hidden wisdom

This is a little reprieve from the Ladakh pilgrimage files, as I need a break.

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Recently, a friend commented on how I started out being smart, however, now, it seemed to him that I am becoming wise and he said it is a great process to observe.  What a marvelous compliment!  Thank you!

Here are some quick thoughts, though, off the top of my head:

Any wisdom I possess, due to my being an afflicted, ordinary human being, has arisen merely due to the blessings of my teachers and Tibetan lamas, whose wisdom and compassion is as vast as space.  I am very grateful and blessed to have met my heart teachers – beings who have taught Bodhicitta (agenda-less, unconditional loving-kindness and compassion for all).

In order to have authentic wisdom arise within our mind stream, it is mandatory that we study under one or more fully qualified, experienced teachers, who are connected with a long, unbroken lineage of healing wisdom.

Wisdom is not something we acquire, rather, I believe we gradually gain clarity about its essence (it is has been here all along, our minds have just been too busy or afflicted to perceive it.)  Not unlike polishing a grungy mirror – slowly, its shiny reflective surface will give clearer and clearer images.  Oftentimes, it takes lifetimes of learning (or unlearning to get there).

Wisdom is letting go, releasing the clinging to hope and letting go of the icy grip of fear; (somatics exercises such as Zapchen and/or process-oriented bodywork really come in handy for allowing the causes and conditions for doing so to arise – for releasing old stuff from both the body and the mind.)

Wisdom is recognizing the attachment to pleasure and the conditioned reaction to pain, and breathing deeply and mindfully in spite of it,

Wisdom is accepting yourself for who you are, as opposed to fanciful, over-idealized dreams of fame or revulsion of anonymity, first find happiness within, then if fame or isolation arise, it is okay,

Wisdom is resting in equanimity, being neutral (non-attached) to praise or blame.

ornate stairs, Stakna gompa (Tiger’s nose), Ladakh, IndiaI believe, that if we have the blessing and good fortune to attend a fully qualified teacher, then, unless we are on solitary retreat, we need to be participating in the world.  Sharing gentle healing words and presence and confronting ignorance when we come across it.  (Take a little risk here and there!  Then check in and see how we are doing, are we in alignment?)

Finally, to add a possible provocative ending, I feel that, if appropriate, a part of the process of healing and becoming more wise, is the realization that the pervasive concept of “original sin” is erroneous.  Original goodness leads to a deep foundation of health and ease.

(Most of this advice is what I have heard from my teachers, in my own humble words, particularly regarding the eight worldly Dharmas.  Please note that I am just an objective reporter and passer-alonger of the wisdom I have been so blessed to encounter. But any mistakes are my own.)  I dedicate any merit arising from these words to the benefit of all sentient beings, particularly authentic spiritual teachers – may their paths be clear for disseminating wisdom and compassion.