Wisdom is the understanding of human knowledge and life.

What is wisdom?

Wisdom is the totality of accumulated experience, knowledge, qualities and understanding with the help of which a person is able to act and live correctly. By wisdom we mean not just random accumulated knowledge, experience, qualities or understanding of various things, but life knowledge that allows us to distinguish truth from lies, right from wrong, the right path from the bad.
Such knowledge makes it possible to predict in advance the possibility of developments of events, simply due to the awareness of the laws of life and the nature of people. Wisdom is also a quality inherent in a person who has an understanding of himself and the world around him. Wisdom is the ability to make sound decisions and live according to spiritual logic, thereby achieving a happy state of being. To avoid various sufferings with the help of wisdom, a person is able to determine what will bring him joy and what will bring him suffering in the long term, and not right here and now. Thus, like a gardener who takes care of the garden for a long time, eventually enjoys the fruits of his labor.

So, wisdom is:

• knowledge
• understanding
• experience
• quality

The manifestation of these factors together determines a wise person who not only says wise things, but also acts wisely. It is typical for such a person to act wisely, that is, he does not have to strain, pretend, or deceive anyone. That's just how he really is.

One who remains calm even in the midst of suffering of all three types and does not rejoice in happiness, and who is free from attachment, fear and anger, is called a sage whose mind is balanced.

Bhagavad Gita. 2.56

The Power of Knowledge of the Slave Rabi

From the words of our sages, we see what power Knowledge had in their lives: they completely subordinated their lives to Knowledge and the refined feelings that filled their hearts and souls. While studying today's lesson, I thought about what was said in Tractate Ketubot:

“On the day when Rabi died, the sages announced fasting and prayer and proclaimed: “Whoever announces the death of Rabi, let him be pierced with a sword!” The slave Rabi climbed onto the roof of the house and said: “The higher worlds are calling Rabi to them, and the lower worlds are calling Rabi to them - may it be the will of the Creator that the lower worlds overpower the higher ones!” But seeing how Rabi was suffering from illness, she prayed: “May the will of the Creator be done to overcome the higher worlds!” However, the sages did not stop praying for Rabi's life. Then the slave took the clay jug and threw it from the roof to the ground. The sages were momentarily distracted, interrupting the prayer, and the soul of Rabi left this world.”[18]

Isn't this amazing?! How did the slave decide to “promote” the death of Rabi?! Even if the illness caused him unbearable suffering, how could she take actions aimed at approaching the death of the great teacher, and, moreover, turn to Heaven with a prayer that “so that the higher worlds would overpower the lower ones”?! After all, by her act she brought his death closer: the jug she threw from the roof distracted the sages from praying for Rabi’s life. And even more amazing: how could a slave be so confident in the correctness of her decision as to oppose it to the prayer of the sages?! The Talmud retells to us what happened as something natural!

In reality, the source of such power of Knowledge is Understanding. No matter how devoted the slave was to the great Rabi, no matter how much she wished him long life, she felt the terrible suffering he had to endure, and therefore found the strength within herself to immediately come to a final and clear decision about what would be better if “ the higher worlds have overpowered the lower ones.” And as soon as she made this decision, she immediately put it into action.

Here the greatness and power of Knowledge is manifested. How refined must be the Understanding that leads a person to such Knowledge! How deep Understanding was required for the slave in order to understand all aspects of the confrontation between the highest angels and earthly creations on the issue of Rabi’s life, and in all the power of Knowledge to decide what exactly she needed to do. Moreover, she had to decide that she herself must hasten his death at the very moment when the sages were immersed in prayer for his life! The source of this power lies in the fact that the slave achieved clear Knowledge of the essence of the confrontation between the worlds, each of which fought for Rabi. The higher worlds called Rabi to them, because they knew what an unlimited reward awaited him in Heaven. And the lower world needed Rabi, because it realized his greatness and impact on Creation. A slave from Rabi’s house strengthened this knowledge in her soul, experienced it with her whole being and made a decision: she would pray that the lower world would overcome the higher ones and Rabi would live. But then she saw that the confrontation between the worlds was not weakening, and therefore Rabi’s suffering continued: the higher worlds called him and prevented him from recovering, and the lower ones needed him and did not allow him to die. Both sides are fighting tooth and nail, and Rabi is in torment. And then, clearly realizing the motives of both sides in this struggle, she made a decision: it was better for Rabi to die than to endure such suffering. And once she made this decision, she was not slow in implementing it, and Rabi, with her assistance, left this world. After all, it was better for him to die than to live in such suffering! How powerful Knowledge is needed to decide which side to give preference to! The lower and higher worlds are fighting, each of them wishes the slave good, and the slave can decide who will win: the higher angels or the creations of the lower world! This is the power of Wisdom, the power of Understanding and the power of Knowledge.

