Wisdom is the state of being wise which means having the power of judgment and judging appropriately as to what is true and what is not. Wisdom does not mean having lot of knowledge. People can easily be acquainted with theories, concepts and scientific facts and principles, but just a few can apply the information in their deeds and actions.
Enlightenment in seven days: Buddha told his disciples that whoever makes an effort can attain enlightenment in seven days. If he can’t manage it, certainly he will attain it in seven months, or in seven years. The young man decided that he would attain it in one week, and he wanted to know what he should do: “concentration” was the reply from Buddha.
The young man began to practice, but in ten minutes he was already distracted. Little by little, he began paying attention to everything that distracted him, and thought that he was not wasting time, but was getting used to himself. One fine day he decided it was not necessary to arrive at his goal so fast, because the path was teaching him many things. It was at that moment that he became an “enlightened” one.
In life when we get academic degrees and have knowledge of specific areas, we are called knowledgeable. Wisdom is not just about knowledge, but applying that knowledge into our everyday life. When you do that, this is when you know that you are truly wise.
We have wrong perception that there is a certain age at which maturity sets in. Some say it is 18, some say it is 25, some say it is 40…. But I have met a young child of 7 years whom I found matured and wise, and I’ve known older guys of 60 and 70 years of age very childish.
The Japanese master: A great Japanese master received a university professor who came to enquire about wisdom. The master served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring. The professor watched the overflow until he could no longer restrain himself. ‘It is overfull. No more will go in!’ ‘Like this cup,’ the master said, ‘you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you wisdom unless you first empty your cup?’
Well, I’m not sure that we can be mature in every situation that presents itself to us because we are always growing and learning as human beings, and I’m pretty sure that all of us have been guilty of at least some of these negative behaviours at least once in our lives; that being said, I give here below some of the following signs of wisdom.
1. Realizing how much you don’t know. 2. Listening more and talking less. 3. being aware and considerate of others as opposed to being self-absorbed, self-centred, and selfish. 4. Not taking everything personally, not getting easily offended, or feeling the need to defend, prove, or make excuses for self. 5. Being grateful and gracious, not complaining. 6. Taking responsibility for your own health and happiness, not relying on others and blaming others for the circumstance you are in. 7. We need to be compassionate to ourselves and others in tough times. 8. being calm and peaceful, not desperate, frantic, or irrational. 9. Do not brag about yourself.
I’m sure there are probably other signs, but this list covers at least the majority of them. I know we can always do a better job by displaying our mature sides. I also know that, by doing so, we lift each other up through our example. But, what is most important, however, is seeing the negative side of our behaviour and knowing we must do something positive to change it; and my dear friends that is what is WISDOM.
