Clumsy Fingers

Summary

The article discusses the inherent limitations of the human mind in comprehending infinite concepts such as Nirvana, emphasizing that such understanding transcends normal thought processes.

Abstract

The text reflects on the futility of grasping the infinite using finite human intellect, likening the mind's capabilities to "clumsy fingers." It draws on Buddhist teachings, particularly from the Sutta Pitaka and various commentaries, to underscore the consensus that concepts like Nirvana or the Unconditioned are beyond the reach of conventional human cognition. The author acknowledges the challenge of moving beyond discursive thinking to achieve a state of silent illumination, a path some traditions, like the Tibetan school led by Tsongkhapa, approach through rigorous reasoning, while others, like Dogen's, advocate for transcending logic altogether. The article suggests that relinquishing the ego and its attachment to thought can lead to enlightening experiences, ultimately guiding one to a place of profound peace and insight, free from the incessant chatter of the mind.

Opinions

The author agrees with the Buddhist perspective that the infinite cannot be grasped by the discriminating human mind.
There is a consensus in the Buddhist canon that the infinite and related concepts are incomprehensible to the normal, thinking mind.
Tsongkhapa and the Tibetan tradition emphasize the use of discriminating reason to understand emptiness, contrasting with the approach of simply being and discerning openly.
Dogen's approach, which involves transcending discursive logic, is seen as a pathway to seeing the Ultimate Truth.
The article posits that transcending logic and discursive thinking involves letting go of the self, which is challenging due to the ego's affinity for thought.
The author believes that persevering in the attempt to quiet the mind can lead to enlightening experiences and a state devoid of mental clutter.

On a Delicate Mission

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Tinkering with the Infinite — dull finite tools my clumsy fingers

Wrestling with Infinity, trying to pin it down as a concept, using dull, finite thoughts. This is a tough, if not outright impossible proposition.

The Buddhist canon, at least the part that I have read (and continue to read — which includes the four main books in the Sutta Pitaka, along with much Theravada and Mahayana commentary) seems to internally agree on this one point: the infinite (and other beyond the beyond concepts, like Nirvana, the Undying, the Ungenerated, the Uncreated, the Unconditioned, et al. — all dancing synonyms, meaning the same thing) cannot be grasped by the normal, thinking, discriminating human mind — those clumsy fingers.

If you think you’ve got it, the ancients seem to agree, you haven’t got it.

I must agree, for that’s what I feel my thoughts are: clumsy fingers. Dull finite tools. Not made to solve eternal mysteries.

Now, the Tibetan tradition begs to differ. Tsongkhapa, for one, has even gone so far as to ridicule those (Indians at the time — fourteenth century C.E.) who believed that all you really had to do to reach Nirvana was truly to venture beyond thought, normal human-mind, ego-mind, stuff thought, and into the deep (some add, bright) stillness beyond.

Tsongkhapa et al. were masters at discriminating reason, thousands and thousands of books worth of it — to prove that all things are empty.

Dogen, in turn disagrees with Tsongkhapa. If you can truly transcend discursive logic and simply be and openly discern, you can and will see the Ultimate Truth. Some call this approach Silent Illumination, a designation I find both beautiful and strangely calming.

Transcending logic and discursive thinking has a lot to do with dropping the notion of self altogether, not an easy thing to do since one of the ego’s very favorite (and self-affirming) activities is just that: thinking.

Try giving it up sometime — it’s very enlightening to sense how hard it is clinging to life.

Or frustrating — the Monkey Mind loves nothing more than swinging from thought-tree to thought-tree, gibbering all the way.

Still, keep trying. One day you will find yourself in a lovely, quiet glen. Look around. Astound. Not a clumsy finger in sight.

Amaze.

Clumsy Fingers

On a Delicate Mission

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