Oh, Great Guru!
A man climbed up a high mountain to converse with the Great Guru seated thereon. As he approached, he bowed respectfully, and when the Guru acknowledged his presence, proceeded to ask his troubling question.
“Oh, Great Guru, what is the secret to happiness?”
The Guru sighed a deep and thoughtful sigh and said, “Wisdom”.
“Yes, but how does one gain wisdom?”
The Guru sighed a deep and thoughtful sigh and said, “Good judgment”.
“Yes, but how does one gain good judgment?”
The Guru sighed a deep and thoughtful sigh and said, “Experience”.
“Yes, but how does one gain experience?”
The Guru sighed a deep and thoughtful sigh and said, “Bad judgment”.
I was reminded of that story when I was reading a posting over at the “Conversations” blog. They’re trying to define the differences between knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. They pulled out some pretty interesting and academic analysis, but to me the big difference is in application. I might know that something is bad for me because I’ve read it or been told about it. I might understand it’s bad effects because I’ve felt it. But I might still not have the wisdom to actually stop doing it.
Hmmm.. That would probably account for my weight.
I’m going to the gym…
MRKH
Mark Hansen
http://markhansenmusic.com
Mark-
ReplyDeletethis is so true! A baby cannot learn how to climb the stairs without actually climbing the stairs. Can't realize the danger of falling without actually falling once or twice. I can tell my child not to touch the stove because it is hot, but does he understand what that means without actually doing it? Experience is a grand part of our learning. Yet I am glad there are some things that we can take other people's word for. Such as not smoking pot, etc.! Haaah!
Mark!
ReplyDeleteI do like the way you look at things.
Thanks~
Lis