Silence

The entire realm of consciousness, with everything that comes from it, down to the very lowest levels (in other words, the entirety of existence) shifts between times of silence and times of speech. When the universe prepares itself to receive God's supernal outpouring, everything is still and silent. Then, when those forces that have received God's outpouring sent onward to those below them, speech begins.

Our human reality also shifts in this manner. When we direct our minds to improving qualities that lie below our inner, spiritual level, then our consciousness is constricted, and we are active in the world. But when our supernal attention grows strong, this constricted consciousness can no longer act. At that time, silence begins to rule.

When you reach this level, the normal activity of consciousness (whether it is dealing with everyday or holy matters) is below you. You find within yourself a great, unceasing opposition to any activity of consciousness that is rational and structured. Prepare yourself for the measure of silence. Take heed of the voice from above that brings blessing and good will and spontaneously gives these to you. God's word will come to you. Day to day expresses speech.

Orot Hakodesh I, p. 116

There is a special type of silence that is accompanied by a spirit of holiness. That silence emerges from something within you bursting forth. Something bursts forth from the midst of the wellspring of your soul. Your soul bursts forth because it is searching for a great arena where it can spread out and stretch itself without any constriction.

Inner meditation is very demanding. It seeks to ascend without letting anything in the world disturb it. It gains its forms and hues from its inner strength. Then the spiritual light, which is the beauty and basic strength of life, grows stronger. Then you speak; and this, with its ability to build, shakes things up. It raises you from the old, which is already tottering and tenebrous, limited and cramped. Your speech connects you to the current of the wellspring, which slakes a thirst for the new and fresh.

Some silence means cessation of speech. Another silence means cessation of thought. That silence arrives together with the most hidden, beautiful and exalted thought. These matters ascend constantly, level after level.

Matzah silences superficial uproar, all movement and self-elevation within the framework of life. Matzah silences the superficial currents. Parallel to this is the revelation of God's Presence, which is accompanied by a great fear that penetrates to the depth of the secret of silence. Matzah expresses itself in a glorious voice to which silence is attached. "The Pesach sacrifice that one eats is the size of an olive. Yet one's Hallel resounds as though the roof would burst forth" (Pesachim 88b).

Orot Hakodesh III, 273