The Place Where Words are Conceived

A man explores Rumi’s statement ‘Silence is the language of God, all else is poor translation’, questioning whether words emerging from mind versus being affects their quality. Rupert explains that even words informed by highest wisdom fall short of describing reality, yet compassion compels speaking despite this limitation. Discussing poetry’s role, Rupert suggests the primary task is first emptying the mind to ‘hear the word of God’, quoting Meister Eckhart. The man reflects on George Steffens’s poem ‘The Word’, with Rupert explaining that true poetry has evocative rather than descriptive power – taking listeners to the place from which the words were conceived.

From event 21 March - 28 April, 2025 Seven-Day Retreat at Garrison Institute, 21–28 March 2025

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