More Thoughts on Language

In my most recent post I wrote about the joy of seeing (hearing?) a play about the life and work of Emily Dickinson. The basic tool of a poet is language, and language gives us much to think about.

Language is often abused and misused. Too often we go through life not realizing what a powerful gift words are. We use language to express practically all of our thoughts and ideas. Indeed, the gospel of John opens with the phrase "In the beginning was the Word....". Today many spiritual teachers of all stripes are striving to teach us the incredible power of words and their declaration.

Alice Bailey, the controversial British/American theosophical writer who claimed to channel a Tibetan spiritual master, once wrote that language is ultimately inadequate to express the deepest truths. Of course that is true; language is simply a tool, and we should always strive to hone and deepen it. Most of us sense that language hints at ideas and feelings that remain inexpressible to us. But the greatness of language is its ability to inspire us to search for the deeper meanings. When we meditate or pray, we sometimes proceed beyond words, but it is often "words" that guide us into "the Word". This is part of why language is so important to us. Words can both unite and divide us, but ultimately they guide us.

Thanks,
Gary