Our current times are overwhelming. We are more connected than ever through technology, being constantly surrounded by social media, 24/7 news, and AI that gets harder and harder to distinguish from reality. At the same time, we are less connected than ever to other humans. At least, that’s what the stats say. IONS has previously written about how the loneliness epidemic is plaguing humanity.
In these times of turmoil and loneliness—and simultaneously, more opportunities than what past generations have seen—we look for guidance and direction. Wisdom traditions can provide such guidance. In this article, we’ll look at wisdom traditions around the world and some insights from indigenous cultures that can help us navigate life and remember our interconnectedness.
Andean shamanism: Our ancestors were preparing for these times
Traditional Andean Medicine Man, Puma Quispe Singona, shared in a ConnectIONS Live with IONS how our ancestors were preparing for the times we’re in thousands of years ago.
Back then, Earth was inhabited by a highly advanced civilization. This advanced civilization could potentially be behind the construction of buildings such as the pyramids in Giza. Apparently, these beings didn’t use their power wisely. They broke cosmic laws, leaked energy to other parts of the galaxy, and consequently put the life of Pachamama, Mother Earth, in danger.
The four elements that are the protectors of Earth then came together to purify the planet from this civilization. Humanity was given another chance under one condition: that each generation should be less intelligent than its predecessor to avoid further damage.
This kept going until 2012. Around that year, we entered into a new era as a planet. Every new generation is now becoming more evolved than the last. Consciousness is expanding rapidly to protect Mother Earth and future generations.
And that’s the grand awakening we’re currently in. So, if you’re feeling a bit confused, no wonder!
Don Miguel Ruiz and how to change the world
In 2015, Don Miguel Ruiz was speaking at an IONS conference. Don Miguel Ruiz is a surgeon, Toltec shaman, and author of best-selling books like The Four Agreements. He spoke about how, instead of changing the world, you should focus on changing YOUR world. You co-create your own story, the story of your life. Where many people get stuck is that they see the story of their life as absolute truth. They forget the power they have to change the story and thus change their life.
He describes how everyone’s story is a masterpiece of art. It’s an ongoing story that we are creating right now. We remember the most important parts, but it’s just a small percent of that story. We identify with what happened 30 years ago instead of focusing on what we want to create in the here and now.
Many people are ignorant of the fact that the only person who can change their life is themselves and no one else. We are so used to living inside our lives that we cannot see that it’s even possible to do things differently. We forget that we are the main characters in our lives and focus too much on the secondary characters—characters that we have created by giving them significance and power over us.
Don Miguel Ruiz also asks the eternal question: who are you? He says that underneath the labels, such as male, surgeon, and author… he has no idea of who he is. “‘Miguel’ is my identity, but it’s not what I am,” as he states it. To add to the confusion, people around us often do a great job of telling us who we are, how we should behave, what we should do with our lives, and so on. We believe it without questioning it and end up living our lives trying to please them by fitting into this description.
Conversely, many people want to change the world by changing the secondary characters. That’s how they end up trying to control everyone around them. Instead, we should focus on changing our world. Because when you change your world, everything around you changes.
Central concepts of wisdom traditions
Let’s look at the anatomy of wisdom traditions. One central concept found in wisdom traditions is the interconnectedness of all things (which is a pillar of IONS). This means that every action has a ripple effect on the web of life.
Wisdom traditions typically contain an element of cultivating compassion and empathy as you realize how your actions, emotions, and thoughts impact the world.
Mindfulness is encouraged, which is all about being present in the moment and cultivating awareness of one’s thoughts and emotions. From this state, it’s easier to explore the depths of consciousness and tap into inner wisdom than in the ordinary state of doing and thinking. Practicing mindfulness can lead to a profound spiritual awakening.
On a more philosophical level, wisdom traditions talk about the impermanence of life and how everything is transient: your thoughts, emotions, and physical existence.
Wisdom traditions have given birth to sacred texts around profound questions central to humanity and about the nature of reality, ethics, and the human condition. Some well-known examples are the Bhagavad Gita and Zen Buddhism teachings. Literature stemming from wisdom traditions offers timeless wisdom and inspiration.
Art is also central to wisdom traditions. Visual arts, dance, and music often attempt to capture the essence of these traditions.
Practices are another central element that helps people experience wisdom traditions beyond words and the intellect. Some examples are:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Rituals
- Ceremonies
- Prayer
These practices are intended to help individuals connect with the sacred and tap into deeper layers of existence.
Wisdom traditions around the world
The fact that wisdom traditions from around the world say very similar things supports the idea of one underlying truth. Wisdom traditions highlight our interconnectedness and our individual responsibilities to be kind and compassionate to one another.
Let’s look closer at wisdom traditions from different epochs and parts of the world:
- Eastern perspectives on wisdom: Wisdom is central to Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Confucian wisdom emphasizes moral and ethical values, education, self-improvement, and social harmony. Taoist wisdom is all about living in harmony with nature, advocating simplicity and non-action (Wu Wei). Buddhist wisdom focuses on understanding suffering, impermanence, and mindfulness. These philosophies have their similarities but also approach wisdom differently.
- Western perspectives on wisdom: Western traditions draw on Greek philosophy, Judeo-Christian teachings, and Enlightenment ideas. Greek wisdom values reason, logic, and moral virtue, while Judeo-Christian wisdom focuses on faith, humility, and love (called agape). Enlightenment wisdom highlights reason, liberty, and individual rights, promoting critical thinking and autonomy. These Western perspectives have different focuses, but they all value knowledge, morality, and individual freedom.
- Islamic perspectives on wisdom: Islamic wisdom is rooted in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing knowledge, understanding, and piety. It is not just about acquiring knowledge—but applying it ethically in everyday life. Central to Islamic wisdom are concepts like Tawhid (the oneness of God) and virtues such as compassion, justice, and generosity. This wisdom informs various aspects of modern life, including education, law, and business practices, promoting justice and ethical behavior.
- Indigenous perspectives on wisdom: Indigenous cultures, such as Native American and African traditions, offer unique perspectives on wisdom, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things and living in harmony with nature. Native American wisdom focuses on the concept of the Circle, which represents the interdependence of all life and the importance of balance. African wisdom, illustrated by the concept of Ubuntu (“I am because we are”), emphasizes community, respect for elders, and interconnectedness. Nature and community are central to both traditions.
Embracing wisdom traditions in today’s world
So, why do wisdom traditions remain relevant today? One key reason is that they address the pressing issue of mental well-being. Wisdom traditions offer practical tools for managing stress and fostering emotional resilience. It’s as if our ancestors, who developed these traditions eons ago, could sense that we would need them at this pivotal point in time.
Wisdom traditions also remind us to care for one another in today’s world of global challenges and honor what could be the solution to the widespread loneliness: our interconnectedness with each other, the natural world, and something bigger.
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