Via The Tricycle Community /// Three Teachings on Language

 

Support the Tricycle community with a donation » January 22, 2026 Work With Words to Move Beyond Them   “A finger pointing at the moon” is a classic Zen expression that tells us not to confuse the teachings or texts that guide us toward awakening with awakening itself. Don’t confuse the finger for the moon. There is no substitute for direct experience.  As poet and Zen priest Norman Fischer says, talking or writing about awakening can only get us so far. Language conditions perception. But what to do? We should focus our awareness on the limits of language in meditation, study, and mindfulness in daily life, Fischer says. By repeatedly tuning into our sensations and emotions, and viewing thoughts as incomplete representations of what is, over time we will learn to hold our words and views more lightly. We will discover a freer way of being. We want to cultivate what Fischer calls “non-view: a spirit of openness, kindness, and flexibility with regard to language, to connect without being caught by—and separated from the world by—language.” This week’s Three Teachings explores the ways we can work with words to move beyond them. Forward today's teachings to a friend » Beyond Language By Norman Fischer Pointing out how the Buddha himself saw the limitations of language, poet and Zen priest Norman Fischer contemplates the prison of language, and how we can use it to find freedom. [Words] “always fail, but the point is not to succeed but to make the attempt.” Read more » Words as Windows By Ben Van Overmeire  Scholar and professor Ben Van Overmeire considers the paradox in Zen of valuing literature and poetry, but also of privileging direct experience. Citing historical and contemporary Zen writers, as well as the tradition of koan practice, which uses words to jolt us into awakening, he concludes that attachment to words, like attachment to anything, is the danger. “If we let go of our attachment to words and letters, and instead let them point, amazing things can happen when we read and write.” Read more » When Our Blind Spots Fall in Love By Vanessa Zuisei Goddard Zen teacher and writer Vanessa Zuisei Goddard explains how our words, which can never keep up with the relentless pace of impermanence, impact our relationships. She then offers guidance for deeper connection through our imperfect words. Read more » Follow Us

Tricycle is a nonprofit and relies on your support to keep its wheels turning. Donate »

Copyright © 2026 Tricycle Foundation All rights reserved. 89 5th Ave | New York, NY 10003