The Silence

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THE SILENCE - The dwelling place of God within the Soul.

By Harry Glover

Meditation is more than Webster’s definition of “continued thought, reflection, or religious contemplation.” While that description isn’t wrong, it is incomplete. Meditation goes beyond simple thinking or reflection and often includes prayer, though prayer and meditation are not identical. Prayer is speaking to God, whereas meditation is listening for guidance and response. Even that distinction is an oversimplification. At its core, meditation is about Silence, a topic that will be explored further.

Among the many definitions I have studied, the one given by Edgar Cayce is the most accurate. He explains that meditation is not idle thinking or daydreaming. Rather, since human beings consist of physical, mental, and spiritual aspects, meditation is the process of aligning the mind and the body with their spiritual source. It is the harmonizing of one’s physical and mental qualities in an effort to understand their relationship with the Creator. This, he says, is true meditation.

In the fortieth chapter of The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ, Jesus offers a clear and thorough explanation of meditation. He speaks of a Silence where the soul encounters God—a source of wisdom in which all who enter are surrounded by light and filled with wisdom, love, and strength. This Silence is not limited by boundaries or locations. It is not a physical place protected by walls, cliffs, or weapons. Rather, people carry this sacred inner space with them at all times, wherever they are.

It does not matter whether one is on a mountaintop, in a deep valley, in a busy marketplace, or at home in quiet solitude. At any moment, one can open the inner door and discover the Silence, the dwelling place of God within the soul. Still, when life feels especially heavy, it may help to seek a quiet place for prayer and meditation.

This Silence is described as the unseen kingdom of the soul. Within it, passing images or thoughts may arise, but they remain under the control of the will. When the higher soul speaks, these distractions fade away. To truly enter this inner Silence, one must prepare inwardly. Only those who are pure in heart may enter. This requires setting aside tension of mind, daily concerns, fears, doubts, and troubled thoughts. When the human will becomes absorbed in the Divine, a state of spiritual awareness and holiness emerges.

This passage presents a clear and practical description of meditation as taught by the Master himself.

Meditation is a calming and quieting process—one of releasing control and allowing God to guide our lives. It means entering into spiritual stillness and “recharging,” much like restoring energy to a battery, so we have what we need for everyday life. This renewal is not limited to physical strength but includes mental and spiritual vitality as well. Meditation is a process of alignment, ultimately offering ourselves as a clear channel through which God’s love can be fully expressed in the world.

Consider this idea: if, as the Cayce readings suggest, each of us carries a divine spark and is part of the Godhead; if humanity represents the highest expression of God on earth, entrusted with responsibility over animals, plants, and minerals; and if we have been given free will—to accept or reject God, to express divine love or withhold it, to allow either our higher divine nature or our lower selfish nature to guide us—then it follows that God depends on us to unite with Him in both awareness and action so His love may be fully revealed through us. I propose that this choice rests with each of us as individual expressions of God. When we consciously choose unity with Him, we discover love and peace within ourselves.

We now arrive at the most essential element of meditation: Silence. Some may question my choice of the word Silence, but it is in this inner stillness that we connect with and encounter the God that dwells within.

This stage of meditation is the most challenging to develop, yet it is also the most deeply rewarding. It is here that Energy begins to move—where the chakras, or psychic centers, are purified, and where one’s spiritual ideal increasingly responds as this Energy expresses itself more fully in the meditator’s life. Eventually, a person may reach a state of Silence and Light that can only be personally experienced and understood. This is not about visual images or flashes of light seen by the mind’s eye, but about a deeper Silence and Light that defy verbal description and are known only by those who have encountered them. Reaching this level may take many years, or even multiple lifetimes, but this should not discourage the seeker. The benefits along the way are numerous and inspiring. In fact, within six months—or even sooner for many—noticeable improvements will appear in one’s behavior, self-discipline, and attitudes, offering encouragement to continue the daily practice of meditation.

As one enters the Silence, often with the help of a personally meaningful affirmation, Energy begins to rise from the root chakra or gonads and moves upward through the remaining six chakras. As it travels, it activates and cleanses these centers, releasing negativity and distortions that may have developed through misuse or harmful patterns, whether in this lifetime or others. Ultimately, this Energy expresses itself through the meditator’s chosen spiritual ideal, which is why it is essential that this ideal be positive in nature. Energy itself is neutral; it is not concerned with how it is used. Just as water naturally flows downward unless guided by channels, pumps, or barriers, the Energy awakened in meditation rises toward the level of consciousness held by the meditator. This is why it is crucial to establish an uplifting and constructive ideal before meditating—so the Energy may be consciously directed rather than left without guidance, like a ship without a rudder.

According to the Edgar Cayce readings, the seven chakras are organized into two main groups. The first four—the gonads, the cells of Leydig, the adrenals, and the thymus—are considered the lower, or earth, chakras. The remaining three—the thyroid/parathyroid, the pineal, and the pituitary—are the higher chakras associated with the mind and spirit. These seven centers are also known as psychic or spiritual centers and correspond to the body’s endocrine glands. While other chakras are said to exist throughout and around the body, these seven are the most significant for the study of meditation.

