A • B • C • D • E • F • G • H • I • J • K • L • M N • O • P • Q • R • S • T • U • V • W • X • Y • Z Hebrew: Aleph • Beit • Geemel • Dalet • Hay • Vahv • Zaiyin • Chait • Tait Yoad • Kaf • Lahmed • Mame • Nune • Sahmek • Aiyin • Pay Tzahday • Qoaf • Raysh • S(h)een • Tahv K k “Knowledge is like a knot — find the string that was before it.” The shape of this letter indicates travel and reflection, as if a ball was tossed down against a wall, and thus changed its direction of travel. In the miniscule, this is illustrated as happening only on the lower half of the founding stroke, which we might take to indicate ‘the universe of material beings and matter’. Like ’J’, K is a relatively modern addition and has only a small number of terms beginning with it. This shape represents ‘a angular reflection’, or ‘turning’ caused by encountering a pillar or wall during descent (or ascent). This is akin to the hard sound of ‘K’, which indicates a sharp demarcation from the previous silence, whereas the soft sound — as in kneeling — indicates a more gentle entrance into the ‘new direction’. Though it is not apparant in the letter, we should notice that these upward and downward comings or goings can be part of a spiral — and thus imply simultaneous ‘turning’ in more than one dimension. Additionally, it can represent, as Victor Hugo ‘imagined’ the relationship between ‘the angle of incidence and that of reflection’. Character Classes to which ‘K’ belongs: Having Pillars Left Pillar Letters often implying Division or Reflection o:O:o Keep — To retain possession of. Key — A form of physical cryptography whereby locks can be sealed or opened. Kick — A sudden movement of the foot and leg, usually intended as an offensive or defensive blow. Kind — A word used to denote belonging to a class. Additionally, a quality of a person, circumstances, or a place which is friendly, nice, pleasant, caring, good. Kinetic — Of or relating to motion. Kill — To deprive of life, usually violently. Kindness — A quality or form of action which is gentle, caring, and compassionate. King — A ruler or authority whom all subjects must obey. Usually anointed by a spiritual leader. In antiquity, it is said that a King was not a commander or ruler, but instead a protector — and was anointed with fat from the masach lizard, from which the term messiah may descend. Kinship — Related by family, or profound friendship. Kiss — To gently or lovingly touch with the lips, particularly in a gesture of fealty or romantic (or sexual) intention. Knee — The ball-like joint in the middle of the leg. Kneel — To sit upright upon one’s knees such that the forefoot is bent and the toes used for balance. Knife — A tool used for dividing or piercing. Knight — One who, granted status by a ruler, acts as a protector or missionary. A warrior of special merit or skill. Knot — A ball or lump formed by interlacing flexible strands or elements. Often used to bind discrete elements together, or to keep something from moving in an unwanted way. Knowledge — A collection of relational or formal propositions or understandings which are largely the result of placing specificity in precedence to generality. Literally, ‘to know the l-edge’ — a scalar pun on ‘k-ness’. Koan — A ‘public case’ which comprises a unique form of riddle (one which cannot be resolved intellectually) in the tradition of Rinzai Zen. A • B • C • D • E • F • G • H • I • J • K • L • M N • O • P • Q • R • S • T • U • V • W • X • Y • Z Hebrew: Aleph • Beit • Geemel • Dalet • Hay • Vahv • Zaiyin • Chait • Tait Yoad • Kaf • Lahmed • Mame • Nune • Sahmek • Aiyin • Pay Tzahday • Qoaf • Raysh • S(h)een • Tahv