Word for the Day: Thursday, June 1, 2017

The Word for Today (Thursday) is Wisdom. Can somebody make a Choice to become Wise? How does this work, anyway? Some, possibly impatient people *wish* that they can gain, "full Wisdom", simply from "reading the right books" plus, possibly "attending a handful of Weekend Workshops". Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Because, in my experience, Wisdom comes, mainly from a pattern of Life Experiences. However, there are some things that might help: Look up the concept of Satsang. It is used, both in Hinduism and Buddhism and, quite simply, means "to be in Good Company" or, in other words, with people who, quite simply, "strive to be Good".

I'm not ready to "write a book" on what I mean, by "Good". But I like the "Attributes of a Boy Scout": "Trustworthy Loyal Helpful, Friendly Courteous Kind, Obedient Cheerful Thrifty, Brave Clean and Reverent". I'll add Polite to the list, as well as (and here is where Life Experience comes in): A "proven pattern" of seeing the Good in the people around you, as best you can. Also, a "proven pattern" of treating "the least" of the people around you, well -- wishing them well, and helping others, as much as is practical, without burning yourself out. (Some might describe this as a "pattern" of "Service to Others" but, also, while taking care of yourself -- keeping yourself healthy. This would be a "Balanced Life", say 50/50, and match a "Wise Passage" in the Christian Bible, "Love your Neighbor as Yourself". Balance!)

Finally, some "proven patterns", that might lead someone to be "labeled Bad": Once again, I can't "label someone", but I "most certainly" can "see patterns" around me. In general, if somebody has a "basic Orientation" of "Service to Self, at the Expense of Others *around* them", *That* might not be someone I would want to spend an excessive amount of time around! But, once again, it would take a Book to do Justice to this topic.