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Message |
| Posted By: |
freespirit |
| Date: |
28-Jul-2001-15:02:02 |
| Subject: |
simplicity in expressing complex ideas |
I spent around ten years in the University system - indulging in academic life to the fullest extent. I had a ball. But, as much as I felt very much a part of it, it was always a totally dualistic experience for me. While I felt totally at one with the pursuit of intellect and knowledge, and the training of my mind to operate laterally (the truly greatest benefit!), at the same time there was always a tremendous undercurrent of discomfort with the pedantic, over-indulgent intellectualisation of all things "academic".
At one point, I found great comfort in the words of my Renaissance Florence history lecturer. He had recently proof-read the second PhD dissertation by his close friend, the Professor of the Economics Department. Quite obviously very differing concepts and information to his own area of expertise. The thing that impressed me so much was he said in spite of not having any knowledge or aptitude whatsoever for things 'economic', he was able to understand every concept put forward in this difficult, and very analytical thesis. This was because his friend had communicated in a manner that was simple and respectful. He conveyed complex concepts with succinct words - "plain English". At that point I resonated. It totally influenced my development from that point on.
I was the type who rebelled against what I called the "academic hoo-ha" of pedantic academica. Every night I would get out the dictionary to decipher what new words I had heard that day. Not to say I ever intended to use them myself! But I certainly had a desire to understand beyond my "contextual" comprehension. But at the same time it clearly drummed into me how unneccesary it was for people to overindulge in fancy, flowery language to communicate. It was so much ego I thought. So my writing was always as simple as I could possibly make it. In the end I gave away my dream of becoming an "academic". It just didn't feel quite right; unnatural for me.
So ... to where I am going with this ... I have recently found great comfort in reading works by writers from asian cultures. What I am recognising here is a tendency to communicate complex ideas with simple words. The reading is so incredibly natural, unforced, and so satisfying. I realise it may be to do with the translation; however, I suspect the words would have been most painstakingly translated to retain their authentic spirit. Two writers come to mind initially: Hiroyuki Itsuki and Thich Nhat Hanh. Now my exposure to both is definitely limited, so I don't want to make sweeping generalisations, but I have to say it is so incredibly wonderful to find these authors, and to drown myself in their beautiful, simple words.
This evening I read Thich Nhat Hanh's "The Path of Return Continues the Journey - A Play in One Act" from "Love in Action - Writings on Nonviolent Social Change". I was simply riveted. I felt such an amazing combination of melancholia and peace. And most noticably a feeling that I had absorbed the lessons of years of painstaking development of wisdom in a single hour. So I felt tremendous gratitude. Such a gift from him to his readers!
The discourse between his (real) characters opened up such an amazing array of emotions in me, and such revelations! It was quite magical, especially given the innocent/childish simplicity of the language, and the absolute complexity of the issues he exposed.
What impressed me most was his discussion of the impact of our actions during our lives. To me this incorporates concepts of karma, intent, selfless giving, and more. I had never really considered how the dead would view life once they had been freed from the "attachment" to the physical. What I discovered in his words, and believe to be so real, was how once "gone" people are still alive, but now free from the burden and weight of the physical. Not in the sense that they can be touched or seen beyond the memory of the "living"; rather, that their actions during their lifetimes play out for an immeasurable period of time after the fact. So in this context they are still making a very real impact on the world of the living. It is quite a startling notion. But, of course, in his words not at all difficult to grasp.
This is unquestionably true in my opinion. And it stands for me as a reminder that every action I make in my life has the capacity to reverberate beyond my comprehension into the future. To me this is not about ego (ie of feeling important because your actions are continuing beyond the "now"). It is about exercising absolute respect and considering your intent in all actions. Our physical presence is so transient in any situation; however, our singular, instantaneous actions (and thoughts) can have such a lasting impact on other people and environments around us. It is quite a responsbility if you think about it, and certainly encouragement to live life with absolute consideration and compassion for all things.
I wonder, is this (IMO) magnificent simplicity of communicating complex ideas something to do with the impact of zen buddhism on the asian cultures over the centuries? I believe it is not exactly a "typical" take by western philosophers or writers. Also, I wonder, am I drawn to this type of communication because of my desire to simplify my life, owing to previous incarnations within these cultures, although not in this life? It is like the bb discussions here - although I read and enjoy the more 'complex' discussions, I rarely feel inclined to get involved in them - not anything to do with a lack of understanding/interest of the concepts, rather a desire to simplify things for myself, like I did at University. (of course, if I was really clever I could get involved and use positively simple english!)
So ... what of this genre - is it just my limited exposure (or great fortune to find the right books for 'me'), or have other people encountered this same simplicity of communication in other asian author's writings? Is "The Path of ..." typical of Thich Naht Hanh's entire oeuvre? Can anyone comment on any other of his works? Or on Itsuki's beautiful writing (I have read "Tariki" which is my favourite book").
Anyone want to discuss the theories of living beyond death (in the context above)?
(I know this should really have been posted in the "Book Nook" board, but I wanted to get some responses, so I posted it here!) |
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