The quote “The more I think of God, the more indescribable he becomes” reflects a profound aspect of Hindu philosophy—the transcendental, infinite, and ineffable nature of the Divine. In Hinduism, God is understood as both immanent (within everything) and transcendent (beyond everything). The deeper one contemplates the Divine, the more one realizes that words, concepts, and human understanding fall short in fully capturing the essence of God.
Symbolism and Importance:
In Hinduism, God is often described as Nirguna Brahman (without attributes) and Saguna Brahman (with attributes). As Nirguna, God is formless, infinite, beyond time and space, and beyond the limitations of human intellect. As Saguna, God can take various forms like Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, or any deity that represents specific qualities of the Divine. This dual perspective allows Hindus to approach God in both a personal and impersonal way.
The idea of God being indescribable points to the ultimate mystery of existence. It encourages a recognition that the Divine surpasses all mental categories. Silence, rather than speech, becomes a more appropriate response to the mystery of God.
Similar Examples:
Yajur Veda (32.3) states: “Na tasya pratima asti”— "There is no image of Him." This points to God’s ineffable and formless nature, a being that cannot be limited by representations.
The Mundaka Upanishad (3.1.8) expresses: "Brahman cannot be grasped by the mind or described by words." This further emphasizes the limitations of language and thought in describing the infinite.
In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 11), when Krishna reveals his Vishvarupa (universal form) to Arjuna, Arjuna is overwhelmed and realizes that words cannot describe the enormity, power, and infinite nature of Krishna. Arjuna says, “You are beyond description and beyond imagination!”
Stories from Hinduism:
A simple story that illustrates this concept is the tale of Sage Narada and Lord Vishnu:
- Once, Sage Narada, full of pride, told Vishnu that he was his greatest devotee. Vishnu smiled and said that there was a simple farmer who was more devoted to Him than Narada. Confused, Narada asked why. Vishnu explained that although the farmer only thought of God a few times a day, he did it with full heart and without ego, accepting that the true nature of God is beyond his understanding, while Narada had become attached to his idea of devotion.
This story teaches us that recognizing the indescribable nature of God leads to humility and devotion, free from ego.
Relevance in Modern Life:
In the fast-paced modern world, where everything seems measurable, understandable, and analyzable, the idea of an indescribable God teaches us the value of humility and surrender. As much as science and technology have advanced, there are mysteries beyond our grasp—whether in the vastness of the cosmos or the depth of human consciousness. The idea that the Divine is beyond description reminds us to remain humble and open to the unknown, embracing life's uncertainties with faith.
Practicality in Day-to-Day Life:
Humility and Acceptance: Understanding that God is beyond description can help cultivate humility. Instead of trying to control everything or fit life into rigid categories, we can develop an attitude of acceptance, trusting that the universe operates on a higher wisdom.
Letting Go of Ego: The indescribable nature of God helps in letting go of ego-driven pursuits, as it reminds us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. It fosters gratitude and a sense of belonging to the grand cosmic design.
Embracing the Mystery: In daily challenges, when things do not go as planned, acknowledging that the universe (or God) is far beyond our control brings a sense of peace and calm. It encourages patience and faith in a higher purpose.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Contemplating on the formless, infinite aspect of God, as often recommended in the Upanishads, can be a powerful meditative practice. The attempt to visualize or understand the ineffable can lead to a deep sense of inner silence and stillness.
Quotes from Hindu Scriptures:
Katha Upanishad (2.6.12): “That which cannot be expressed by speech, but by which speech is expressed, that alone is Brahman, not what people worship here.”
Rig Veda (1.164.46): "Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti" — “Truth is one, but the wise express it in many ways.” This reflects the idea that God’s infinite nature is described differently by different people, but is ultimately beyond description.
Benefits of Recognizing the Indescribable Nature of God:
Spiritual Growth: It fosters deeper inquiry and devotion. By accepting that the Divine is beyond human comprehension, seekers become more open to spiritual experiences beyond intellectual understanding.
Inner Peace: Realizing the limits of our intellect and ego can help us find peace. It removes the need to know everything or control every situation, creating space for surrender and inner calm.
Compassion and Openness: The indescribable nature of God encourages tolerance and acceptance of diverse paths and beliefs. Since no one can fully know the Divine, it nurtures an attitude of respect toward others’ spiritual journeys.
Additional Thoughts:
In Hinduism, this principle underscores that diversity in religious practices and beliefs is natural because different people relate to the Divine in different ways. Yet, at its heart, Hinduism teaches that God is beyond all forms, rituals, and definitions.
In modern spiritual practice, this idea encourages a broad-minded approach—to embrace not only one’s own religious beliefs but also to respect other ways of seeking and experiencing the Divine. It promotes the view that spirituality is a journey toward understanding something that ultimately cannot be fully understood by human faculties alone. This fosters a sense of humility, reverence, and wonder for the mysteries of existence.
The more we contemplate God, the more we understand that He/She/It is beyond our capacity to define. This humility leads to a deeper sense of reverence, a broader understanding of life, and a more peaceful and harmonious existence. This principle reminds us to respect all faiths and philosophies, to acknowledge the limitations of our own understanding, and to live with an attitude of devotion and surrender to the infinite mystery that is God.