Date: 11/08/2025 11/09/2025
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Shilin Long
Sitting Meditation
The True Meaning of Zen’s “No Reliance on Words and Letters”
“No reliance on words and letters” is one of the most misunderstood teachings in Zen. People often assume that Zen rejects scriptures or discourages studying. In truth, Zen does not deny language—it warns against attachment to language. Words can point the way but cannot replace direct realization. Language can describe but cannot reveal the nature of awareness itself. Understanding this principle is essential for grasping the heart of Zen.
1. “No Words” Does Not Reject Language but Rejects Attachment
1. Words are fingers pointing to the moon
Useful for direction, not for realization.
2. Zen does not oppose sutras
Many great Zen masters were well-versed in Buddhist scriptures.
3. Zen rejects mistaking words for enlightenment
Understanding is not awakening.
2. Why Not Rely on Language: Words Describe but Cannot Reveal Reality
1. Language is abstract
Descriptions are never the experience itself.
2. Language is dualistic
Right/wrong, good/bad distort reality.
3. Language cannot express awareness
Awareness is experiential, not conceptual.
3. The Purpose of “No Reliance on Words”: Turning the Mind Inward
1. Truth is not in books
Books point to truth but are not truth.
2. Seeking outward leads further from realization
Concepts distance us from direct awareness.
3. The Dharma is within
The enlightened nature is already present.
4. Essence of the Teaching: Direct Experience, Not Conceptual Understanding
1. Awakening is not conceptual
Reasoning cannot reveal the true mind.
2. The Dharma is lived
It is not a theory but a direct experience.
3. Zen emphasizes direct seeing
Of breath, body, thoughts, and awareness itself.
5. How Zen Views Scriptures: Guides, Not Final Authority
1. “Transmission outside scriptures” is not a rejection
It means realization beyond mere study.
2. Scriptures inspire but cannot awaken
Maps guide; practice travels.
3. Zen values realization over explanation
Insight exceeds intellectual understanding.
6. How to Practice “No Reliance on Words”
1. Return from reading to direct experience
A sutra is a mirror—look into yourself.
2. Avoid arguing about doctrine
Debate is a mental game, not awakening.
3. Use all methods to return to the mind
Breathing, sitting, standing, walking—every moment reveals the Dharma.
7. The Ultimate Meaning: Awakening Comes From Mind, Not Language
1. Words are bridges
Realization comes from awareness.
2. The Dharma is here and now
In this breath, this moment.
3. True seeing is beyond language
Silence and presence are often closer to truth than speech.
Conclusion
“No reliance on words and letters” does not deny learning;it warns against mistaking words for realization.Language can guide, but awakening is found only through direct experience.When one releases attachment to concepts and returns to clear awareness,the essence of Zen naturally appears, and the gate to seeing true nature opens.