Each chakra is also known by names from Eastern traditions, which will be introduced as each center is discussed. I intentionally avoid becoming overly technical in presenting this material, as I have found that excessive focus on mechanics, techniques, and ritual can cause students to miss the true essence of meditation. When attention becomes fixed on method rather than meaning, the deeper purpose is lost. Therefore, it is important to emphasize one’s motivation and intention in learning to meditate. Ultimately, nothing can replace a sincere desire to know the Truth—a desire that has the power to bring true freedom.

At the time, I thought this response was foolish, clearly because I did not understand it. Years later, while studying the Cayce readings and other metaphysical works, I began to grasp the true meaning behind the phrase “I am that I am.” I now explain it this way in my meditation seminars. If God is all-powerful and present everywhere, as we are taught, and if our souls are truly sparks of the Divine—carrying that divine presence with us wherever we go and expressing it through our lives—then this statement is deeply personal for each of us as individual expressions of the Godhead.

During my seminars, I make this point by gesturing toward a woman seated in the front row and firmly saying, “I am that I am,” carefully timing the gesture to emphasize the word that. I then repeat this with the man beside her and with several other participants. Another way to understand the phrase “I am that I am” is this: I am that which exists within me—and that inner presence is God Himself, the divine spark that lives within every soul.

Once again, consider Psalm 46:10. When we say, “Be still, and know that I am God,” we are really saying: be still—quiet both body and mind and listen—and know, meaning to truly come to know Him on a personal level, that “I am,” the divine presence within us, is what we call God. Understood this way, the verse takes on far greater meaning and strength. It becomes both an affirmation and a prayer—an expression of our desire to consciously connect with the Spirit within.

For beginners in meditation, I suggest using this affirmation alone during the first few weeks of practice. It is powerful, brief, and easy to recall when the mind begins to drift during Silence. It is entirely normal during a ten- or fifteen-minute period of meditation for the mind to wander repeatedly and for everyday thoughts to intrude. We may find ourselves thinking about routine concerns—what to do about a child’s school lunch, the timing of a spouse’s upcoming flight, or plans for an event. When we notice that we are thinking instead of resting in stillness, the remedy is simple: gently return to the affirmation and bring the mind back to center.

Another effective way to quiet the mind is by focusing on the breath. Paying attention to breathing gives the mind a simple anchor during Silence. Nothing more clearly reflects the divine presence within us than our breath itself. The body cannot function without it, yet we rarely stop to notice it. What is it that causes us to breathe, if not the Spirit within? And when we die—when the soul departs the body—does not the breath cease as well?

The essence of successful meditation lies in learning to guide the mind, connect with the Spirit within, and journey inward. In this regard, Jesus’ words in the fortieth chapter of The Aquarian Gospel, verse 11, are especially meaningful: when one enters the Silence, fleeting images may pass through the mind, but they remain subject to the will; when the higher soul speaks, those distractions disappear. It is the will he refers to, and we are the ones who must exercise it as the guiding soul.

Even after thirty-five years of meditation, I still find my mind wandering at times. So there is no reason for discouragement. Achieving inner stillness requires steady practice, commitment, and continued effort.

Many people tell me about vivid images or memories of past lives that arise during Silence. I explain that these experiences come from the subconscious and can actually distract from the true practice of meditation. When such visions appear, the best response is simply to notice them without engagement, gently let them go, and return to the affirmation or the rhythm of the breath.

The deeper we enter Silence, the more genuine spiritual renewal and inner growth occur. Many people struggle with undisciplined minds, allowing unchecked thoughts to guide and control them. Yet there comes a point when we must claim our inner authority and exercise our will as conscious, free-thinking individuals. With time and consistent practice, meditation and its discipline gradually cultivate that inner mastery.

When we are faced with a problem or in need of guidance, we should bring the situation into meditation along with prayer. The purpose is not to force an answer while we are in Silence. Instead, we entrust the issue to the God within and allow the response to emerge later as a natural result of our meditative practice. Sometimes an answer may arrive within a day or two; other times it may take weeks or even months. But it will come.

Often, the response appears in ordinary, everyday ways—a letter in the mail, an unexpected visit from a friend, family member, or even a stranger, a phone call, a sudden insight, or a meaningful dream. In all my years of meditation, I have experienced clairaudience only a handful of times. While such moments can be powerful, they are rare. More commonly, meditation heightens our awareness so we recognize guidance as it shows up in daily life.

It is fairly common for people to fall asleep during meditation, especially while in Silence. This should not be discouraging. According to the Cayce readings, this can happen to anyone who meditates, particularly when the body is tired or the mind is exhausted. Over time, falling asleep will become less frequent, and deeper, more conscious experiences will develop. After all, there are worse ways to fall asleep than while meditating.

The Cayce readings recommend sitting upright in a comfortable chair, since it is less likely that one will fall asleep while seated than when lying down. I personally prefer the seated position, as I almost always drift off when I try to meditate lying flat.

