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| ~ ∞ ~ On Knowledge and Wisdom - Awaken the Living Awareness Within ~ ∞ ~ |
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Now that we have covered the basics and established a base of understanding upon which to build further knowledge, we can begin a discussion where we outline the main themes of the book – briefly, of course; just enough to give an idea.
You see, there is much to cover, plenty more to discover, a plethora of questions to be asked, and lots of answers to be found – all in due time, as they say. The key here is not to rush; as is the case with all novelties that need time to grow, ripe and mature – so is the case with wisdom, which brings us nicely to the topic of this chapter.
One important aspect of this work is wisdom, and therefore we need to have a discussion that covers both wisdom and knowledge. Here we should ask ourselves: What is the difference between the two? This leads to a follow-up question: Why is this relevant? We can start by stating that wisdom and knowledge are equally important – one is not better than the other, but knowing the difference is paramount, especially in the times we live in today.
This is relevant because in today’s world, the availability of information is overwhelming – to the point where information is but noise; we are inundated with so much information that we hardly know what wisdom even is. Some would say that we are drowning in information while starving for wisdom – and this is true in more ways than one. Let us explore this further, shall we?
With regard to overload of information, it is worth highlighting the following truth: there are huge amounts of information out there in the world, but very little substance, quality, or significance. And so you see, it appears that we have become desensitized to information, and so it seems that we have lost our inherent curiosity along the way. As a result, we generalize more and specify less, and so it goes that our ability to learn is greatly impacted by the amount of knowledge we can acquire; both our ability to learn and ability to recall what we have learned is significantly reduced, you see?
All too often we act like we know everything there is to know about life, and nothing could be further from the truth. You see, in this day and age, it seems as though we know more and understand less; it seems as though we look more and see less. In the same vein, we hear more and listen less, and so it goes that like a sponge, we absorb both influences and useless information around us without even realizing it. This, in turn, shapes us and makes us what we are today – see?
By virtue of the aforementioned with regard to absorbing both influences and useless information, it should not come as a surprise to anyone that it all starts in infancy. You see, from birth, we are not only taught who we are, how to act and what to think, but we are also fed with useless information that we mistakenly call knowledge, and erroneously use as a synonym for wisdom.
Taking that into account, one could go a step further and say that from birth we are not only conditioned to fit into society, but we are also programmed to accept the paradigms of society, which includes not only the above-mentioned useless information, but also prevailing ideas, concepts, theories, narratives, assumptions, beliefs, perspectives, and values – which all influence one’s ways of thinking and being, do they not? Against this backdrop, it is reasonable to ask ourselves: Is it not, then, the beginning of wisdom to recognize this? Is it not, also further progress of that wisdom to do something about it?
We as human beings are, indeed, well informed on trivia, but when it comes to fundamentals, it is imperative to ask ourselves: Do we really know anything at all? We have convinced ourselves into thinking that we know something about everything, and yet the honest truth is that we don’t actually seem to know anything about anything. At best, our knowledge is only partial and incomplete. You see, in every field of knowledge, what we know is infinitesimal compared with what we don’t know.
As our understanding grows, so does our ignorance; as our sphere of knowledge increases, so does the amount of ignorance – the boundary between the known and the unknown. The more we know, the more exposed we are to our ignorance. And likewise, the more we are exposed to our ignorance, the more prone we are to hubris – one of the greatest shortcomings of us human beings, you see?
Considering the aforementioned question regarding the beginning of wisdom, let me ask you this: Is it not, then, wisdom to break free from old ways of thinking and seeing? Is it not, indeed, wisdom to liberate one’s mind not only from bias and illusion, but also from ignorance and hubris, so that true knowledge and wisdom can arise?
And now, when it comes to knowledge itself, the funny thing about knowledge is that it just goes on and on. The more we know, the more the horizon recedes – we never reach the boundary. Every aspect of knowledge opens into new vistas with seemingly endless divisions and forms. The more we know, the more we realize how much we don’t know. In the words of Socrates: “The only true wisdom is to know that you know nothing.” This brings us one step closer to finding the Key: knowledge is not to be confused with wisdom; although closely related, they are profoundly and fundamentally different, you see?
