Expert: Justin Choo - 5/18/2006

Question
Hi again,

You have not answered my question at all.I ask Why wisdom is not forgetable like Math formula?That's all.I do not need you to tell me how to acquire it and why it is needed etc.Futhermore ,What I wanted is reason and not just mere statement that wisdom is permanent.I ask this question eventhough many sutra state that wisdom is permanent.I dont even trust sutra's statement,what do you think about your mere statement.I just want to reclarify that what i wanted is reason not statement.

Futhermore,your answer is very unconsistent.At first,you say that wisdom is not permanent ,then you said wisdom is permanent.Without any reason you said all this thing.How am I to digest your words regardless of it's validity.

I deeply appreciated your help very much and I am sorry for my very direct style of language.I just state about my opinion.

Thanks

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Followup To
Question -
Hi,

Wisdom or transcendental intelligence is the sustaning principle of enlightenment.Without it,ignorance will have the chance to rise again.

My question is,
1)How can our wisdom be of permanent nature(as stated in Lankavatra Sutra,Chapter XII and countless more.).
~Personally,I just dont see how this is possible because:
1.)our memory is just undependable.eg.I understand some Math formula and after some time,I cant recall it anymore.If I can forget Math so easily,Why is Wisdom not forgettable like Math?

Thanks.
Answer -
Hi Jerry,

Thank you for asking me.

The sutra is from the Mahayana tradition.  I follow the Theravada tradition.  We can discuss the topic "wisdom" without referring to whatever text.  You are right to say that we cannot have permanent wisdom.  Whatever you may read, the Buddha advised us to analyze whether it is true or not.  If not true or benefitial, then we don't have to follow.  If we have permanent wisdom, it means we are enlightened.  If we are not enlightened then we can try to be wiser by practising the teachings of the Buddha.  The more we reduce our greed, hatred and delusion, the wiser we become.  That's all.

Smile from justinchoo :-)

Answer
Hi Jerry,


I have tried my best to provide my comments.  I said I agreed with your comment that we (normal worldlings) cannot have permanent wisdom because if we have permanent wisdom we will have attained enlightenment.

Please don't get upset with my comments.  You can always ask others and find better answers.  I don't claim to be perfect and I don't guarantee complete satisfaction.  Have peace.

Smile from justinchoo :-)