論以語言文字探究諸法實相時可能遭遇之限度及其超越之法 ：以《入楞伽經》為主要依據=The Limitations and Their Transcendence in the Linguistic Approach to Reality: Mainly based on the Laṅkāvatāra-sūtra
The most important objective in philosophy or Buddhism is to understand the reality of life in the universe, or sentient beings in the world. As a human being, the means of education one has received since childhood and the major means of communication one employs is language. As a result, the underlying ways of thinking come close to the foundation of how people view the world. However, it has been a recurrent topic in Buddhist scriptures that“Thorough Reality”is beyond words, utterance, and language. Therefore, this paper will focuse on investigating why words and language cannot reach“Thorough Reality.”If it is possible to tease out the reasons behind the above sayings, then it might lead to a way to surpass words and language. After all, as a human being, it is difficult for us to avoid employing words and language altogether. An inquiry into characteristics of words and language and“Thorough Reality”in Buddhism may reveal the limitations of words and language in terms of reality. Words and language can only portray static, partial, and simplified states. At the same time, it is inevitable that words and language may entail problems as being ambiguous, leading to ramifications and lack of specificity. As a result, while trying to describe an allencompassing and dynamic reality, words and language fall short. One should approach reality by ways of realizing through practice, comprehending it, and experiencing it personally, which can be unfolded into a three-fold relationship with regard to language: the aspects of speaking and listening, and the process of comprehending. This three-fold relationship between language and reality involves limitations in comprehending and communicating. Nevertheless, as the main purpose of the practice is to comprehend the reality, if one can grasp the implications of language other than its literal meanings, one can overcome the potential problems caused by approaching reality with merely language, or even surpass words and language. However, it does not suggest that language is of no use at all and should be discarded entirely. That would have been falling into another extreme. Buddhism shows us the sequence of hearing, thinking and practicing, whichillustrates that even though language does not reach the reality it provides the initial passage towards it. Then, with the help of cogitation and practice, one can reach reality by way of the Middle Path.
