“Truth has nothing to do with words. Truth can be likened to the bright moon in the sky. Words, in this case, can be likened to a finger. The finger can point to the moon’s location. However, the finger is not the moon. To look at the moon, it is necessary to gaze beyond the finger.”
Huineng
7th century Chinese Zen (Chan) monk
Photo: Subalpine fir, Lone Eagle Peak and the moon from my backcountry campsite; Crater Lake, Indian Peaks Wilderness, CO; August 26, 2012
Huineng's perspective is much needed in our time of literalistic religion. The point is to have the inner insight and experience to which the words of scripture point, not cling to the words as though THEY were the insight and experience. How much more peaceful our world would be if we found the grace to follow this principle!
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