"To understand reality as a direct experience is the reason we practice zazen, and the reason we study Buddhism."--Shunryu Suzuki
The dogmatist and the true believers of the world may not agree, but words alone cannot capture reality. Yet words can act as a charm and conjure up reality in the same way that a painting can express the character and life of an individual or landscape.
It is not technical skill alone that is required. A painting can appear lifeless. Words are dead.
In order to understand the great artist, writer, or teacher, we must learn to communicate without words. We must deepen our awareness of a reality that is always present. We must understand the spirit that flows between the words:
The volatile truth of our words should continually betray the inadequacy of the residual statement. Their truth is instantly translated; its literal monument alone remains. The words which express our faith and piety are not definite; yet they are significant and fragrant like frankincense to superior natures.--Henry David Thoreau in Walden
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