User talk:Geofferybard/Monastic silence
Monastic silence is the practice of silence. It may or may not be in accordance with formal vows of silence but can also engage lay practitioners who have not taken vows or novices who are preparing to take vows. Monastic silence is more highly developed in the Roman Catholic faith than in Protestantism, but it is not limited to Catholicism and has corresponding manifestation in Orthodox church.[citation needed] The practice of silence is observed during different parts of the day; practitioners talk when they need to but maintain a sense of silence or a sense of prayer when talking [1]
One of the leading exponents of monastic contemplative awareness is Thomas Merton. His poem, "In Silence" begins as follows:
Be still. Listen to the stones of the wall. Be silent, they try to speak your name.