For sure, silence intrinsically involves quietness. The two are not separable, but are distinguishable. Personally I see silence as a deeper level of being quiet. To be quiet implies to be externally without noise--to be calm. Isn't this the same as being silent? It seems any distinction here is merely psychological.Nevertheless, Ashamu introduced the concept of "attention." The silent person is equally attentive. In silence, we gather up the heart, we recollect the principles of action in us. Thus, the silent person is in touch with his inner being. First and foremost, he is attentive to himself. But such self-conscious attentiveness is not blunt. The silent person is aware of the other. In fact, he enters into the mystery of the 'other.' This enwrapping sentivity to the 'other' is not arbitrary. It is consciously oriented and sustained as such. Interestingly, the other could be God...
"The divine word reveals its depths to those who, through silence
andmortification, are attentive to the Spirit's mysterious action. While
therequirement of regular silence establishes times when human words must
bestilled, it points to a style marked by great moderation in
verbalcommunication."----Pope John Paul II
