Amplification

Years ago, when I was living at Dai Bosatsu Zendo, there was a calligraphy that hung on a wall that said, "Speak only if you can improve upon the silence." I've been thinking about that a lot lately, both directly and indirectly.

One aspect of "Speak only if you can improve upon the silence," is considering what we give a voice to. A simple question is, do we *amplify* kindness, compassion, hope, trust, empathy or do I broadcast ignorance? This is one of those times and situations where we can make a real difference.

If we live in a way that broadcasts and then amplifies intolerance, indifference, anger, mistrust and other negative states and emotions, we only add to the static similar to seeing a TV screen that it off frequency. We end up hurting others and ourselves.

Through practice, we have a *real* opportunity to silence this swirling negativity. We seize the moment and turn it off. As our practice deepens we can then begin to broadcast and amplify more "consistent," healthier messages that not only improve our life, but all that we encounter, which then improves of life of those that they encounter (potentially).

Cause and effect are one, not two separate entities. Speak only if you can improve the silence. Not just with our words, but our actions too. We must learn to be very careful in what we amplify.

Gassho,

Jaye Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO