For decades I have searched for teachings on how the 5 personality flaws (anger, neediness, ignorance, egotism, envy) are said to be transformed into the 5 parts of wisdom. Just how are the negatives transformed into the positives? What is the process? I am still researching, but here is a very brief overview of the process:
From the water element, when we recognize our hatred and alienation and show it patience, it becomes a deep clear mindfulness; distance and space to notice what is truly there. “It is what it is.” May all beings find clarity and transmute anger and rejection to become the wisdom that is like a great round mirror reflecting what is. Knowing from a distance gives us precision.
From the fire element, when we recognize desire and desperation and approach it with compassion, it becomes focused discernment; zeroing in on just the right thing for the specific situation at hand. “Target zeroed in.” May all beings find direction and transmute greedy desperation to become the wisdom of discernment. Focusing in on what we want gives us direction.
From the earth element, when we recognize our pride and egotism and show it some curiosity and open-mindedness, it becomes insight into the equality of all things; everything has its value. “It’s all good.” May all beings find openness and transmute tight arrogance to become the wisdom of seeing the value of all. Accepting all that benefits us gives us bigness.
From the wind element, when we recognize our envy and restlessness and add disciplined commitment, it becomes all-accomplishing action; you make your contribution. “So how can I help?” May all beings find purpose and transmute jealous insecurity to become the wisdom of accomplishment. Recognizing and seizing our opportunities gives us completion.
From the void element, when we recognize our ignorance and dullness and add depth of understanding, it becomes awakening to the bigger picture; the calm certainty of knowing all that is. “So that’s the true nature of reality.” May all beings find wisdom and transmute confused ideas to become insight into the vastness of truth. Allowing broadness of mind gives us advancement.
Chador Red Thunder says:
Anshu 🙏
Thank you for writing about this question. I have wondered the same thing. I appreciate your insight and years of research. This will give me fresh inspiration as I continue to study and meditate on the 5 pains into 5 wisdoms.
A thought-
Perhaps the wisdoms come when we internalize what we learn from the pains.
And perhaps that is what you said. 😎
It is great to hear from you again.
🙏
Scott A. Bragg says:
This, while brief, gives us a ‘starting point’ to understand where we can begin our own personal journey. These few descriptive words hold an abundance of introspective insight when aimed appropriately. Even sitting here, writing this, my mind is drilling in to investigate not only what they mean, but my own proclivity toward them and how they play a roll in my daily aspirations. Am I ‘open’ enough to accept and own up to the fact that all of these qualities are part of me? A deeper dive is anticipated. We are worth the exploration!!!
Kriss Hurdle says:
Well we were taught to recognize and say of course! Of course this comes at the perfect time is what I’m saying – so much happening in the world right now where the this could be posted on every billboard to invite us all – and me too – to remain open patient and kind and in action with ourselves and others. Thank you for sharing!
Jim McFarland says:
Ha!! We cannot change any of these mind-states from the level of mind/heart at which they were created! Can’t hate the “hatred”; Can’t out “right” the “arrogance” out of existence; None of these “antidotes” have anything to do with rejection, punishment, or resistance! They are all bringing acceptance & curiosity and open-ness- Wisdom and Compassion- to them to ‘tame’ and transform…sounds like being a good, loving, patient parent, or Wise, Clear mentor to them?