The Web of Words

These quotes highlight the limitations of language, intellectualization, and conceptual labeling in the pursuit of ultimate truth.

1. The Forest of Words

Vivekachudamani 60

शब्दजालं महारण्यं चित्तभ्रमणकारणम् । Translation: The web of words is a great forest which causes the mind to wander.

2. The Futility of Grammar

Bhaja Govindam

सम्प्राप्ते सन्निहिते काले नहि नहि रक्षति डुकृङ्करणे ॥ Translation: When the appointed time (of death) comes, the rules of grammar will not save you. (Context: Shankara emphasizes that intellectual mastery of language is no substitute for devotion and realization.)

3. The Unnamable Tao

Tao Te Ching 1

The name that can be named is not the eternal Name. Translation: (名可名，非常名) (Context: The opening line of the Tao Te Ching, asserting that the ultimate reality (Tao) transcends all linguistic labels and definitions.)

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Related Notes:

• Vivekachudamani
• Tao Te Ching