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Wisdom Talks

Wisdom, also known as sapience, is the ability to apply knowledge, experience, and good judgment to navigate life’s complexities. It is often associated with insight, discernment, and ethics in decision-making. Throughout history, wisdom has been regarded as a key virtue in philosophy, religion, and psychology, representing the ability to understand and respond to reality in a balanced and thoughtful manner. Unlike intelligence, which primarily concerns problem-solving and reasoning, wisdom involves a deeper comprehension of human nature, moral principles, and the long-term consequences of actions.
Philosophically, wisdom has been explored by thinkers from Ancient Greece to modern times. Socrates famously equated wisdom with recognizing one’s own ignorance, while Aristotle saw it as practical reasoning (phronesis) and deep contemplation (sophia). Eastern traditions, such as Confucianism and Buddhism, emphasize wisdom as a form of enlightened understanding that leads to ethical living and inner peace. Across cultures, wisdom is often linked to virtues like humility, patience, and compassion, suggesting that it is not just about knowing what is right but also acting upon it.
Psychologists study wisdom as a cognitive and emotional trait, often linking it to maturity, emotional regulation, and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. Research suggests that wisdom is associated with qualities such as open-mindedness, empathy, and the ability to manage uncertainty. Some psychological models, such as the Berlin Wisdom Paradigm and Robert Sternberg's Balance Theory, attempt to define and measure wisdom through various cognitive and social factors. Neuroscience studies also explore how brain structures related to emotional processing and long-term thinking contribute to wise decision-making.
Wisdom continues to be a subject of interest in modern society, influencing fields as diverse as leadership, education, and personal development. While technology provides greater access to information, it does not necessarily lead to wisdom, which requires careful reflection and ethical consideration. As artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making play a growing role in shaping human life, discussions on wisdom remain relevant, emphasizing the importance of judgment, ethical responsibility, and long-term planning.
Title | Speaker | |
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Hokyo Zammai Class Practice, Wisdom, Zazen |
Mar 10 2005 Tassajara |
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Hokyo Zammai Class Consciousness, Ego, Wisdom |
Mar 06 2005 Tassajara |
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Sacred SpaceSerial: SF-01097 Sunday Lecture Time, Buddha, Wisdom |
Jul 25 2004 Green Gulch Farm |
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Embracing Change: Awakening Interconnection Time, Pain, Wisdom |
Dec 11 2002 City Center |
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Path to Enlightenment Through Practice Practice, Meditation, Wisdom |
Aug 24 2002 City Center |
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Dzögchen TeachingsSerial: SF-02719A Commercially produced cassette Wisdom, Suffering, Peace |
Oct 08 1989 San Jose |
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Lion's Roar Time, Wisdom, Practice |
Dec 30 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Lion's Roar Wisdom, Time, Work |
Dec 29 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Lion's Roar Time, Wisdom, Practice |
Dec 29 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Lion's Roar Practice, Time, Wisdom |
Dec 27 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Lion's Roar Wisdom, Bodhisattva, Time |
Dec 27 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Lion's Roar Time, Wisdom, Practice |
Dec 26 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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ChenrezigSerial: SF-01918 Practice itself - Blind Faith - Center of Mandala Practice, Time, Wisdom |
Dec 24 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Luminosity Awakened: A Path to LiberationSerial: SF-01910 Retreat - Description of Vajra Wisdom, Time, Liberation |
Nov 26 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Navigating the Bardos with Awareness Practice, Time, Wisdom |
Nov 25 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Rigpa: Embodying Wisdom and Compassion Practice, Time, Wisdom |
Sep 03 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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KhandroSerial: SF-01914 Labor Day Buddha, Practice, Wisdom |
Sep 03 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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YontenzotSerial: SF-01863B "Chhoje Tulku" Time, Practice, Wisdom |
May 01 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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YontenzotSerial: SF-01863A "Chhoje Tulku" Practice, Yoga, Wisdom |
Apr 30 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Yontenzot Practice, Time, Wisdom |
Apr 30 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Yontenzot Karma, Time, Wisdom |
Apr 17 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Dzögchen part 2Serial: SF-01940 Speaker surmised from series Anger, Wisdom, Time |
Feb 21 1988 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Elemental Archetypes in Spiritual Liberation Time, Wisdom, Religion |
Mar 02 1980 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Interwoven Dualities: Harmony in Action Time, Wisdom, Balance |
Mar 02 1980 San Francisco Zen Center |
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Wind Stops, But Still Flower FallsSerial: SR-00163 This audio has been improved, so more of the students' questions may be discernible. Ummon, Faith, Freedom, Dragons, Community, Emptiness, Wisdom, Building, American,... |
Aug 15 1971 Tassajara |
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Nansen's “Everyday Mind Is Dao” Truth, Birth-and-Death, Wisdom, Pain, Death, difficulty, Composure, Sutra |
Mar 10 1969 |
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Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-12Serial: SR-00004 Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. 12 October 1968 Lotus Sutra, First Principle, Suffering, Observe, Compassion, Intention, Emptiness,... |
Oct 1968 Series 2, Talk 12 Tassajara |
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Lotus Sūtra No. I-2Serial: SR-00111 February 1968 Lotus Sutra, Building, Wisdom, Evil, Monks, Priest, Patience, Bodhidharma, Offering,... |
Feb 1968 Series 1, Talk 2 Tassajara |
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Ghosts Time, Wisdom, Love |
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NgondroSerial: SF-01858 Class 4 - Teacher/Student Wisdom, Practice, Work |
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