Picking the World Apart
When Lao Tzu
(or the composite of poets grouped under his name)
talked of Tao, The Way, he said,
“If you talk about it, it’s not Tao.
If you name it, it’s something else”
I don’t think he was being metaphysical
He suggested something practical which,
if taken at face value, ought to be paid attention to
you scientist, you theologian
Lao Tzu says,
“When you speak its name
it’s not there. That’s not it.
That right there, which you’ve just named
is nothing split.”
And, as if to cover the old poet’s back,
Buddha said, “Nothing in the world
is created. Nothing is created.”
(the last three words of which
is an oxymoron of enormous proportions)
Finally, the Hebrews said, “Never speak the name
of the Lord.”
All three bits of advice are invaluable
to have and take to heart
for any scientist or theologian
who sets out to pick nothing apart
by Jim Culleny, 11/25/13