When We Listen
And then we hear with respect, understand and glorify, and learn great learning!
“The schools of this philosophy were held in silence. Meditating, and turning their faces to the Source of Light, from that central Light the mysteries of the Kingdom were reflected in the hearts of these people. All the Divine problems were solved by this power of illumination… Baha'u'llah says there is a sign, from God, in every phenomenon: the sign of the intellect is contemplation and the sign of contemplation is silence, because it is impossible for a man to do two things at one time – he cannot both speak and meditate.” (Words by `Abdu’l-Baha, “Paris Talks”, p. 173)
"Science may be likened to a mirror wherein the images of the mysteries of outer phenomena are reflected. It brings fort and exhibits to us in the arena of knowledge all the product of the past. It links together the past and present. The philosophical conclusions of bygone centuries, the teachings of the prophets and wisdom of former sages are crystallized and reproduced in the scientific advancement of the today. Science is the discoverer of the past. From its premises of past and present we deduce conclusions as to the future. Science is the governor of the nature and its mysteries, the one agency by which man explores the institutions of material creation." (Revealed by `Abdu'l-Baha, "Promulgations of the Universal Peace", p. 29)
Communication needs not always to be delivered through syllables and sounds; quieting them builds the tranquil melody of silence. It is an amazing phenomenon, as they say, ‘silence is gold’! It has its own unique power and penetrating eloquence. When we empower ourselves with silence and refrain to express our thoughts—out of courtesy and consideration allowing others to talk and we listen, as we resist the persistence of ambitious self to speak up to win, when we yield in giving precedence and the chance to another person to proceed forward; in brief, as we choose to remain silent for any noble reason—something extraordinary occurs. Right then we feel an uplifting energy filling our surrounding, and witness, sometime at the very instance, a positive transformation in the hearer and in ourselves.
“Be silent, O thou who knowest many things! For he that speaketh little will be free from reproach on the Day of Judgment. The man of many words is deaf; no counsel does he heed like silence. When thou desirest continually to speak thou findest no sweetness in the speech of others. Those who reflect upon right and wrong are better than triflers with ready answers. He that speaks little thou dost never see ashamed; a grain of musk is better than heap of mud. Beware of the fool whose volume of words is as that of ten man - a hundred arrows shot and each one wide of the target. If thou art wise, shoot one, and that one straight. Utter not slander before a wall - often may it happen that behind are listening ears. Enclose thy secrets within the city walls of thy mind, and beware that none may find the gates of thy city open. A wise man sews up his mouth: the candle is burned by means of its wick.” (From Sa`di; The Persian poet, writer and educator)
And as we speak
With pure heart and kindly tongue of wisdom,
Then we impart life and learning, and we grow, gracefully lifting with us others up!
“Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth moderation. As to its influence, this is conditional upon refinement which in turn is dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure. As to its moderation, this hath to be combined with tact and wisdom as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets.” (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Tablets of Baha’u’llah”, p. 172)
Communication is a matchless blessing in human relations and a most favored and potent motivating force; yet, it can be a pitfall and misery, and the cause of great set-backs and misfortunes itself. One of the ways to avoid the unnecessary pitfalls caused by and arisen through communication is to exercise prudence and wisdom; that is, to maintain a constant vigilance and always be aware of what we are aiming to convey, and what is the purpose, being utterly caring and thoughtful in choosing our tone and style of utterance, fully present at where we are, and knowing to whom we are addressing our comments.
“Every word is endowed with a spirit, therefore the speaker or expounder should carefully deliver his words at the appropriate time and place, for the impression which each word maketh is clearly evident and perceptible.” (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Tablets of Baha’u’llah”, p. 172)
“It behoveth a prudent man of wisdom to speak with utmost leniency and forbearance so that the sweetness of his words may induce everyone to attain that which befitteth man's station.” (Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Tablets of Baha’u’llah”, p. 172)
“The wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a hearing, even as the cup-bearer, who proferreth not his cup till he findeth a seeker, and the lover who crieth not out from the depths of his heart until he gazeth upon the beauty of his beloved. Wherefore sow the seeds of wisdom and knowledge in the pure soil of the heart, and keep them hidden, till the hyacinths of divine wisdom spring from the heart and not from mire and clay.”
(Revealed by Baha’u’llah, “Persian Hidden Words”, Verse 36)
