Some of you are pretty young … and wise.  I’m especially thinking of a Buddhist nun from Italy: Gotami.  Her name was given by her teacher in Myanmar.  She’s 27.

I wonder what wisdom means …

The ability to apply knowledge, experience and deep understanding to make sound judgments and good decisions … involving empathy, emotional balance and a clear moral compass to navigate complex life situations and benefit the greater good

So … the mind and the heart.

Can a five-year-old child be wise?  As in “from the mouths of babes”?  I say yes.

Can a mentally handicapped person be wise?  My head is nodding yes.

Can you and I be wise?  Why not?  I sense there’s a slowing down here, letting the teachings of life wash over me.

And I’d say that a divine mist is falling on the shoulders of Venerable Gotami.

Voilà:

Even if just one person feels more understood, more whole, or simply less alone … that would be the greatest gift of all.

…

Live truthfully.  Follow your own path rather than your parents’ fears or society’s expectations.  A wholesome life grounded in ethics, courage and openness is possible.

…

[I read] the beautiful poem “The Albatross” by Charles Baudelaire, which spoke of a majestic seabird mocked and mistreated by sailors.  I cried in front of the entire class the first time I read it.  The poem was harsh but profoundly moving.  Its message was clear: people don’t understand beauty and spiritual goodness – they mock those who are different, clumsy or sensitive.  I felt like that winged traveller every single day.

…

He wore an orange robe, had olive skin, and round, peaceful, luminous eyes.

…

Even my life could perhaps encourage that girl who dreams in secret, and hides her wishes in a drawer.

…

That place was calling me.  And I answered.

…

I promised myself: “If I talk the way I would to someone I love, I’m doing it right.”

…

I wasn’t afraid of the dangers.  I was more scared of not answering the call inside me. Even if something bad happened to me by accident while I was there, I was ready to take responsibility.  I was prepared to face any difficulty to achieve my dream.  That opportunity I had dreamed of for so long was finally here, right in front of me.  And I couldn’t let it go.

…

Part of something far greater than myself

…

It was an ancient kind of happiness, like I had been there many times before.

***

I have a friend in Sri Lanka