1. General situation
2. General observations
3. Critical challenge in the situation
4. Goal
5. Emotions
6. Difficulties, immediate and long term
7. Opportunities, immediate and long term
8. Possible strategies
9. Strategies used & their results
10. Lessons learned
11. Suggestions for the future
This can be used for improving reactions in specific situations and for reflecting on deep existential questions.
There is a guide for assessing the quality of wisdom shown in each situation, and this will be posted soon (as of this writing, January 3, 2008). This format for individual work is certainly sketchy and perhaps somewhat crude, but I believe it can provide a model which, by following, a person can transform hir life and advance a long way toward union with wisdom.
Trahe me, post te curremus
As a species, humans are at the psychological, cognitive, and spiritual level of children. Or, we are like Homo erectus in regard to language: we have barely begun to recognize the possibilities. For humans to become truly wise, truly mature, it will require a great effort of will, an heroic exercise of character. It is easy to understand why people are so weak and faulty. The effort is so great, the result so uncertain, and the pleasures at hand are so enticing. To enter this new dimension of wisdom, a person needs to turn hir back on all these pleasures, comforts, impulses, and habits.
The entity who is addressed by the words in Latin above, from the opening verses of the Song of Songs, could be thought of as the object of humanity's deepest desire. We hardly know what this is, but I can imagine that we have been following it throughout long ages. This thought calls to mind many other sayings and admonitions of great souls, and having shared the following, I will resist further quotes!
Sentient beings, no matter how numerous, I vow to save them all.
Illusions, no matter how deep-rooted, I vow to overcome them all.
Dharma paths, no matter how many, I vow to master them all.
The great way of Buddha I vow to attain.
Please contact me with any suggestions for improvement, or if you would like to discuss your efforts.