Knowledge is the acquisition of information and facts, while wisdom is the application of knowledge with experience, insight, and good judgment. Wisdom involves perspective and the ability to make sound judgments.
Khona, also known as Leelavati, was a brilliant figure in ancient Bengal whose contributions to agriculture, meteorology, and astrology became legendary through her sayings in "Khonar Bachan." Her rise as an intellectual threatened patriarchal norms, leading to tragic silencing by Varahamihira, who mutilated her tongue out of jealousy. Despite this, her wisdom endured, influencing generations and symbolizing the resilience of female intellect against oppression.
In the aftermath of the Kurukshetra war, amidst the ruins, Sanjaya encounters an ancient sage who imparts profound wisdom. The Mahabharata transcends mere storytelling; it embodies the internal struggles of individuals against vices like greed and anger. Each person's choices reflect either dharma or chaos. Ultimately, the narrative serves as a guide for personal battles, urging adherence to inner virtues and the voice of Krishna.
In the midst of daily chaos, there's an overlooked truth: impermanence. Rooted in Eastern philosophies, it asserts that all things are transient. Understanding this is vital, as it shapes our lives, teaching us to appreciate the present and navigate inevitable changes. Embracing impermanence leads to mindfulness and transcends the material world, revealing profound truths and guiding a compassionate way of living.
In the battlefield of Lanka, after defeating Ravana, Lord Rama sent Lakshmana to gather wisdom from the dying scholar. Initially, Ravana refused, but later imparted wisdom about greed, ethics, and politics when Rama himself, humbly approached him. Despite his infamous reputation, Ravana's profound teachings, gleaned from his life's lessons, were considered valuable and respected in ancient Indian mythology.
Singapore's PM's wife, Ms Ho Ching, sparked interest during a White House visit for carrying a dinosaur-themed pouch priced at SGD 14.80. Once mistaken for a fashion faux pas, it was later revealed the pouch was designed by Seetoh Sheng Jie, a 19-year-old student from Pathlight, Singapore's first autism-focused school. The pouches, typically selling 200 units every four months, sold out within a day and now require a two-month pre-order.
The Taoist parable "The Empty Boat" serves as a lesson about finding peace within oneself. The story tells of a man who encounters an empty boat on a river and, rather than growing angry, he simply navigates past it, symbolizing the dismissal of pointless anger. The fable communicates the importance of inner peace and self-realization, reminding us not to attach ego and emotions to external circumstances. The message advises detachment from attachments, expectations, and judgments to live peacefully and joyfully, emphasizing the need for solitude for mental well-being and clarity.
Lord Buddha's teaching illustrates the immeasurable worth of human life. A man's journey to determine the stone's value parallels the diversity of perspectives on life. Human worth transcends material measures and societal judgments, emphasizing intrinsic qualities. It's vital to challenge inequality, advocate for equity, and cultivate empathy to uphold the sanctity of every life.
Swami Vivekananda’s 1893 speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago is noted for its reflection of Indian culture and its values. Vivekananda message of universal brotherhood, acceptance and respect for all religions, positions him as a significant philosophical figure, impacting not only western perception of Hinduism, but also influencing the American civil rights movement. His call for tolerance and unification has a profound contemporary resonance in the face of global division along religious, ethnic and national lines.
