From "One Minute Wisdom" by Anthony De Mello ISBN 0385242905

"The governor on his travels stepped in to pay homage to the Master.

"Affairs of state leave me no time for lengthy dissertations," he said. "Could you put the essence of religion into a paragraph or two for a busy man like me?"

"I shall put it into a single word for the benefit of your highness."

"Incredible! What is that unusual word?"

"Silence."

"And what is the way to Silence?"

"Meditation."

"And what, may I ask, is meditation?"

"Silence."

From "Not always so - practicing the true spirit of Zen" by Shunryu Suzuki

To open your innate nature and to feel something from the bottom of your heart, it is necessary to remain silent. Through this kind of practice you will have a more intuitive understanding of the teaching. Not to talk does not mean to be deaf and dumb, but to listen to your intuition.

From "Silence in action" by Vimala Thakar

Silence of the total human mind does not result in paralysis of action; does not result in withdrawing from the active world; does not result in benumbing any of your capacities. On the other hand silence of total mind sharpens your whole being; every pore of being becomes active. That is why the totality of being coming into operation and moving with the movement of life is a tremendous event.

From "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success" by Deepak Chopra 

You must learn to get in touch with the innermost essence of your being. This true essence is beyond the ego. It is fearless; it is free; it is immune to criticism; it does not fear challenge. It is beneath no one, superior to no one, and full of magic, mystery and enchantment.