I am considering taking a vow of silence both for myself but also for Free The Children. They are an organization that help children in Africa and elsewhere without schools, money, family, etc. I want to do this for 1 month (month of March since in March the telephone was invented: communication) But I also want to do this for myself, I have always been very open minded and self centered, which some people say is not possible for a 14 year old... I just want some insight on this because I was thinking of going to a silent buddhist retreat, but I am still in high school.
2007-02-02 08:31:38 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I might do it longer. But I just want to know how it will effect you as a person?
2007-02-02 08:33:01 · update #1
Free the children is charity work, you are in silence for a day, get donations, and send them in.
Its a bit of a protest aswell for what is happening to the world. Just like the Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Trans Organization, who do it for their believes
2007-02-02 08:39:01 · update #2
There might be some spiritual value in it, especially if you could cloister yourself in a retreat. But at 14, you have other considerations: School, your future, your development. Even if you could care less, your parents should. Not only that, a vow of silence is made to completely, totally immerse yourself in study. Not speaking is simply a way to shut out useless distractions to your real pursuits. So what are those? What are you going to study? Not speaking for not-speaking's sake is stupid.
Unless you want to become a nun.
If you REALLY want to help use your voice to educate kids and adults alike on the horrors going on in Africa and raising awareness and money. Speaking will do a sh*tload more good for the people who need it than a 14 year old girl keeping her mouth shut.
2007-02-02 08:40:16 · answer #1 · answered by ZenPenguin 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The concept of silence in a Buddhist retreat is to focus the mind on the object of meditation, whatever it happens to be at any given moment, allowing for better focus and analytical thinking. This is completely different from being silent for a cause.
Being self-centered is a typical Western philosophical way of life, based on the monotheism that has dominated everything "Western" like the philosophy, sciences, etc. It is NOT something to beat yourself up about that you should remain silent... Buddhism is not about EXTREMEISM, but rather a middle way. If you're concerned about your philosophy, then you should meditate on the various concepts of emptiness, altruism, etc. according to your ability.
I hope this helps clarify. Remember if the string is too tight, it will break, if it is too loose, the instrument will not play...
_()_
2007-02-02 09:04:34 · answer #2 · answered by vinslave 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a few things you are going to want to take into consideration. First and foremost, do you believe that you will accomplish anything by not talking for a month? If so, is there a better way to accomplish the same thing. If not, are you sure that you will be able to complete the month? It is better to not take a vow than to take one and break it.
Lastly, you'll definitely want to make arrangements with the people around you. Make sure they know what you are doing and why in advance because communication will become much more difficult.
Also you might want to consider doing it over summer break, so as not to disrupt your studies and so that people know you aren't doing it to disrupt your studies.
You'll definitely want to talk to people have done this before and possibly to a psychiatrist and physician to learn all the risks. I congratulate you on your maturity and sense of selflessness; just make sure you do it right.
The best of luck,
Wolf Man
2007-02-02 08:43:04 · answer #3 · answered by wolfmankav 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It will remind me that someone somewhere in the world is taking on a mission worthy of admiration.It will remind me that there are children who are effected by what they have and what others do not and how you would be making a statement without selfish thought or actions.
In short at your age and the understanding you have of your choice of silence it would impress me not because you'd actually do it but because you are doing it for YOUR own reason and there is meaning behind your reason.Whether you actually do it and succeed in doing it well those are 2 different things either way it would inspire me to find something to do that is worthy of meaning.
Good Luck In Your Quest I wish You many lessons from it and I hope you inspire many:)
M.G
2007-02-02 08:41:12 · answer #4 · answered by Malia G 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Conway, but I can see why going on a retreat appeals to you. (It need not be a religious retreat, there are pros and cons). On the outside, you would be coping with the iomposed need to explain and or justify your silence, which takes you away from what you "should" be doing. Your idealism may not remain forever intact, but BRAVO for your boldness.
Unless you are determined to "go public", a very practical compromise would be to devote every Saturday or Sunday to silence and contemplation.
2007-02-02 08:46:05 · answer #5 · answered by and_y_knot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you are in High School and will be required to participate in class, I don't think that this is the right time for this sacrifice. It might be better if you spoke out about your views, and attempted to collect and make a monetary donation to your cause.
2007-02-02 08:42:05 · answer #6 · answered by Beau R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I still dont understand why you would want to take a vow of silence....
What does being silent have to do with helping kids in africa???
2007-02-02 08:35:23 · answer #7 · answered by Yep 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I happen to think, from the way you write, that you can handle anything you want to. Being young and living with parents might put a kink in the works though. But I would never type a word to discourage you. You have given this thought so YOU GO GIRL!! @8-)
2016-05-24 06:02:33 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A vow of silence will allow your thoughts to flood your mind. take notes. and one question. why does your vow have to be at a retreat?
2007-02-02 08:36:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i dont think going silent is the best idea but that is just my opinion but what i do see as being affective is praying if u beleive in GOD i think that would be the best way of expressing ur self and if u r sincere GOD will listen
2007-02-02 09:09:46 · answer #10 · answered by noori_unisa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