“Those who know do not speak and those who speak do not know” – Source: Lao Tsu
This is widely quoted, or other quotes are based upon it, by many spiritual leaders such as De Mello and Tolle but what do they mean?
They argue that enlightenment cannot be described in words. De Mello suggests you imagine trying to explain the colour green to a person who is, and has always been, blind. No matter how hard you try the blind person will never be able to fully comprehend the colour green.
So it goes with enlightenment. If you are not enlightened then an enlightened one cannot explain it to you in words so they will not try. They can suggest ways that you can get there but no more.
Those, therefore, who do claim to be able to explain enlightenment are by definition not enlightened!