Challenging the Notion that Wisdom Depends on Past Lives or Monastic Encounters

In certain Buddhist teachings, we find the idea that people are born wise or foolish based on actions from past lives, particularly on whether or not they sought guidance from monks or ascetics. One passage suggests that those who seek spiritual advice from monks or ascetics gain wisdom in future lives, while those who don’t may be "reborn" as less intelligent or "stupid." But is this concept of wisdom consistent with what we see in real life? And does it hold up when we think critically about human potential? WISDOM IS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL, NOT LIMITED TO MONASTIC TEACHINGS: Firstly, let’s consider that most people are born with the capability to learn and grow. Human beings have an inherent curiosity and the ability to adapt, explore, and acquire knowledge through personal experience and reasoning. Wisdom doesn’t stem solely from seeking advice from monks or ascetics; rather, it is cultivated through lived experiences, critical thinking, and moral development. Education also plays a huge role in a person’s ability to acquire knowledge and develop wisdom. The opportunities one has for learning—through schools, family guidance, and community interactions—are often significant factors in determining one’s ability to think critically and develop a broader understanding of the world. Access to education and supportive environments fosters wisdom and insight, regardless of religious teachings. Moreover, some people are born with conditions like autism or other mental health challenges that can affect their ability to learn or engage in traditional ways of understanding. The idea that such individuals are “reborn” as less wise simply because they lack spiritual guidance from monks or ascetics ignores the reality of diverse mental capacities and the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of intellectual ability. The truth is, no one is inherently “stupid,” though everyone has areas where they lack knowledge or understanding. The real foolishness comes from accepting beliefs that lock people into restrictive roles based solely on their interactions with certain religious figures. Teachings like these seem crafted to portray monks and ascetics as the exclusive holders of wisdom, creating the illusion that enlightenment can only be achieved through them. Whoever wrote this passage seems intent on giving monks and ascetics a monopoly on wisdom, positioning them as the sole authorities on knowledge and enlightenment. WISDOM THROUGH LEARNING AND EXPERIENCE: The claim that wisdom is granted only through seeking the counsel of monks or ascetics suggests a very limited path to understanding. In reality, people gain wisdom through various experiences in life: family, friendships, learning from mistakes, and personal challenges. These sources of insight are available to everyone and are often far more relatable and accessible than guidance from a distant religious figure. Limiting wisdom to monastic teachings overlooks the many ways people learn compassion, empathy, and insight from real-life situations, where people are faced with moral decisions and learn through personal reflection, without relying on an intermediary to tell them what is wise. THE MONOPOLY ON WISDOM: A LIMITING BELIEF: The idea that wisdom is available only to those who seek out monks or ascetics may imply a form of exclusivity, suggesting that enlightenment or understanding is reserved only for those who follow a specific path. This belief can benefit those in positions of religious authority by creating a dependency on spiritual leaders, as if wisdom is something to be “given” rather than something developed through sincere self-reflection and understanding. CONCLUSION: WISDOM THROUGH DIVERSE PATHS: In conclusion, the idea that one’s intelligence or wisdom in future lives is based on seeking spiritual guidance from monks or ascetics is not only limiting but also untrue. Wisdom is a quality that belongs to all humanity. It is not controlled by any one group and is not limited to any particular belief system. Rather, wisdom is the result of personal growth, curiosity, education, and the desire to understand ourselves and others. Let’s remember that wisdom can arise from many sources, and real understanding comes from embracing diverse perspectives and experiences. True wisdom is not exclusive but inclusive, welcoming knowledge from all parts of life, regardless of one’s background or abilities.