What Do Words Mean?

“In our Tibetan tradition, much of the time, perhaps even most of the time, is spent defining terminology. Oh, I suppose, from a modern point of view, that must sound so boring. In response to that boredom, I have shifted from telling you what a Buddhist term means to asking you what that word means to you. We can then see the similarities and differences from various cultural and spiritual views to gain correct understanding. Since then, it has worked out very nicely and is a lot more fun and productive” ~ Domo Geshe Rinpoche ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Domo Geshe Rinpoche: Was ist die Bedeutung von Worten?
In unserer tibetischen Tradition wird viel Zeit, vielleicht sogar die meiste Zeit darauf verwandt Terminologie zu definieren. Oh, ich nehme an, dass sich das von einer modernen Sichtweise aus furchtbar langweilig anhört. Als Antwort auf diese Langeweile bin ich dazu übergegangen, Euch zu fragen, welche Bedeutung ein Wort für Euch hat, anstatt Euch den buddhistischen Begriff zu erklären. So können wir die Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede verschiedener kultureller und spiritueller Sichtweisen erkennen, um das korrekte Verständnis zu erlangen. Seitdem funktioniert das sehr gut, macht auch viel mehr Spaß und ist produktiver."

Comments

  1. We define space with words. The meaning can shift from within our perception, depending upon the usage. Many philosophical and religious words have specific meaning, held fast by the contrast to what is described as the larger picture, agreed upon by those who have authority.
    Still everyone can have a unique experience at the same time having a collective experience.

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