One Silence, Like Spring Thunder

Last night, reading the works of Master Hsing Yun, I came upon the master's quotation of Vimalakirti's words: "One silence, like spring thunder." It struck me deeply. Silence can sometimes emit a sound louder than spring thunder; action is always more important than words.

Reflecting on my own handling of the various interpersonal relations within my family or clan, I have always liked to seize the right to speak and the right of control, refusing to be a silent person, and as a result many problems were not handled well. Although bravely taking responsibility is something commendable, being brave enough to take responsibility and actually handling things well are two different matters. Often I bravely took responsibility, yet the final outcome was frequently quite bad. All this is because my own steadfastness of mind is not yet sufficient; I did not know that silence can also handle many matters, and that the effect silence achieves far surpasses that of words.

I bear this in mind.