I am sitting here contemplating wisdom. Specifically what it is and how it can help me. Not the general wisdom which is particular to a given situation, but rather the idea of wisdom itself.

My definition is "information which may govern my actions to allow an efficient positive outcome in a situation." I can see how wisdom then relates to philosophy (a way of living). So for me wisdom is prudential, that is that it is useful on a moment to moment basis in helping me determine what is good.

I now realize that what "is good" may change depending upon circumstance. So then my wisdom must be flexible and not a static dogma.By it's very nature then, wisdom is not a concrete way of being or doing. A person wishing to use wisdom as a principle may well need to be very flexible and attentive to mindfulness. That is paying attention to the details of one's life and situations as they arise. Then we can apply our reason to contemplate the best way in which we may respond.

In the end result, is there any particular rule of thumb I can use to determine that I have tried my best ? How may I be assured that my actions are positive and constructive towards that which I am trying to achieve? When we go deep inside our natures and investigate our being we find many such ideas. Love, Security, Happiness, Well being. These are all based on feelings within which give us pleasure. Going even deeper we may find that there is an emptiness. A void which is quite indifferent and unknown to our consciousness. Like a vast space of our universe, we know little about it. It seems to defy our ability to understand for it is greater than our pleasure seeking egos. But if you are able to get yourself right to the edge of this vast 'un-consciousness' you will see how many such concepts of our reason like Justice, Security, Happiness, Laughter and Well being are temporal. That is they exist only for a short time before conditions change in phenomena. So they degree of their being real is in question. These concepts are transitory and can not be depended upon. because they are (like wisdom) created in a whim of circumstance, and just as likely to disappear when our circumstances change.

The last of these transitory concepts to disolve at the edge of the 'unknown' is Love. Now I have said this to people before and was asked, "Are you sure?" My reply then as now is that I invite you to discover it yourself! For me, I have found the criteria which allows me to make my judgement. But this does not mean that someone has to accept my proof. But you will find that at the moment you are losing your consciousness to this vast unknown universe (in sleep, in orgasm, in death) there is one aspect , one nature, one power. And though it is illusionary, it is the one which is best believed in....and that is Love.

Love is the wisdom by which I can best determine my intentions and actions. Loving myself, caring and loving others, learning to love that which I do not like. Learning to love situations which create fear or hostility. In this love is acceptance and patience. Acceptance in allowing people to be who they are, and patience to see how things will change.

But do not mistake Love for craving and clinging. Do not mistake Love for seeking to avoid that which is unpleasant (aversion). This you may see is a deeper level of acceptance. Allowing a loving situation to occur without any intention of trying to hold it. Allowing a negative situation to occur without instantly trying to change it. Through this I have the time and space to see how I can best help....how wisdom may best serve myself and others.

So Wisdom, like enlightenment is a part of everyone. Not something we have to find, but rather they are something we can learn to be and use. As far as myself? I have acted foolishly, I have acted wisely. May I learn the benefit of both and choose well.

peace
fox