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Rule No. 155...

"If you are praised, be silent. If you are scolded, be silent. If you incur losses, be silent. If you receive profit, be silent. If you are hungry, also be silent. And do not be afraid that there will be no fruit when all dies down; there will be! Not everything will die down. Energy will appear; and what energy!

 This rule is by Saint Feofil, a Russian Mystic. I find it rather odd. There is far too much silence and coming from my background, silence is not an option. Especially if you are hungry. And what does the fruit have to do with the silence? I am obviously missing the big picture here and after reading about this monks life, I'm just going to assume he means be humble when both praised or scolded, if you lose or gain and not to be afraid that all is lost. 

 The last bit about energy I can only assume he was on the Banting Diet and that is the energy he is speaking about :) Even though you not allowed fruit. Maybe he had a cheat day. 
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Comments

Anonymous said…
I reckon the fruit in question is in the context of "fruit of your labours" i.e don't be afraid that by remaining silent you may be missing out... As for Banting- I'm sure a vow of silence is easier than a carb celibacy!
19 August 2014 at 15:08
Suze said…
Too true Anonymous. And I think you are spot on, nicely done. I blame my holiday brain for not getting that first. :)
19 August 2014 at 20:35
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