The Sufi poet Rumi (1207–1273), also known as Jalal al-Din al-Rumi, is famous to this day for his profound yet eloquent poetic descriptions of what lies beyond our everyday perception of the world. Among many other wise words, he has said: “The language of God is silence; all else is poor translation.”

It seems to suggest that the highest truth cannot be expressed in words — and not even in thoughts — that it lies beyond what we as humans can ever create by ourselves.

Without trying to explain the unexplainable, we can still find solace in these words. Solace — and perhaps even something practical.

In yesterday’s blog post, we heard the words of Ella Deloria, as she elaborated on the difference between Native American and white traditions, placing emphasis on the value of listening — with respect for the other — before forming one’s own opinion. She also spoke of silence, of the power of being attentive to the gap between thoughts and words.

Silence is not emptiness — it is a space where understanding forms.