Concepts Quote by Anthony de Mello
“The Master persistently warned against the attempt to encompass Reality in a concept or a name. A scholar in mysticism once asked, "When you speak of BEING, sir, is it eternal, transcendent being you speak of, or transient, contingent being?" The Master closed his eyes in thought. Then he opened them, put on his most disarming expression, and said, "Yes!"”
About This Quote
Source Talk: Zen teaching, 1990s
The Master warns that reality cannot be fully captured by concepts or names; true understanding transcends labels.
In simple terms: Reality exceeds language.
Key Takeaway
Seek beyond labels.
Themes
philosophy
spirituality
language
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- meditation
- academic study
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Zen
epistemology
transcendence
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “Yes!” reveal about acceptance?
- How do you experience the unnamable?
A Different Perspective
Concepts can limit perception.
