Wisdom and knowledge

 A fine line of definition indicates that the acquisition of knowledge doesn’t necessarily make one wise, says SAROJA SRINIVASAN.

Wisdom is to be gained at two levels. One is the ultimate spiritual wisdom: answers to questions such as who am I and what is the purpose of my life, and other perennial questions that haunt mankind at all times. The other is the contemporary living wisdom: the knowledge that helps us to maneuver through everyday hurdles and climb everyday mountains.

Wisdom is also to know how to find the means by which the second type of knowledge can be gained and used, but without losing sight of the subtle influence of the first – the spiritual wisdom – guiding us all the time.

True wisdom lies in having the capacity to act in a manner that illustrates the knowledge and lessons gained from our understanding that also benefits humanity at all times.

In the present day world we are so isolated from our own true nature that often we seem to act like mechanical clones. To resign oneself to act in such a ‘mindless’ manner, steered on by blind adherence to topical influences, surely degrades the very divinity with which human life is bestowed.

Each of us has the capacity to lead a life which not only satisfies our individual wishes, but also acknowledges the obligation we have to a cosmic commitment to our fellow beings – both living and non-living. There is no one path that is ‘right’. Herein lies the difficulty: many people make the fundamental error of thinking that there is only one ‘right’ way, and more often than not it is ‘their way’. History shows that time and time again many have tried to railroad others to following their path as the ‘right’ one – be it through religion or science or ideology. And again and again many a war has begun precisely because of this fanaticism of a few. True wisdom lies in having the capacity to act in a manner that illustrates the knowledge and lessons gained from our understanding that also benefits humanity at all times.

In everyday life we need to develop a capacity to see the other’s point of view. Sadly this is one commodity that is not available in abundance – it is rare and very often even more so in those in power. Hence the division between the haves and have-nots seems to be growing ever so wider. Those economically and politically powerful and influential appear to be oblivious to the plight of millions who are affected directly or indirectly by the self-centered decisions they make.

If only each of us could start to develop and implement a small amount of empathy, a little bit of compassion in our everyday life, the world would be a much better place.

If only each of us could start to develop and implement a small amount of empathy, a little bit of compassion in our everyday life, the world would be a much better place. It is in the absence of compassion and empathy that violence, hatred and bigotry germinate and grow. Those who have no sense of how the other feels, would have no clue as to how they may be affecting others. They continue to act totally from a self-centered perspective. If each of us were to act in a similar way, what would befall the human race?

Wisdom is not the domain of just a few who are endowed with super intelligence. It is in the grasp of every one who has been privileged to be born as a human being. The acquisition of knowledge may be influenced by opportunities that are present for some and not for many others. But the capacity to act wisely is almost always present, universally.

Sadly, often other influences such as poverty or lack of facilities curtail the acquisition of knowledge. Yet at the same time it is so rewarding to see many individuals who may be materially poor still retain the enthusiasm for life, drawing their inspiration from ancient wisdom traditions, in far greater abundance unlike those who may be responsible for maintaining their poverty.  Those in political and economic power or indeed those who have the privilege of being materially well-endowed somehow seem to lack the wisdom to act with compassion, despite their knowledge. Perhaps it is time to redress this state of affairs.