neti neti

Definitions

In Vedic and subsequent Hindu philosophy, the doctrine of "not this, not that", which holds that Brahman (the Supreme Being, God) has absolutely no specific characteristics and cannot be described in positive terms.

Hinduism

Examples

“And so: The indication of Brahman is Neti, Neti — Not this, Not this, for beyond saying Neti, Neti, there is nothing else possible — for It is Truth beyond Truth”

“The multiethnic crowd wore gym clothes, traditional Indian garb and a few political T-shirts. […] [M]ost said they were drawn by the mix⟳ of yoga and politics — and a chance to say⟳ neti-neti to President Bush.”

“[T]he Brihadaranyaka Upanishad uses negatives to describe⟳ God: "The Divine is not this and it’s not that (Neti, neti)," Sage Yajnyavalkya tells his students.”

CEFR level