The concept of wisdom, represented by the Chinese characters “zhi-hui” and expressed in Buddhism as “prajna,” goes beyond mere problem-solving ability. In Buddhism, prajna signifies the profound wisdom of a Buddha, crucial for attaining Buddhahood alongside the accumulation of merit. It is the key to possessing a Buddha’s mind and gaining the extraordinary abilities needed to aid living beings.
To achieve prajna, a sequence of morality, concentration, and then wisdom must be followed. Without moral conduct, concentration becomes unattainable, and without concentration, the profound prajna wisdom cannot be realized. Additionally, developing wisdom is vital in applying precepts correctly.
There exist three types of prajna: acquired through written teachings and contemplation, they pave the way for the ultimate understanding of reality. Shakyamuni Buddha regarded prajna as unparalleled, the pinnacle of Buddha’s teachings, unveiling the true nature of Tathagatas and all living beings—the very truth of the universe. Realizing prajna is fundamental for liberation from the cycle of birth and death, requiring a deep comprehension of the inherent emptiness and impermanence of all phenomena.
Prajna, also known as understanding, knowledge, or insight, transcends mere conceptual conveyance. It embodies an intuitive grasp of emptiness, the fundamental essence of reality—a Sanskrit term denoting the wisdom that reveals the purified insight into emptiness, the core of existence.
Wisdom Tea 