Introduction Quaker Meeting
Introduction
A Quaker meeting is comparable to what might be called a service or worship in a church, mosque, or synagogue. It is a gathering where faith is shared, and spiritual experience is given form.
A Quaker meeting takes place in a simple room and is open to everyone, including non-believers and those of other religions or beliefs.
During these meetings, a group of people sit together in silence for an hour. Occasionally, someone may feel moved to stand up and speak briefly, but it is not uncommon for the hour to pass without a single word being spoken.
Quaker Meeting
A Quaker meeting differs from services in many other religious traditions. Unlike a liturgy or prescribed ritual, it has no set structure, and no one leads the proceedings.
The meeting begins when someone sits down and enters into silence. Participants sit quietly, usually facing each other in a circle. Sometimes, someone feels inspired to stand and share a brief message. A person speaks only if they feel deeply compelled to share something that will benefit the group. Contributions are kept brief, and each is followed by a period of silence. Importantly, people do not respond to or debate what others have said.
The final ten minutes of the meeting are always spent in complete silence. The meeting concludes when someone designated for the task stands to indicate the end. At this point, all attendees rise and shake hands or form a circle.
Silence
During a silent Quaker meeting, participants strive to cultivate inner stillness by letting go of everyday thoughts.
Although it may resemble individual meditation, it is fundamentally different. The aim is not personal introspection but to create a collective awareness of being part of something greater than oneself.
Quakers believe that the Eternal, or the Divine, can speak to them through the silence and the spoken contributions of others. There is no discussion or analysis of these messages, either during or after the meeting. If asked what they are doing in the silence, many Quakers would describe it as seeking to encounter "that of God" in themselves and others. They often use terms such as "listening" (though no audible voice is heard), "looking within" (though no visions are seen), or "pure attention" (though no specific action is taken).