Here we see another amazing human ability. The slave from the house of Rabi had such a clear understanding that, relying only on her own understanding, she could make and implement a decision, contrary to the opinion of the sages, without fear of people’s condemnation! What is the source of such incredible courage?

This is the result of the power of Knowledge: when a person begins to control himself and without hesitation to translate thought into action, and he cannot be prevented by everything that usually prevents people from taking a decisive action, relying on their own knowledge and understanding: thinking about what others will say, and other considerations. The power of his decision removes indecision and fear from his heart, and he is not afraid of anything in the world.

What should be considered wisdom and what should be considered stupidity?

The course of action in which a person remains most happy, peaceful; benefits others; refuses to cause harm for the sake of his own desires and ambitions; serves as an example and encouragement to others – should be considered wise.

A way of thinking in which a person does not consider himself either exalted or inferior, but clearly understands his position; without causing harm to others either by thought or intention; refuses to satisfy insatiable desires; always maintains equanimity and complete satisfaction; in thoughts constantly remains committed to the truth - should be considered wise.

Life in which a person cares about the welfare of others without harming himself or others; refuses unnecessary material goods; is an example of virtue and absence of malice; with all its essence strives for the implementation of higher laws - it should be read wisely.

Knowledge that separates matter and spirit, recognizing the frailty of the first and the eternity of the second; encourage you to take the spiritual path and the path of self-awareness; by a logical method they lead to an understanding of the equality of living beings; promote the cultivation of virtues and the rejection of evil; free a person from suffering and desires - should be considered wise.

The experience that brings us closer is correctly understood and realized; brings closer to perfection; frees you from desires and negative states; inspires compassion for others; calls for patience and correct perception; allows you to control feelings; indicates the need to live in harmony with wisdom and oneself - should be considered wise.

Qualities that allow a person to control himself; do good; keep calm; avoid bad influences while remaining pure inside; follow principles; follow the path of discipline; control desires; lead a correct lifestyle; to get closer to the Absolute Truth and contribute to liberation from the influence of the material world - should be considered wise.

Wisdom differs significantly from stupidity, both in its manifestations and its fruits. Lack of wisdom forces people to get involved in adventures in order to get the opportunity to satisfy their endless desires. But this always leaves a person with nothing. The fruit of wisdom is the inner, causeless happiness that the sage draws from within himself. The only fruit of stupidity is the suffering that a fool receives from outside due to various events and circumstances in his life.

Achieving Knowledge is a condition for gaining faith

A person will not be able to gain deep faith in the unity of the Almighty, who rules the entire universe, unless he rises to the level of True Knowledge.

However, the question arises: if the acquisition of Knowledge leads a person to the point that everything experienced by the soul becomes an immutable conviction, is there no danger of becoming a convinced apostate?

Not in the least! Throughout my life, I have met different people and been exposed to different opinions, but I have not seen anyone who became an apostate as a result of gaining deep knowledge.

After all, whatever a person’s views on the mystery of the origin of the world, they will never become so obvious to him that he considers them more significant than faith in G-d. After all, the miracle and mystery hidden in everything, even in the true essence of inanimate objects, do not diminish after all the explanations. No experiments or studies shed more light on the mystery of the universe than the true faith of even an ignorant person. And even more so this concerns the greatest mystery of such creations as plants, animals and humans!

But thanks to Knowledge, a person’s faith becomes for him a conviction and an immutable truth. After all, we feel faith everywhere. We are not even talking about great people to whom the secret of G‑d, the wonders of the universe and G‑d’s governance have been revealed. It is easy for them to believe in G-d, because the gates of wisdom are open before them, and they constantly see and feel the power of the Almighty, who created everything and gives existence to everything. Many fail to reach such a high “human level” to penetrate into the Divine secret. However, if the Almighty has gifted people with common sense, then wide opportunities open up before them through the Wisdom of the Torah, science, and knowledge of the world to see the power of a single Essence that sets the entire universe in motion! How can a person endowed with reason not notice this and not come to faith?! It is easy for even the most ignorant people to gain some understanding of G‑d because they see events happening in the world toward a common goal. And the presence of a single goal testifies to the existence of the One who predetermined it and directed everything in the world towards its implementation. You just need to elevate yourself to the level of Knowledge, learn to perceive and comprehend the truth and base your entire life in this world on it.

Does everyone need to become wise?

Wisdom leads to a certain way of life, during which a person refuses to satisfy his sensual desires. Until a person extinguishes the flame of desires within himself, he will not be able to become sages.

The sages say that the flame of desires can be extinguished either by completely stopping adding oil to it, or by pouring oil on the fire so that the fire goes out. Oil is pleasure, and fire is our desires. While this fire burns inside the heart, it will be almost impossible to live in accordance with wisdom, since there will be neither self-control nor peace.

