Ep. 28 - 5 Roots: 5. The silent wisdom within us is already complete.

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The journey through wisdom begins where intellect ends. This episode explores the transformation of the five roots in Buddhism into active powers that can fundamentally change how we navigate life's challenges.

At its core, wisdom in Zen isn't merely intellectual understanding but a profound shift in perception. Host Myung Han Sunim unpacks the concept of Shilsang Banya – the silent, all-encompassing wisdom that exists within us, waiting to be accessed. Unlike Western notions of wisdom as clever problem-solving, this innate wisdom has stillness as its primary quality, serving as the source from which deeper understanding emerges.

What makes this teaching particularly valuable is the practical distinction between merely possessing wisdom as a dormant root versus wielding it as an active power in daily life. Through intentional practice (Suhing), we learn to transform these roots into powers that consciously inform our behavior and decisions. Myung Han Sunim offers a compelling analogy: reading a cookbook doesn't make a peach cobbler – only the actual practice of baking brings the recipe to life. Similarly, spiritual wisdom must be embodied through practice rather than merely intellectualized.

The most liberating aspect of cultivating wisdom is its ability to free us from unnecessary suffering. When we develop Kwanjo Banya – the wisdom that sees beyond surface appearances – we recognize the impermanent nature of all things. This understanding allows us to release attachment to permanence, significantly reducing our suffering when favorite possessions break or circumstances change. As Myung Han Sunim beautifully articulates, "Every favorite thing that I have will change... The thing, whatever it is, even one nanosecond later, is already different."

Share your questions and experiences with these teachings – there's no greater fortune-making in Buddhist tradition than helping alleviate the suffering of others by pointing to the path that has benefited you.

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Dr. Ruben Lambert can be found at wisdomspring.com

Ven. MyongAhn Sunim can be found at soshimsa.org