The Music of Silence: Entering the Sacred Space of Monastic Experience

by David Steindl-Rast, Sharon Lebell

A collection of meditations describes the sacred nature of the monastic chant, the qualities of faith, and the peace-inducing properties of silence and listening

Genres: Spirituality

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1995

About the author

Brother David Steindl-Rast is a Benedictine monk, author, and lecturer widely recognized for his commitment to interfaith dialogue and his emphasis on gratitude as a transformative spiritual practice. Born in Vienna in 1926, he survived the challenges of World War II before emigrating to the United States in 1952. He entered monastic life at Mount Saviour Monastery and went on to engage deeply with both Christian and Buddhist traditions, studying with notable Zen masters. His work bridges spirituality and science and has led him to collaborate with religious and cultural figures across traditions. He co-founded the Center for Spiritual Studies and A Network for Grateful Living, advocating for gratefulness as essential to human flourishing. His writings include Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer and Belonging to the Universe (with Fritjof Capra). Known for his mystical approach, he describes religion as a living flame that must be rediscovered beneath layers of doctrine, ritual, and dogma.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A meditation on the Benedictine hours of prayer and making Sacred space t o respond to God with gratitude throughout the day. Lots to chew on here.

[Hollis Fishelson-holstine · Rating 5 out of 5]

just beautiful regardless of religious views

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

© 1995. A book on chant and the hours of the day (lauds, vespers, compline, etc.) in a Benedictine monastery. A few nice insights but otherwise nothing new for me here.

[Don Mcrae · Rating 5 out of 5]

An invitation to experience the rhythm of monastic life. A serene and beautiful meditation. A very enjoyable read, wort coming back to again and again.

[Stefani Amaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, which deeply resonated with me. What I have already awakened to in life was beautifully unfolded in this book through the monastic experience, which offered something new for me to learn about at the same time. This is one of those books I'd label a must-read and keep in my collection. I gave mine to a friend, but will be purchasing another copy. It's great to refer to and use as a helpful tool when caught up in life's daily distractions and seeking to return to self and rest in eternity. If you ever struggled with understanding meditation, this book can help guide you there without the focus being on meditation. Simply reading it brought me into sacred space where I was at complete peace and fully present. The "Sound of Silence" had clicked in a way it hadn't before. I'm now mindful of the hours of the day as it relates to monasticism and it's made me all the more aware. It was a very grounding book for me that I couldn't have read at a more perfect time.

[Mjh · Rating 5 out of 5]

worth rereading. the rhythm of the hours of prayer at monastery correlated to rhythm of life. correlates to the cd Chant.