To get rid of desires means to stop receiving pleasure and to contemplate the object of desires. While at home, you may not eat very much, since at home you eat mostly simple food, which is useful and necessary for the body, but does not satisfy the senses at all. However, when you go out for a walk in a crowded place, your eyes come across large posters with juicy, bright and unhealthy food. This is how desire arises, which personifies the fire in the heart. Being not extinguished, he starts a fire, but being satisfied, he calms down only for a while, after which he again demands reinforcements. To get rid of desires means to stop thinking, striving and contemplating the object of desires. This requires discipline and self-control. But any desire associated with feelings can fade over time.

Pouring oil on a fire means immersing yourself in the fulfillment of your desires, realizing that satisfaction of feelings cannot bring happiness. Having tasted an attractive-looking cake, but felt the disgusting taste, you immediately lose the desire to eat it again. For this reason, a person who is unable to get rid of his desires either through knowledge or through discipline and volitional efforts should understand in practice the impossibility of satisfying the senses and obtaining happiness from them. Desires bring only suffering to a person, forcing him either to be unsatisfied or to work incredibly hard in order to achieve an ephemeral goal, which will again and again move away from the person, like a carrot in front of a donkey’s nose, tirelessly dragging the cart forward. This is Sisyphus's work .

Thus, a person who is unable or unwilling to stop his desires and sacrifice them to the spiritual path cannot gain wisdom, since it contradicts the path that is most important to him. Instead, he should act according to his nature, take his responsibilities responsibly and fulfill his duty. When feelings calm down over time, wisdom will reveal itself to an honest, diligent person, giving him the opportunity to begin to comprehend wisdom.

Not everyone needs wisdom, because, in fact, not everyone wants to comprehend it. It is impossible to achieve it without sacrifices. And since it is necessary to sacrifice desires, attachments, views, ideas and worldviews, this path will only bifurcate and stagnate a person. In this case, he should simply honestly fulfill his duties and bring benefit to others through his actions, gradually abandoning both bad habits and bad behavior.

So, wisdom is a quality that comes from experience, knowledge, other qualities and understanding . Wisdom opens up the opportunity for a person to live happily, finding satisfaction and happiness in himself. Comprehension of wisdom is the process of comprehending knowledge, cultivating positive, good qualities and getting rid of low, vicious ones, as well as gaining and correctly understanding the experience gained in the course of life. However, not everyone really needs wisdom, since it requires great sacrifice.

The willingness to make such sacrifices indicates a readiness to embark on the path of attaining wisdom. Good luck.

In Buddhism, Hinduism

• Ganesha - god of wisdom in Hinduism
• Prajna - the highest wisdom in Buddhism
• Prajnaparamita - “transcendent wisdom” in Buddhism
• Bodhisattva Samantabhadra "all-magnanimous", personifying Complete Compassion, Wisdom in Buddhism
• Bodhichitta “enlightened understanding, wisdom” - philosophical and worldview doctrine of Buddhism
• Akshobya - one of the five Buddhas of Wisdom in Buddhism
• Paramita is Liberation, Enlightenment, Wisdom
• The Heart Sutra of Perfect Wisdom, one of the most famous primary sources of Buddhism
• Manjushri is a legendary companion of Buddha Gautama. Represents wisdom, reason and will.
• Nagas - in Hinduism and Buddhism, mythical creatures, snakes, symbolizing wisdom
• Dhyani Buddha Buddha of Supreme Wisdom in Tibetan Buddhism

In mythology

• Mimir - wisdom in German-Scandinavian mythology
• Kvasir - wisdom in German-Scandinavian mythology
• Tyr - in German-Scandinavian mythology, god of wisdom
• Bragi - in German-Scandinavian mythology, a god glorified by wisdom
• Metis is the goddess of wisdom in ancient Greek mythology.
• Nabu - god of wisdom in Akkadian mythology
• Seshat - goddess of wisdom in ancient Egyptian mythology
• Mnemosyne is a goddess in ancient Greek mythology, personified Memory. She has Omniscience and Wisdom.
• Merodach - god of wisdom in Babylon

Notes

1. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary, wisdom.
2. S. V. Utekhin Unpublished notes: ON UNDERSTANDING HISTORY
3. [1] // Real Dictionary of Classical Antiquities
4. Metis // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg, 1890-1907.
5. ↑ 12
   S. Suvorov Fundamentals of the philosophy of life. // Essays on a realistic worldview. Type. Montvida, 1905. P. 24.
6. ↑ 12
   Shakhnovich M.I. Origin of philosophy and atheism. Ch. 3
7. Suffering as a philosophical category
8. A. Bonnar. "Greek Civilization". Chapter XVIII. Epicurus and the salvation of people.
9. Myths about Roman goddess minerva. (n.d.). Roman-colosseum.info.
10. Kant Immanuel – Psychological Encyclopedia – Encyclopedias & Dictionaries
11. Article “Virtue” in the Philosophical Encyclopedia