Or what I think.

I’d like to say a few words about the 6th and final paramita, which is called wisdom or knowledge.

It is pretty much impossible to say what this “wisdom” is and anything you say about it pretty much points in the opposite direction of what it is, simply by the act of trying to capture it. The best thing I can say–and I don’t even know that I understand what I’m about to say–is that the transcendent action called “wisdom” has to do with continuously abiding in the state of non-duality.

It has nothing to do with accumulating information or getting As or being able to recite the teachings verbatim. It has more to do, I would guess, with establishing an unbroken connection to what exists beyond all these things: your own completely natural, inborn, indestructible wisdom. You have it. Right now. And also right now.

How do we gain access to this field of wisdom which we already possess? Well, we each have to figure this out for ourselves, but trying to perfect the first 5 paramitas could be a good place to start.

Once we have

embraced generosity, which means opening, letting down our guard, (paramita #1)

cultivated discipline, which simply means coming back, taking a fresh start, (paramita #2)

manifested patience, which means letting go of expectations both positive and negative, (paramita #3)

exhibited exertion, which means taking an interest–in everything, including the stuff that you love and what makes you sad, (paramita #4)

and applied mindfulness both on and off the meditation cushion, (paramita #5)

well, we’ve planted the best seeds imaginable.

Check out the video for more on paramita #6 and a 10-minute meditation practice.

The video lives here on Vimeo if you’re having trouble viewing in my blog.

And here is the audio-only version for those who prefer it.

Enjoy!