When it comes to wisdom one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is an old man with a long beard. Or perhaps a grandparent or other revered elderly person who has a lot of life experiences. We often associate age and experience with wisdom. But from a practical viewpoint we know that isn’t always true.
So, what is wisdom?
In Buddhism wisdom is seeing that all phenomena are incomplete, impermanent, and not-self. This understanding is totally freeing and leads to the security and happiness called Nirvana.
But what did Buddha have to say about this level or type of wisdom?
Surprisingly, the Buddha doesn't speak too much about this level of wisdom. That is because it’s not wisdom if we simply believe what we are told. Instead, he spoke more of wisdom in the common understanding.
A person who embodies these qualities is certainly wise and is certain to eventually arrive at true understanding. Whereas on the contrary, the path of just believing what you are told is easy.
Your path in essence requires courage, patience, flexibility, and intelligence.
With these qualities well established, how then do we come into wisdom?
Fortunately the Buddha has transmitted to us the Noble Eightfold Path of which Right Understanding and Right Thought directly related to wisdom Right Understanding is a true understanding of how reality and suffering are intertwined. And Right Thought directs us to turn away from the vicious cycle of craving and desire by committing to a lifestyle of self-improvement and ethical conduct.
How Do We Nurture Wisdom?
Courage is not only not being afraid to ask questions, or asking others for help, or even allowing help from others, although these are certainly vital. Courage is also having the strength to truly examine our current beliefs with openness and objectivity.
Patience being another quality is simply ‘letting the situation grow’. We can not rush a desired outcome no matter how hard we push or try.
Flexibility is the ability to be non-dogmatic in our way of doing things and being open to change. This can certainly be hard for someone once a comfortable routine has been established.
Intelligence isn't necessarily how 'smart' you are. Solving quadratic equations isn't a part of most peoples lives. One of the most important aspects of intelligence is realizing when something isn’t working. Although each situation is different, this is where patience comes in, we do need to accept when a certain course of action needs to stop. Realizing when something needs to change or has outgrown its usefulness, and not just doing it because that what you've always done, is certainly an important aspect of intelligence.
The Buddha in his infinite compassion and wisdom as revealed to us a path in which we too may achieve liberation. This path is the Noble Eightfold Path which provides us valuable lessons and insight that just as relevant in modern times as it was 2,500 years ago.
Wishing you continued peace and wellbeing,
Vladimir
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