In "Mindfulness in Plain English," author Henepola Gunaratana emphasizes that true understanding and experience transcend mere language and symbols. He suggests that while words can convey ideas, they cannot fully capture the depth of personal experiences and insights gained through mindfulness practice. This notion highlights the limitations of verbal communication in expressing profound truths.

Gunaratana's quote invites readers to explore mindfulness as a practice that goes beyond intellectual knowledge. By engaging deeply with their experiences, individuals can uncover a level of understanding that exists outside of mental frameworks. This encourages a focus on direct experience rather than solely relying on conceptual thinking.