The Sound of Silence

by AJ/Skald

Try this. Buy a good set of foam earplugs. Go home and unplug all appliances, especially the refrigerator. Turn off the air/heat. Then find the quietest room and close all windows and doors to it. Turn off the lights. Then put in the earplugs. Be sure to follow the directions exactly: roll the plugs into tight cylinders and insert them into the ear canal. Then hold them in place for at least 30 seconds... this is very important as it allows time for the foam to expand and seal the ear canal.

If all goes well, you should be in complete silence. Lie down. Breath slowly and deeply. Calm your mind. Close your eyes.

Then listen. Listen very carefully. You will notice that the "silence" is not in fact silent. There is always a hum or vibration-- the "sound of silence". Listen for a long time. Focus your entire awareness upon it.

What is this hum? Is it the natural vibration of the eardrum, ear canal, or body? Do deaf people "hear" it? If so, what are they "hearing"? What are we hearing?

Is this the hum of the mind? Or is it the hum of the Universe itself? The hum of Tao. Is this the "Om" of Hinduism... the base vibration of existence?

Test this. Try it in different locations. Test different strategies for creating complete silence (hold your breath, soundproof the room, etc.).

I have found that no matter what I do, the "silence" is always pregnant with energy and vibration.