TonioTimeDaily

"Wisdom

1. Understanding — There are two aspects of skillful understanding, the first is the recursive inclusion of the Four Noble Truths.  That is, the last of the four truths refers to the eightfold path, and the first of the eightfold path refers to the four truths.  Such tying of these ideas together may seem redundant, but really attests to the criticality of understanding the problem at hand as an important step in seeking ways to address it.

The second aspect of skillful understanding is that of karma, or “volitional action”, which was a significant departure from the predominant view of the Brahmin religion of Gotama’s time.  Rather that being seen as a ritualistic purification of one’s spiritual self by a religiously sanctified intermediary, karma was instead altered to be self empowered pragmatic action to impact one’s life.

As we can see in the world, our actions lead to outcomes.  Gotama suggested the critical factor in cause and effect was the ethical quality of our intentional actions, and that such actions would come to fruition in like ways.  Seen from the naturalist perspective, words and deeds and even mental states of kindness and compassion tend to have more beneficial results than their negative counterparts, and these effects in turn condition further results.

2. Intention — In keeping with Gotama’s idea of the key role played by intent on the quality of what we say and do, the second part of Wisdom is around the kinds of skillful intention more likely to produce beneficial results.  Primarily, Buddhism encourages a less grasping and more generous attitude, positive intent or good will, and a transparent interest in not causing harm.  Note that these are not empty admonishments, but demonstrable factors that can create the conditions of a better life.

Ethical Behavior

3. Speech — Perhaps the most challenging steps on the Buddhist path is the first aspect of ethical behavior, that of skillful speech.  The most coarse examples of this are speaking truthfully, in ways that foster harmony, with gentleness, and in a constructive and open fashion rather than less constructive ways like gossip.

This is not limited to the spoken word, however, and can mean any means through which we communicate, including the written word, body language, and our very expressions.  We should also endeavor to initiate communication when our intention is positive, and do our best to select the right time to speak.  The acronym THINK, standing for is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind, is a good rule of thumb.

4. Action — The second component to ethical behavior is around our physical acts, building on the theme of positive intent.  Again, we see guidance to take no actions that have a reasonable expectation of harmful results.  Generous actions rather than taking what is not given or outright theft is also encouraged, as is careful consideration in our sexual engagements.

5. Livelihood — The third aspect of ethical behavior pertains to how we make a living, suggesting that we not use the constraints of working in a particular role as an excuse for not adhering to the ideals of leading a constructive and beneficial life.  Of course there is a much greater diversity of careers in today’s world than in Gotama’s time, and one should consider the results of one’s job with a critical eye of Skillful Intention as a guide."

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