The Nature of Wisdom
by Master Lee Feng San Shifu
Translated by Sophia Lui
Edited by Ric Meyers
On one occasion, students talked about the total lunar eclipse and comets. Comets are known among the Chinese as the “Broom Star.” They signify bad luck, which is something I do not quite agree with. If the Broom Star can sweep away good luck, then it can also sweep away bad luck! Therefore, we should not always look on the dark side of things, but on the bright side.
The word comet consists of two Chinese characters 彗星. If we add the character “heart” to the first character, it becomes 慧, which transforms into the second character of the word wisdom (智慧). So if we put in more “heart,” the result would turn out differently. Therefore, it means that when a comet appears, we should be extra mindful and vigilant.
When we encounter difficulties in life, and are able to stay calm and relaxed, we will be able to ride out the storm. When things are going well, do not let it get to our heads either, as extreme joy turns into sorrow.
It is the same with everything else in life. If we stay calm and level-headed, regardless of the circumstances, we will be able to find a way out of our predicament.
Meanwhile, solar and lunar eclipses give warning messages. These phenomena tell us that there can be darkness even during daytime. At night time, it can be so utterly dark that we cannot even see our hands an inch from our noses. However, if the moon is still there, we will be able see a glimmer of light shining through.
These are warning signs given to us by nature, so that we will live according to nature’s laws. The I-Ching states “when things get to their extreme, they turn into their opposites. Out of the depths of misfortune comes bliss.” If we live according to these principles, we do not get discouraged when times get tough, but hold our heads high, and find inner strength to forge ahead.
The word wisdom consists of two characters “智慧”. The first character means intelligence, and the second character means discernment. Discernment is borne of intelligence, and intelligence is borne of discernment, and both must be present in wisdom.
The word intelligence (智) itself comprises two characters, “知” which means “a knowing” and the character “日” which means “day” or “sun.” So intelligence here means to know the changes of the day or sun. When you have knowing, then you have intelligence. If there is no knowing, then intelligence is lacking.
The other character ”慧” means “discernment.” It is a type of behaviour, a type of action. It stems from our intellectual abilities. When our intellectual abilities are sufficient, then regardless of whether we are walking, resting, sitting, or lying down, we do it in the proper way. This is the manifestation of wisdom. In wisdom, we see a perfect union of intelligence and discernment.
“Regardless of times of struggle or comfort, we must remain steadfast and mindful. Being vigilant every step of the way keeps us safe.” — Lee Feng San Shifu