Neti, Neti Beyond Every Hymn
Bala Kanda, Doha 12
Doha 12 · Movement 2 of 2
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A hymn rises through the worlds. Saraswati gives it speech. Shesha bears it upon a thousand tongues. Shiva and Brahma add their praise, while Agamas, Vedas, and Puranas pour their accumulated wisdom into the sound.
Still the glory before them does not approach an edge. Every affirmation opens upon a greater mystery. At the limit of language, the vast assembly can only say, neti, neti. Not this alone. Not even this.
The singing does not cease because description has failed. It becomes more reverent. Each voice knows that the One praised exceeds the hymn and receives it nonetheless.
Beyond the last word, the choir continues into immeasurable silence.
Read the passage from the Manas
सारद सेस महेस बिधि आगम निगम पुरान। नेति नेति कहि जासु गुन करहिं निरंतर गान।।12।।
Saraswati, Shesha, Mahesh, Brahma, the Agamas, Vedas, and Puranas all sing His virtues without ceasing, and yet can only say "neti, neti" (not this, not this), for His glory has no end.