How do we reach the Perfection of Wisdom? How did the Bodhisatta reach the Perfection of Wisdom in former lives?
The Commentary to the “Basket of Conduct” defines the perfection of
wisdom as follows:“Wisdom (paññå) has the characteristic of penetrating the real specific
nature (of dhammas), or the characteristic of sure penetration, like the
penetration of an arrow shot by a skilful archer; its function is to illuminate
the objective field, like a lamp; its manifestation is non-confusion, like a
guide in a forest; concentration or the four (noble) truths, is its proximate
cause.”Through the study of the Dhamma we gradually come to have more
understanding of the vicissitudes of the world, of gain and loss, honour
and dishonour, praise and blame, wellbeing and pain. We shall
understand that the pleasant “worldly conditions” of gain, honour,
praise and wellbeing only lead to dukkha, suffering, if there is no paññå
that knows the causes and their appropriate results in life. If someone
truly sees the value of paññå and intends to develop kusala, he will not
wish for pleasant sense objects as result, but he will aim for the growth
of paññå until it has become keen and accomplished to the degree that
it can completely eradicate defilements. Satipațțhåna, right
understanding of the mental phenomena and physical phenomena of
our life, cannot be developed without paññå. No matter how many
other excellent qualities someone may have, his defilements cannot be
eradicated if paññå does not develop and becomes keener, if paññå
does not clearly see the true nature of the realities that are naturally
appearing. Thus, we should see the incomparable value of paññå and
we should apply ourselves to its development so that it can become fully
accomplished. If we develop satipațțhåna time and again, paññå will be
gradually accumulated so that it becomes keener, and reaches the
degree of a perfection which realizes the four noble Truths.
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