QUOTE : Our minds, our bodies and the spaces we live in are all related. Our inner space and our peace of mind are affected by our outer space. It's hard for the mind to be peaceful when the body is not in a physical space that is peaceful.<br /><br />If your eyes are closed, it's so that your mind can see better. Sitting in meditation, with several sense-windows closed, you feel the presence of the whole universe because the mind is there.<br /><br />If people eating together cannot smile at each other, then something isn't right.<br /><br />We "turn off" the talking sometimes in order to enjoy the food and the presence of one another.