Blessing 7

Skill in Knowledge

Being skillful in knowledge refers to individuals who possess a wise ranging intelligence and are knowledgeable.

* They are usually highly educated and hold learning as an essential part of life.

* They only choose to learn subjects that they believe are the most important and which will be of most benefit.

* Their knowledge will lead them to success in their professional and personal life.

Differences between the Wise and the Skillful in Knowledge

The Wise are those who perform good deeds and display positive behavior. Regardless of their level of knowledge themselves and provide assistance to others. The wise are those whose good actions bring positive outcome.

The skillful in knowledge is those who have extensive knowledge, yet they may not always behave well. Sometimes they make wrong decisions that will have an impact on their next life.

Types of Knowledge of Those Who Gain Skillful in Knowledge

1. In-Depth Knowledge: Refers to fully understanding the topics we are learning. For example, medical doctors who have to gain a deep knowledge of their field will be able to tell their patients what diseases they are suffering from, and will also be able to understand the contributory factors of their illness.

2. Width of Knowledge: Refers to the broad knowledge we all need to be informed about the world, for example, prominent people, politics, economics, the environment and climate.

3. Thorough Knowledge: Refers not only to knowledge around us, but also to know and understand in detail and how it is connected to other issues and topics in society and globally.

4. Long-Sighted Knowledge: Refers to thinking ahead of the current situation and considering what will probably happen in the future. This may include knowing the consequences of economic factors on society and the issues of climate change.

Characteristics of Those Who are Skillful in Knowledge

1. Appreciate learning, reading and researching.

2. Have a good memory and understand the issues.

3. Have excellent commutation skills and know what to say without having to open their notes, especially the Dhamma, which never changes.

4. Reflect deeply on issues and problems. Always try to understand the reasons for their happening.

5. Always use knowledge in any situation and fully understand each situation in terms of theory and practice.

Characteristics of Those Who are not Skillful in Knowledge

1. They enjoy praising themselves, love compliments; pay increasing attention and care to their appearance, give excessive attention to everything else, so that they no longer have time to study.

2. They easily become angry, irritated, and vengeful all time.

3. They forget things easily and do not pay attention to the things they do. Their mind is not stable, has negative thoughts, and doubles the true existence of the Dhamma.

4. They lack confidence in themselves and are too scared to do anything. This is because they fear criticism and only want to be followers, not leaders.

5. They are excessively drawn to wealth. They believe that wealth is more important than knowledge.

6. They do not take things they do seriously.

7. They like to drink alcohol, get drunk, lose their senses, as well as their chance to learn.

8. They lack responsibility. They like to have fun all the time, like small children.

Ways for People to Gain Skillfulness in Knowledge

1. Be intelligent and only learn what is necessary for wholesome spiritual and worldly development.

2. Be diligent and study hard in their chosen fields.

3. Be eager to acquire more knowledge.

4. Gain Dhamma knowledge along with the worldly knowledge.

5. Be able to remember everything they learn and put their knowledge to practice right away.

Warnings

1. If the knowledge we possess can only be used in the world and not in the Dhamma, there will always be an increased risk for us to take the wrong steps.

2. Therefore, we need to learn about the teaching of Dhamma along with worldly knowledge. The Dhamma acts as candlelight to help us decide what is right and what is wrong.

The Benefits of Being Skillful in Knowledge

1. Can rely on oneself.

2. Become a respectable leader.

3. Become courageous in any situations.

4. Attain an honorable position, wealth and happiness.

5. Receive respect and praise from others.

6. Maintains their intelligence and knowledge in their future lives.

7. Good basic for creating skills, aptitudes, abilities and talents.\

8. Easily attain the path to Nibbana.

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