Hinton’s Philosophy and Zen

The Gospel of John opens with the statement, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word (Greek: Logos) represents the divine principle of order, reason, and creative expression. Logos is not merely speech or a sequence of letters; it signifies a cosmic principle that connects the divine with the created universe. The idea that creation begins with the Word highlights the potency of language. Words are not just symbols; they shape reality and carry transformative power.

The word “spell” has a dual meaning — linguistic and magical. Contemplating the deep meaning of this word is an intriguing way to explore the intersection of language, meaning, and influence. In magic, “spelling” a word is a symbolic act of invoking power. This reflects the belief that words contain intrinsic energy capable of shaping or altering reality.

The magical power of words is well-understood in many religious traditions and cultures. In Christianity, God’s speaking of creation (“Let there be light”) reflects a magical quality: the spoken word manifests reality. Similarly, in Buddhism, sacred chants (e.g., mantras) are believed to carry transformative power, echoing the magical dimension of speech. Both traditions suggest that language does more than describe; it brings things into being. This parallels how modern linguistic philosophy views language…