It is widely believed in India that the sound of words carry a destructive power. Their vibration can ricochet around the world and cause great harm. That is why silence is so important. People who are considered "mad" are often considered special among India's holy people. They are said to be closest to God. The Indian sages say, "If you are going to be crazy, it may as well be about the Divine." I met this wandering Sadhu circling the sacred mountain of Thiruvannamalai where Shiva supposedly entered the world.
