Wisdom. . .
Wisdom, sapience, or sagacity is the ability to contemplate and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. Wisdom is associated with attributes such as unbiased judgment, compassion, experiential self-knowledge, self-transcendence and non-attachment, and virtues such as ethics and benevolence. My own instructor summed it up in the timeless “you will know that you know nothing.”
Wisdom. An open ended truth. . .
Wise View or Understanding is the starting point, the first step on the path because our views and understanding of ourselves and the world directly inform and guide our actions. The Buddha taught that mature view is established when one understands from one’s own direct experience the truth and implications of impermanence and the truth and implications of causality and conditionality, that all actions have consequences, karma. This cycle of not knowing, then knowing and finally informing ones own journey and eventually passing that on (to be a new generations starting point) is wisdom. It is truth, yet it is ever-changing.
When we truly understand that our happiness and our unhappiness are dependent upon our own actions, it is basic yet empowers and energizes us to make the wisest choices we can as often as possible. Clearly, difficulty arises even when we’ve put forth our best efforts. But when we act from our wisest self, the possibilities for happiness and living an awakened life increase.
So maybe wisdom is the fruit of understanding? 🙂
Peace and Love, Jim
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