Episode 1

Image for Episode 1Not currently available on BBC iPlayer

Episode 1 of 3

Duration: 1 hour

Abbot Christopher Jamison, a Benedictine monk, believes that he can teach five ordinary people the value of silent meditation, as practised by monks in monasteries, so they can make it part of their everyday lives. He sets up a three-month experiment to test out whether the ancient Chrisitan tradition of silence can become part of modern lives.

In this episode, Christopher brings the five volunteers to his own monastery, Worth Abbey, before sending them to begin a daunting eight days in complete silence at a specialist retreat centre.

More episodes

See all episodes from The Big Silence

  • Further information

    If you have enjoyed watching BBC 2's "The Big Silence" and would like further information on any of the issues raised in the series, the 'Growing into Silence' website offers details of retreats and other resources, as well as links to Worth Abbey where the volunteers began their journey and St Beuno's, the retreat centre which lies at the heart of their experience.

    There is also a 44-page booklet available through the web site which acts as an introduction to how to use silence in daily life and explore the experience of prayer through stillness.

    growingintosilence.com

Credits

Series Producer
Dollan Cannell
Executive Producer
John Blake
Executive Producer
Charles Brand

Broadcasts

See all broadcasts of Episode 1 (5)

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