A Net of Words

Came across this wonderful rendering of a teaching about Tu B'Shvat from the Mishnah by Rami Shapiro in the  anthology, Trees, Earth and Torah, edited by Ari Elon.

From The Wisdom of the Jewish Sages

Rabbi Jacob says:

If you are walking lost in wonder,

Empty of self and mindful of Reality,

And suddenly you interrupt this peace to exclaim:

“How beautiful is this tree! How magnificent this field!”

you forfeit life.

The intrustion of self and the imposing of judgment

separates you from Reality

and snares you in the net of words.

Be still and know.

Embrace all in silence.

                                                -- Mishnah Avot 3:9