Sometimes we assume it is through the inner commentary that we know the world. Actually, that inner speech does not know the world at all. It is the inner speech that spins the delusions that cause suffering. Inner speech causes us to be angry with our enemies and to form dangerous attachments to our loved ones.

The happiness generated by sensual excitement is hot and stimulating but also agitated and therefore tiring. Repetition makes it fade.

You should realize that you are much closer to truth when you observe without commentary, when you experience just the silent awareness of the present moment.

So if you seek truth, you should value silent awareness and, when meditating, consider it more important than any thought.

The experience that tells you what the breath is doing, that is what you focus on. Let go of the concern about where this experience is located. Just focus on the experience itself.

Silence is so much more productive of wisdom and clarity than thinking.

Without the experience of delight, there will be some discontent. And discontent is the source of the wandering mind.

The understanding that diversity is a heavy burden is crucial to being able to focus on the breath.

And as you become accustomed to it, the silence lasts longer. You begin to enjoy the silence, once you have found it at last, and that is why it grows. But remember, silence is shy. If silence hears you talking about her, she vanishes immediately!