Artfulness in Knowledge – Part 2

Contrast between the Learned and the Wise

There are several important differences between the learned who know only the theory of how to do good deeds (but may not practice it) and the wise who may not know much but use everything they know to boost their opportunity to do good deeds. Unfortunately, knowledge in the hands of a fool (or even a learned person) can be a dangerous thing. If our only knowledge is academic knowledge, no matter how clever we might be, there is always a risk of making a mess of our lives.

For example, if we have a knowledge of nuclear physics, we can use it for peaceful applications as an energy source -- on the other hand we can use our knowledge to produce atomic bombs and the resulting holocaust towards human life. Thus ethical considerations need to go hand in hand with our academic knowledge, like a guiding light to give us clarity as to whether the application of our knowledge is good or bad, appropriate or inappropriate. Those who are interested only in academic learning, no matter how clever, rich or powerful they may be, can never manage to make themselves endearing or worthy of the respect of others and in the end they cannot make a success out of their lives.

Artfulness in Knowledge – Part 1

"Artful in knowledge" -- choosing to study only the things appropriate for study -- being a person learned in those subjects and observant -- personal qualities that lie at the trailhead of the path to wisdom. Such knowledge allows one to be independent in earning one's living and will be the key which unlocks the door to worldly success.

The Three Levels of Knowledge

If we want to identify the features of learning that will give rise to wisdom we have to distinguish wisdom from other sorts of knowledge. All sorts of knowledge help to illuminate the mind. When we don't understand something it is as if we are left in the dark about that thing.

When we understand something it is as if light has been thrown on that matter. Knowledge in its most basic form, like the ability to do arithmetic or knowing where to catch the bus sometimes will feel as if it creates some illumination in the mind but it is just a feeling -- because such an ability is restricted to the higher sort of knowledge we call "wisdom". In all we can differentiate three levels of knowledge:

1. Theoretical knowledge: The most basic sort of knowledge arises via the five senses, that is through the things we see with our eyes, hear with our ears, smell with our noses, taste with our tongues or feel by our sense of touches. We could call this sort of knowledge raw data. This sort of knowledge also includes the knowledge we receive by listening to information and what we can remember from what we have heard in lectures and read from textbooks. If we have never had the chance to apply the knowledge that we have learned then it may still be of limited use.

2. Hands-on Knowledge : The second sort of knowledge which is slightly more advanced is hands-on knowledge, the knowledge that has been reflected on, tested and applied.

3. Insight : A third and higher sort of knowledge is insight into deeper truths or more challenging truths:

a. It will give rise to brightness in the mind.
b. It allows us to transcend defilements.