Contact Quote by Taliesin
“Monks congregate like dogs in a kennel, From contact with their superiors they acquire knowledge, Is one the course of the wind, is one the water of the sea? Is one the spark of the fire, of unrestrainable tumult? Monks congregate like wolves, From contact with their superiors they acquire knowledge. They know not when the deep night and dawn divide. Nor what is the course of the wind, or who agitates it, In what place it dies away, on what land it roars.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unknown, modern poetic composition
The poem likens monks to animals, questioning the nature of knowledge acquisition and the unknowable forces that shape existence.
In simple terms: Monks are compared to animals, pondering how knowledge is gained and mysteries of nature.
Key Takeaway
Consider how authority influences learning and the limits of understanding.
Themes
knowledge
authority
nature
mystery
Mood
contemplative
enigmatic
thoughtful
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- spiritual practice
- education
- philosophical reflection
- creative writing
Key Concepts
epistemology
metaphor
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does authority shape what we learn?
- What forces remain beyond human comprehension?
A Different Perspective
The analogy may oversimplify complex spiritual traditions.