There is a possibility of leaving the body during very deep meditation, and this has happened to me on several occasions, though it is never my intention. When it occurs, I am not consciously aware of leaving, nor do I know where I go or what I do. I have never been able to recall anything from these experiences afterward, and they are not especially important to me. They seem to happen spontaneously from time to time during meditation and feel similar to what occurs when we leave the body during sleep. According to the Cayce readings, nearly everyone leaves the body almost every night while sleeping. This is when the soul reviews the events of the day and may also visit others for various reasons.

It is important to remember that the goal of Silence is not to gather information consciously, see visions, or have extraordinary experiences. Whatever insights or guidance we need will come as a natural outcome of consistent meditation practice. Some people expect dramatic signs—hearing sounds, seeing images, or receiving sudden revelations during Silence—but this is a misunderstanding. True understanding, direction, and meaningful experiences arise outside the meditation itself, as a result of daily, faithful practice.

The most helpful guidance I can offer about Silence is simply this: relax, release control, and listen. Allow God to work within you, and trust the guidance that emerges through everyday awareness. What once felt like an impersonal God becomes deeply personal when you choose to meet Him inwardly and sincerely. The Energy cultivated through meditation heightens your awareness of what is happening around you, allowing you to notice guidance that has always been present but was previously overlooked.

Now let us return to the most important aspect of Silence in meditation. The mind can be difficult and unruly, largely because we have allowed it to take control. The greatest challenge during Silence is keeping the mind in a state of nonthinking as much as possible. This can seem contradictory, especially to beginners, who may wonder how one can intentionally “not think.” Yet, in a literal sense, that is exactly what we are practicing. This is why focusing on deep, steady breathing is so strongly recommended—it is the simplest and most effective way to settle the mind into stillness.

As mentioned earlier, another way to manage wandering thoughts is to gently bring attention back to the affirmation. Doing so cuts off scattered thinking and helps focus the mind on the affirmation itself, which in turn supports expressing its meaning more fully in everyday life.

This does not mean that meaningful or inspiring experiences cannot occur during Silence. For example, a close friend of mine, who meditates daily, once described a beautiful vision of an angel that appeared to her during meditation. She appreciated the experience, acknowledged it, and then returned her focus to the affirmation. We later talked about it and agreed it was a joyful and uplifting vision. Noticing the experience and then letting it go was the right response. Had she focused on the angel instead, she might have become distracted and pulled away from Silence.

The essential practice is to release all mental activity and allow the God within to guide us—something that can happen only in Silence. Trust that the inner Wisdom understands our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs far better than we do. In time, I will share examples of how this deeper Wisdom has worked through me.

When we come out of the Silence—which for beginners usually lasts about ten to fifteen minutes—we will have gathered a significant amount of divine Energy. At this point, that Energy should be shared through a healing prayer for the Earth and all who live upon it. The Cayce readings suggest that this is the ideal time to pray for others. There will still be more than enough Energy left for our own needs afterward.

A helpful approach is to consciously send this Energy outward: praying for the upliftment of human consciousness, for the healing of the planet, and for God’s work to spread throughout the world through religions, churches, and spiritual organizations. We can also pray for those in need—the homeless, the hungry, the suffering, the lonely, and the fearful—as well as for people named on prayer lists, for political leaders, for family and friends, and for anyone else we feel guided to include. After this healing prayer, I like to close the meditation with a prayer of gratitude, giving thanks for the many blessings given to me, to the Earth, and to all its inhabitants.

The Silence is the very core of meditation. The opening prayer of purification, the repetition of an affirmation before entering Silence, and the sharing of the accumulated Energy afterward are all important elements of the practice. However, it is the Silence itself that allows God’s Energy to move within us. It is also the most difficult part to master—and the hardest to explain to beginners. This naturally leads to the question: what should a student expect to feel or experience in the Silence?

Meditation — Fruits of the Spirit

When we enter the Silence, our aim is to become deeply quiet in both body and mind. Calming physical sensations and restlessness is usually manageable; quieting the constantly active mind is far more challenging. This is why I recommend either gently repeating the affirmation used before entering Silence or focusing attention on the breath, as both help settle scattered thoughts. Being able to remain aware of the affirmation or the breath—and to notice that we are doing so—is one sign that we have entered Silence correctly. Another sign is a growing ease with simply being present, accompanied by a calm sense of awareness.

Over time, we may begin to lose our usual awareness of location and activity, entering a state similar to alpha or theta brain-wave patterns. This represents deep meditation and is the state we strive toward each time we practice, though it will not occur consistently. Silence gradually blends our outer, everyday self with the divine Self within. This, I believe, reflects what Cayce meant when he described meditation as aligning the mental and physical bodies with their spiritual source.

Further insight into the value of meditation and Silence appears in Neale Donald Walsch’s Conversations with God, Book 3, where he explains that we eventually become fully aware of who we truly are. Daily meditation is one path to this awareness, but it requires commitment, discipline, and a sincere focus on inner experience rather than external reward.

Above all, remember that Silence holds wisdom. The most beautiful sound is the sound of Silence itself—the true song of the soul. When we choose the noise of the outer world over the quiet voice within, we lose our way.