Abstract
Articulation is positively the crux of Buddhism. For this reason, distinguishing the significance of silence from the dialogic teachings and vocal practices that shape the religion is a rewarding enterprise. While grounded in a close reading of the Lotus Sutra, this academic paper references The Holy Teaching of Vimalakīrti, The Awakened One: A Life of the Buddha by Sherab Chödzin Kohn, and Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. By interpreting at length instances of silence in the Lotus Sutra — from narrative setting to edifying content — the Buddha’s motivation behind his wordlessness gradually unfolds and emerges as a pregnant counter-device to sound. The appreciation of silence as ‘non-sound’ and an all-encompassing state allows insight into the implications of the Buddha sitting in silence, his silent agreement, and his respect for those who preach to a silent place. Essentially, to demonstrate how lessons communicated by the Buddha in words are also delivered in his silence is the objective of this essay.
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