Contradiction of words:

Language is a remarkable tool that allows us to express our thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Yet, it is woefully flawed when it comes to capturing the essence of reality. This limitation becomes apparent when we encounter paradoxes – statements that seem contradictory but hold profound truths.

For example

Take the ancient wisdom of the Upanishads. These texts describe God as both “infinitely far” and “nearer than the near.” At first glance, this seems absurd. How can something be far and near at the same time? But this is not a failure of logic—it is a reflection of the complexity of reality and the constraints of human language.

Dance between near and far

When we describe something as being “near,” it is always in relation to something else being “far.” Even if someone is sitting just a few feet away, they are still at a measurable distance. The terms “near” and “far” are relative—they depend entirely on context. For example, if we say that a star is far away, we are comparing it to objects on Earth. Yet, to the vast universe, even the most distant star can seem close. This shows that no matter how we look at it, “near” and “far” are two sides of the same coin. Each contains the seed of the other. The Relativity of Experience Consider how we perceive something as basic as temperature. Imagine a traveler lost in the snowy wilderness of Siberia. After wandering in the cold, they finally find shelter in an igloo. Inside, the igloo owner, seated comfortably without any extra layers, offers the traveler a thin blanket, saying, “You might need this if it gets a little colder.” The traveler, shivering uncontrollably, finds the cold unbearable. The igloo owner, who has adapted to the environment, finds the same cold bearable. This sharp contrast is not because the cold itself changes—it is the individual’s experience that differs.

This relativity can be tested in a simple experiment. Place one hand on ice and the other near a hot stove, then dip both in a bucket of water. The hand near the ice will feel hot, while the hand near the stove will feel cold. The water hasn’t changed, but the perception has.

Web of words

These examples highlight the limitations of language. Words are the tools we use to explain the world, but they are inherently dualistic. They rely on comparisons – near versus far, hot versus cold. And while these comparisons work in everyday situations, they fail when applied to deeper truths.

This is why spiritual texts often use paradoxes. By saying that something is both near and far, they point to the idea that reality is not bound by human concepts. These phrases are not meant to be understood literally but rather to push us beyond the limits of logic and language.

To be free from duality

The goal of such teachings is to help us transcend the dualistic nature of language and perception. When opposites—such as near and far, or hot and cold—are together, they cancel each other out, creating a space of silence. In this silence, deeper truths can emerge, freed from the limitations of words.

Finally

Reality is not something that can be neatly explained. It exists beyond the binaries we rely on to understand the world. By recognizing the limitations of language and embracing the paradoxes it presents, we can get closer to understanding the infinite—a reality that can only be experienced, not described.

in conclusion

Words are both a gift and a challenge. They guide us, but they can also trap us in our dualistic nature. The key is to use them wisely, remembering that their true purpose is to point us toward the indescribable, where the real meaning of life lies.