Knowledge is always of the past – a collection of memories which themselves are a re-creation of the real – virtual rendering of what once was. Knowledge, therefore, is only a memory – an accumulated store of information about the experiences of the past. In other words, knowledge is a third hand recollection of someone else’s experience acquired by studying the past. This goes on to say that we may know things intellectually, but that doesn’t make anyone to be wise. Intellectual knowledge is always of the mind, so it doesn’t truly satisfy the Soul.
Of course knowledge has its uses and is therefore valuable, but it has little to offer when it comes to understanding ourselves. Meaning that if we are going inwards, knowledge becomes more and more useless; the deeper we go, the more useless it becomes. In other words, that which is useful in the outside world, becomes a barrier to the inner. So what is the difference?
In a nutshell: knowledge is information, whereas wisdom is transformation; knowledge is borrowed, wisdom is your own. Knowledge can be attained by studying, but wisdom can only be gained by living; true wisdom arises from experience – it comes intuitively – see? Wisdom is, therefore, earned by the willingness to learn – by observing and being present; through experience – using right thought combined with proper action.
We can therefore conclude that knowledge and wisdom are the different sides of the same coin. Knowledge is an outward path which is sought externally rather than cultivated internally. Wisdom, on the other hand, is an inward path. The following analogy might be useful for understanding the difference: If you are going outwards into the world, the farther you go, the more useful knowledge becomes. As such, knowledge is a bridge to the world, and at the same time, a barrier to the inner exploration.
And when it comes to reconnecting with our true essence, it should be remembered that it’s not knowledge that is going to help us but wisdom, and wisdom comes when all knowledge has been put aside. These following words from Lao Tzu, encapsulates the difference between knowledge and wisdom remarkably well:
To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.
Knowledge can be passed on from one person to another, but wisdom cannot be bestowed – it can only be achieved through inner exploration, awareness and insight. However, there is something peculiar about wisdom, though. There is a way to pass on wisdom in what is called Mind-to-Mind Transmission*1. Let us go a little further with this, shall we?
In Zen, this happens in the form of koans, which are paradoxical anecdotes or riddles without a solution. Koans are used in Zen to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and provoke awakening within the individual. Koans contain specific seeds of wisdom that can begin to sprout within the individual. This wisdom of enlightenment (prajnaparamita*2) can be realized within oneself, and when this happens – transmission has occurred – see?
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*1 Mind-to-Mind Transmission or Transmission of the Light is an expression that refers to the realization of our own Buddha Mind. It is the process of self-discovery – realizing the inherent perfection that is the core of each one of us. The light that is transmitted is precisely the original wisdom we are born with. This transmission doesn’t give us anything that is different from or outside of us – it is our core being. In truth, transmission is actually an unveiling rather than a transmission, the revelation that each one of us truly possesses Buddha consciousness; once this is realized, one has received Mind-to-Mind Transmission.
*2 Prajnaparamita is a combination of two Sanskrit words prajna “wisdom,” and paramita “perfection.” It refers to perfected way of seeing the nature of reality, as well as to a particular body of sutras (e.g. Diamond Sutra, Heart Sutra).
*1 Mind-to-Mind Transmission or Transmission of the Light is an expression that refers to the realization of our own Buddha Mind. It is the process of self-discovery – realizing the inherent perfection that is the core of each one of us. The light that is transmitted is precisely the original wisdom we are born with. This transmission doesn’t give us anything that is different from or outside of us – it is our core being. In truth, transmission is actually an unveiling rather than a transmission, the revelation that each one of us truly possesses Buddha consciousness; once this is realized, one has received Mind-to-Mind Transmission.
*2 Prajnaparamita is a combination of two Sanskrit words prajna “wisdom,” and paramita “perfection.” It refers to perfected way of seeing the nature of reality, as well as to a particular body of sutras (e.g. Diamond Sutra, Heart Sutra).
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~ ॐ ~ Sambodhi Padmasamadhi ~ ∞ ~
Get the Book: Awaken the Living Awareness Within – Discover the Keys to Happiness, Inner Peace & Harmony
~ ॐ ~ Sambodhi Padmasamadhi ~ ∞ ~
Get the Book: Awaken the Living Awareness Within – Discover the Keys to Happiness, Inner Peace & Harmony
[ Click » here « to read the next part: On Consciousness and Awareness – Prologue: Part VI ]
Extra Material: Video: You're It - Alan Watts. Video description: "An inspiring and profound speech from the late Alan Watts. Speech extract from 'Zen Bones and Tales' by Alan Watts"
