Hi Bob,
It occurs to me that we are dealing with theoretical scenarios and applying them to “illusory” realities.. which, is a recipe for chaos..
I understand your point, but I must disagree. What I have described is not theoretical; it is “one” manner of describing the process that occurs when we translate formless thought into formed concepts, linear words. This process is directly perceivable for anyone who has learned to perceive it. Words do influence how we perceive and contribute to a limited perspective. I might add this is a well understood process that is discussed in both Taoist and Ch’an writings.
On the other hand, there is nothing that may not be considered as illusory according to a specific context/perspective. All perspectives attend to them specific rules and principles. Rules and principles provide structure to specific perspectives which allow them to be understood, experienced and discussed according to their context.
Chaos is just another form of Order and Order is just another form of Chaos!
In “my” recent experiences, i have been less concerned with the nature of reality (having invested much time examining that subject), and more concerned with the immediate physical Living.. i have reduced my levels of experience to, as you might say, “discursive and non-discursive”.. and applying both to what is in front of me.. and, rather than looking backward to the source of “insight or intuition”, applying that to the immediate physical living.. after-all, that is the actual reference point we ALL have in common..
I agree with this process of perception. From my perspective it is but one of many potential perspectives from which we may learn and experience life. Each perspective has its purpose and benefits according to specific contexts; I choose not to try not to limit my perspectives to any one means or method, but expand my perceptive potentials. To me this creates a flexible means of learning and understanding. Greater flexibility of perception/perspectives/contexts results in greater freedom.
My conclusions thus far are that i have been a bit distracted from the Art of Living Well, in favor of dancing in my head.. that there are observable relationships between discursive and non-discursive thought, but.. the relationships are only evident in Living them, not in analytical academics.. i find that insight and intuition are applicable to something tangible in the physical experience, that their effects shape a more comprehensive physical experience.. i have come to regard physical existence as the Universe’s Masterpiece, a remarkable intersection of Consciousness, energy, and possibility.. that so much mental pursuit of the hows and whys distracts us from the brief time we exist in the physical experience.. “non-discursive” thought reveals more of the essence of an experience, while “discursive” thought applies that essence to our current condition, physical being.. to discipline our discursive thinking to be less “label” oriented (i.e.: Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, scientist, etc…) is more experientially beneficial than Heisenberg’s experiments or Schrodinger’s cats.. simply because those notions are the product of physical existence.. Physical existence expands outward, an intangible consciousness seeking its tangible experience.. i am considering whether or not our “journey inward” is contradictory to the over-all process..
These are very thought provoking comments Bob. I think we should keep a few things in mind here:
Discursive and non-discursive thought both serve specific functions. Neither is to be necessarily considered of greater or lesser value. We use discursive thought to communicate our non-discursive experiences with one and other, so we need not discard discursive thinking. But to dwell in a perpetual state of discursive thought is limiting to our understanding and appreciation of Tao. Clinging to either discursive thought or non-discursive thought has the potential of trapping our minds and thus limiting our freedom of perception/experience.
The second thing to remember is that discussing a principle, thinking about it, and understanding it discursively is not the same thing as doing it. In short we could say, “Stop thinking about it, just do it!” but we must remember that for many people understanding precedes doing. For these individuals intellectual exploration is the method by which they come to learn about the non-discursive mind.
Each individual has their own inclinations and personality. Each person is reached and will learn and grow according to their inclinations and personality. Some people are intellectually inclined, some are poetically inclined, some are emotionally inclined, some are action oriented, etc. Each inclination may lead to the same goal. As I have mentioned in the past, Hui-Neng recommends using “useful expedients” to reach each person according to their inclinations and personality. This is the principle of flexibility in action and one I favor.
There is nothing wrong with using labels/words and strict meanings to distinguish thoughts, principles, and processes, etc. We need only understand that the context changes according to the circumstances and the individuals involved. Again, flexibility is the principle here; for me the purpose is to develop the ability to apply words, labels, metaphors etc. effectively according to the context at the time.
I was sitting on my porch one day, contemplating such intricate notions as quantum relationships, relativity, and existence as the product of consciousness.. and a Hummingbird visited my Honeysuckle Vine.. so much more profound was the visit by the Hummingbird, such clarity merged with a sudden insight/intuition of just how important it is to be present for the experience unfolding directly in front of me, that the “intricate notions” faded exponentially in levels of importance.. Odd, how such a simple thing as a passing Hummingbird so profoundly shifted my awareness.. “Life” seems so much simpler, now.. much more expressive, much more exciting.. much more “real”…
My intention here is in no way intended to diminish your experience. I would like to return to the principle of flexibility, or perhaps illustrate the variety in which Tao may be expressed and experienced by pointing out that while you find meaning and expression of Tao in the simple experience of watching a hummingbird, there are others who find the same experience through the consideration of more rational pursuits such as Quantum relationships. One is not inherently preferable to the other. Each provides unique experiences according to its context. All things are expressions of Tao, therefore anything and everything points to Tao. Each person will come to appreciation and understanding according to their unique inclinations and personality.
From my perception your nature is expressed very poetically and that is to be appreciated. It is not any less valid or valuable then hard science. Each provides a different experience of Tao. From my personal view I try to adhere to the principle of flexibility and try to appreciate the expressions of Tao from as many perspectives as I am able.
As always I appreciate reading your thoughts, thank you for expressing them. 
I am only a passing study of such things, and am prone to putting my own interpretation too far into them perhaps. But again, I am not religious really in the slightest, and understand well that things quickly become absurd when crossing into the realm of “belief” from that of “ideas.”
). If a person perceives according to the