This is almost exactly how chapter 9 of the Vimalakirti sutra (a major Mahayana Buddhist Scripture) ends. Everybody keeps trying to explain "nondualistic reality"; when Vimalakirti is asked, he remains silent, and that's the best and last explanation of the nature of ultimate reality. Definitely indirect or performative communication, together with the idea that that's the only sort of thing fitting for grasping ultimate reality.
You aren't turning into a Mahayana Buddhist on me, are you? :)
Of course, the title is a cheat, just as it is a cheat that Vimalakirti is silent *when asked*. And there is something interesting about the fact that even indirect communication needs to cheat like that.
Deep Thoughts Part XXX...?
ReplyDeleteI for one welcome the indirect communication--or at least how performative it is.
ReplyDeleteKarl:
ReplyDeleteKeywords updated.
This is almost exactly how chapter 9 of the Vimalakirti sutra (a major Mahayana Buddhist Scripture) ends. Everybody keeps trying to explain "nondualistic reality"; when Vimalakirti is asked, he remains silent, and that's the best and last explanation of the nature of ultimate reality. Definitely indirect or performative communication, together with the idea that that's the only sort of thing fitting for grasping ultimate reality.
ReplyDeleteYou aren't turning into a Mahayana Buddhist on me, are you? :)
Of course, the title is a cheat, just as it is a cheat that Vimalakirti is silent *when asked*. And there is something interesting about the fact that even indirect communication needs to cheat like that.
ReplyDelete