Thirty-Six Eight-Diagram Arrays: The Array of Wisdom

Xuefeng

Jan. 12, 2011

In the vast ocean of Buddhist terminology, there are two words that stand out, two words that inspire longing: "Prajna" and "Bodhi." Both of these Buddhist terms are related to wisdom.

Defining "wisdom" is challenging. According to the Xinhua Dictionary, "wisdom" is defined as the ability to quickly, flexibly, and correctly understand and solve problems. In my view, this definition is superficial and fails to encompass the full meaning and scope of "wisdom."

Wisdom is the crystallization of knowledge (including experience) but having knowledge does not necessarily equate to wisdom. To elevate abundant knowledge to wisdom, there must be the guidance of spiritual intuition. Without spiritual intuition, wisdom is unattainable. Therefore, if we were to force a definition of wisdom, it would be: Knowledge + Spirituality = Wisdom.

The pinnacle of human wisdom is the Diamond Sutra. The full name of the sutra translated by Kumarajiva is the “Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita Sutra,” while the version translated by Xuanzang is the “Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita Sutra of Cutting Through to the True.” Both versions contain the term “Prajna.” Here, “Prajna” signifies “a perfect, complete, absolute wisdom that comprehends both worldly and transcendental phenomena, harmonious and unobstructed, impeccably precise, and fully enlightened.” It refers to the wisdom that can comprehend the Tao, realize the Tao, cultivate the Tao, transcend life and death, overcome all worldly thoughts, and attain sainthood. This is not ordinary intelligence; it is a fundamental wisdom pertaining to the essence and origin of metaphysical life. This wisdom is not obtained through thought but through the whole-hearted pursuit of realization involving both body and mind. This wisdom is what we call Prajna.

In the Diamond Sutra, the Heart Sutra, and other Buddhist scriptures, mention is made of "Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi." In the second chapter “Subhuti Makes a Request” of the Diamond Sutra, the Buddha states, "Good sons, good daughters who generate the mind of Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi should dwell thus, should subdue their minds." In the Heart Sutra, it says, "All Buddhas of the three periods, relying on Prajnaparamita, attain Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi." What does "Bodhi" mean here? "Bodhi" signifies enlightenment, wisdom, awakening – it refers to the sudden awakening, the sudden understanding, the sudden entry into the path of enlightenment, the sudden realization of truth, reaching the realm beyond the ordinary. "Bodhi is the great awakening, the perceiving of one's nature, the attainment of the ultimate enlightenment, reaching the level of Nirvana."

From the above, we know that “wisdom” can be divided into three levels: low-level wisdom, middle-level wisdom, and high-level wisdom. The ability to quickly and flexibly understand things and solve problems constitutes low-level wisdom. For example, two brothers carrying a large box each while traveling, feeling tired. The elder brother ingeniously buys a pole to carry both boxes on his shoulders, and the two brothers took turns to carry the two boxes, making the journey easier. This is wisdom. Another example is the wisdom demonstrated by Cao Chong weighing the elephant and Archimedes determining the purity of the gold crown for the king. Middle-level wisdom involves understanding, realizing, and attaining Tao, and in the end liberating oneself from the samsara of reincarnations, overcoming all worldly thoughts and attaining sainthood, as seen in the wisdom of Bodhisattvas like Avalokitesvara. High-level wisdom entails the great awakening, the perceiving of one’s nature, the complete unity with Tao, and the ultimate Nirvana, as exemplified by the wisdom of the Buddha Shakyamuni.

The highest realm of wisdom is the absence of wisdom, or what can be called "holographic wisdom."

Giving people appropriate free will, then allowing them to use wisdom to create a more comfortable life and state of mind in the vast ocean and sky of nature to satisfy various desires and greed, thereby maintaining an interesting and effective interpretation of the cosmic script, is called the Wisdom Array.

Sun Wukong had seventy-two transformations but couldn't escape the palm of the Tathagata Buddha. Wisdom is a splendid thing, and humans cannot do without it. However, wisdom is also a devourer of time if not handled properly. Playing with wisdom poorly can lead to the squandering of life and bring endless harm. Weapons like atomic bombs, which destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki, are the crystallization of human wisdom. Did Einstein have wisdom? What did he accomplish in his lifetime? What substantive value and significance did his wisdom bring to his own life and existence? Not to mention us ordinary mortals.

A lifetime devoted to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is the most contrary to the principles of nature, the misdirection and tragedy of life. The highest realm of wisdom is the absence of wisdom, or "holographic wisdom," which is a wisdom that humans will forever find difficult to understand, comprehend, and attain. Therefore, as humans, we must both play with wisdom and escape from it. We must never be ensnared by wisdom, intoxicated by wisdom, and ultimately devoured by wisdom. "The clever are tricked by their own cleverness." Wisdom can devour those who wield it.

Therefore, Jesus warns us to become like children.

Therefore, the Buddha warns us to discard the raft after crossing the river.

Therefore, Laozi teaches us to return to simplicity, to return to infancy.

Therefore, the saint Muhammad admonishes us to escape the boundaries of heaven and earth with the help of authority, meaning that without relying on the power of authority and relying solely on one's own wisdom, one will never escape the cycle of samsara of the three realms.

So, how do we escape the Wisdom Array?

After much deliberation, I have finally come to the conclusion that the method to escape the Wisdom Array is: Keep the Greatest Creator in your heart, always keep your consciousness clear and agile, and then take things as they are, associate with others by following naturally come-and-go relations, act in accordance with our natures, and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.