Ritual and Symbolism - An anthropological perspective

http://sites.google.com/site/4fabian/ritual-and-symbolism
Ritual and symbolism may indeed communicate, but it is not clear what or how they communicate, nor is it clear that communication is the most important aspect of ritual and symbolism.

This topic is discussed from an anthropological perspective

Reinventing Zen

A Zen master went to visit a famous professor of Quantum mechanics. While the professor of Quantum mechanics quietly served tea, the Zen master talked about Zen. The professor of Quantum mechanics poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The Zen master watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. "It's overfull! No more will go in!" the Zen master blurted. "There is no cup," the professor of Quantum mechanics replied, "How can you know Zen when you hold on so tightly to the cup?"

The Fabian Twist

The original story can be found at: 'Zen stories to tell your neighbors - Empty your cup'.