The Buddha's Silence

The Buddha, who had realized the true nature of things, the true nature of reality, on occasion remained silent when questions were presented to him.

These questions usually had nothing to do with alleviating suffering and pain, dukkha. Most of the time they were philosophical or doctrinal in nature. Sometimes they were simply meant to begin an argument.

An ordinary, unenlightened person may believe they have the answer to the questions the Buddha answered with silence. But all of it would be sheer conjecture based on imagination.