from Zhuangzi, Chapter 26A fish trap is used in order to catch fish. Once the fish are caught the trap is forgotten. A rabbit trap is used in order to catch rabbits. Once the rabbit is caught the trap is forgotten. Words are used in order to capture thoughts. Once the thoughts are captured the words are forgotten. I'd be so at ease if I could find someone who had forgotten words so I could have a conversation with him!~ Nina Correa translation ~
How can any of us genuinely define utter beauty, unmitigated sorrow or the mystery of existence? We stumble around trying to find the right words, yet they always fall short of the meaning we wish to convey. No matter how hard we try or the diligence of our efforts, language never seems able to take us as far as we need to go.
If you think about it, a blog about the indefinable and indescribable is a paradox! In this same vein, the written works of the ancient Taoist sages fall into the very same category. Nothing that Scott, Zhuangzi or yours truly can write will move you any closer to the Way. For all the verbiage before you on the screen, not one iota captures the truth of Tao.
Yet, for all the limitations language offers us, it does provide a mechanism to point in a general direction. It can serve as the impetus to move beyond itself. From this perspective, words can be our guides to move beyond rote comprehension to embrace the transcending essence of existence.
As Zhuangzi points out, it is only when we have exhausted words that we can begin to converse with the stars and the heavens.
If you think about it, a blog about the indefinable and indescribable is a paradox! In this same vein, the written works of the ancient Taoist sages fall into the very same category. Nothing that Scott, Zhuangzi or yours truly can write will move you any closer to the Way. For all the verbiage before you on the screen, not one iota captures the truth of Tao.
Yet, for all the limitations language offers us, it does provide a mechanism to point in a general direction. It can serve as the impetus to move beyond itself. From this perspective, words can be our guides to move beyond rote comprehension to embrace the transcending essence of existence.
As Zhuangzi points out, it is only when we have exhausted words that we can begin to converse with the stars and the heavens.
I look at building a philosophy of life like making a fish-trap and once it's built it AND the fish are forgotten. (I hope.)
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