What Do "Meaning" and "Language" Refer to in the Principle of "Relying on Meaning, Not Language"?

When the Buddha taught the Dharma, he instructed sentient beings to rely on the true meaning within the teachings, not on the surface language of the Buddha's words. Language conveys the superficial meaning, while the meaning refers to the implied, genuine intent. Why, then, did the Buddha not directly state the true meaning, instead concealing his real intent beneath the surface meaning?

Language corresponds to the conscious mind, residing in the shallow, superficial meaning. Behind the words and text lies a deeper meaning that the root consciousness intends to express. Under special circumstances, some people, when speaking or writing, are unable, unwilling, or find it difficult to directly express their true thoughts; they convey them implicitly and indirectly. Listeners must then discern the implied meaning, understanding what lies beyond the literal words. Sentient beings find it somewhat easier to grasp the surface meaning, but it is ultimately not the true meaning and remains incomplete. The deeper meaning is harder for sentient beings to comprehend, yet it is the speaker's genuine intent, the message they truly wish to convey.

Therefore, when the Buddha was approaching parinirvana, he instructed his disciples to rely on the meaning, not the words, urging sentient beings to rely on the ultimate meaning. The ultimate meaning is the true intent the Buddha wished to express. If sentient beings only comprehend and focus on the surface language, they fail to grasp the Buddha's true intent and misinterpret his genuine meaning.

When ordinary people speak, there are also explicit and implicit references. The explicit reference is the surface meaning, while the implicit reference is the true meaning. The explicit is what the conscious mind expresses through words and language; the implicit is the true intention behind the words and language. Why not express one's true thoughts and intentions directly? In some situations, certain ideas cannot be expressed directly. One reason is concern that the other party may not accept or understand them, fearing misunderstanding. Another reason involves method and strategy: prompting deep reflection allows individuals to arrive at answers through profound contemplation, making them more receptive and deepening their wisdom.

Those who emphasize the art of language employ skillful means (upaya) in this way. Even the Buddha, when teaching the Dharma, sometimes expressed himself indirectly rather than stating his true meaning outright. One reason was fear that sentient beings might not understand or might misconstrue his words. Another was to guide sentient beings toward deeper contemplation, enabling them to reach conclusions themselves, thereby increasing their wisdom and faith. This was especially necessary when beings of different spiritual capacities were present together, making direct expression of profound meaning inappropriate.