Dictionary

finger pointing at the moon en · NOUN

Etymology

From Buddhism.

Meanings

1. (idiomatic) Something serving to indicate, as opposed to the thing being indicated.
   • In the Eastern religions we are reminded that a symbol is a finger pointing at the moon and should not be mistaken for the moon, but nevertheless the pointing finger enables us to look in the right direction. 2011, David Fontana, Is Christianity Good for You?, page 178:
   • The map, the words, the moral rules are but fingers pointing at the moon of experience. Understand the finger for what it is, and look beyond it to the source and meaning of it all. 2012, Robert E. Carter, Encounter with Enlightenment: A Study of Japanese Ethics, page 108:

Forms

Relateds

the map is not the territory