decision-making.

Chapter 5: Balancing Silence and Speech

Finally, the secret to balancing silence and appropriate speech lies in flexibility. It’s not about complete silence but knowing when to speak and when to stay quiet.

Buddhist teachings on “Right Speech” emphasize:

Avoiding lies
Not using hurtful words
Refraining from spreading gossip
Choosing words that bring harmony

Practicing these principles leads to more harmonious relationships and a better understanding of others.

Conclusion: Why Silent People Are the Strongest

Silent people are the strongest because they harness the immense power of silence. By avoiding unnecessary words and speaking only when needed, they build trust and influence those around them.

Why not try incorporating the power of silence into your life? Start with small steps, like taking quiet moments each morning or practicing listening without interruption. These simple habits can lead to self-discovery and deeper relationships.

I hope today’s discussion helps you in your life. Thank you for watching until the end.