Because the eye gazes but can catch no glimpse of it, It is called elusive. Because the ear listens but cannot hear it, It is called the rarefied. Because the hand feels for it but cannot find it, It is called the infinitesimal. … These are called the shapeless shapes, Forms without form, Vague semblances. Go towards them, and you can see no front; Go after them, and you see no rear.
The passage highlights the idea of elusive experiences that remain unattainable through our senses. The eye, ear, and hand seek these phenomena but ultimately fail to fully grasp them. They are described as rarefied and infinitesimal, emphasizing their intangible nature. This reflects the subtlety of certain truths or experiences that defy conventional understanding.
The text suggests that these concepts are shapeless and formless, creating a sense of mystery surrounding them. When one attempts to pursue these elusive shapes, they appear directionless and ambiguous, underscoring the notion that some aspects of life are beyond linear perception and understanding. This aligns with Jung's exploration of deeper, acausal connections in our existence.
