Beyond Language

Language is the lens through which we elucidate the world.  It focuses, so that things may be thought, expressed and communicated, but in doing so the full essence therein is lost.  The camera obscura of language provides a picture, albeit a distorted one, it fails to depict the entirety of the experience it attempts to capture.  An image is produced from a particular perspective, at a particular moment, of a particular thing, but this image fails to include the other perspectives, other moments and other things, to say nothing of the other senses that are not expressed.  Understood in this way, language must be regarded as the tool that it is and nothing more, a useful tool in its ability to focus and communicate, an impediment where it distorts and neglects.  As our understanding of the world proceeds, there comes a time when the tool of language has outlived its usefulness, here the analytical is wholly surmounted by the mystical.  Linear thought, concepts, labels, definitions, symbols and all other linguistic artifacts must be cast aside.  This is the return to isness, suchness or thusness.  This is the Hindu in samadhi.  This is the Taoist turning the light around.  This is the Buddhist practicing zazen.  This is the Jew in kabbalistic meditation.  This is the Christian in silent prayer.  This is the Muslim in muraqabah.  This is a letting go, not a grabbing onto.  This is a returning to, not a going out.  This is an unknowing free from ignorance.

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