In Plum Village practice centers, we observe a period of deep silence starting from the end of the evening sitting meditation until after breakfast the next morning.

This is very healing. We allow the silence and the calmness to penetrate our flesh and bones. We allow the energy of the community and its mindfulness to penetrate our body and mind. We go back to our tents or dormitories slowly, aware of every step. We breathe deeply and enjoy the stillness and the freshness. We refrain from talking to the person walking by our side; she or he needs our support, too. We can stay alone outside with the trees and the stars for a few minutes, then go inside to use the bathroom, to change and go to bed right away.

Lying on our back, we can practice Deep Relaxation until sleep comes. In the morning, we move mindfully and silently, taking time to breathe, to go to the bathroom and then proceeding right away to the meditation hall. We do not have to wait for anyone. When we see someone along the path, we just join our palms and bow, allowing him or her to enjoy the morning the way we do.When everyone participates the practice becomes very deep and joyful.

Silence is something that comes from your heart, and not from someone outside. If you are truly silent, then no matter in what situation you find yourself you can enjoy the silence. Silence does not mean not talking and not doing things. Silence means that you are not disturbed inside, there is no talking inside. Because there are moments when you think that you are silent and all around it is silent, but the talking is going on all the time inside your head, that’s not silence.

We are not looking for silence in the form, we are looking for silence in the content. You are established firmly in the here and the now and you become aware of everything that is happening in the present moment. You use your mindfulness to become aware of every feeling, of every perception in yourself. You are aware of what is happening around you, and you stay present with yourself and what is happening inside.

The Buddha made it very clear that to be alone, to be quiet, does not mean that you have to go to the forest. You can live in the community, you can be in the city or town, yet you still enjoy the silence and the solitude. And that is something we all have to learn.