Level 1: Understanding

Spiritual wisdom is an understanding of reality and how things work. By observing in mindful meditation it becomes clear that our happiness is directly related to our own positive thoughts and actions. Understanding compassion and befriending ourselves lets us see this world, and everyone in it, as equally worthy of our kindness.

The spiritual gift of wisdom arises from meditation. As we get to know our minds better, we also become more acquainted with how the mind colors our perception of reality. Compassion and understanding arise together as we see that all things, when perceived with love, become more loving.

Karma is the law of cause and effect. One way to understand karma is by observing our own thoughts and actions, and noting their results. When we apply mindfulness to all we do, we begin to see that the more open hearted we are, the more compassion we experience in return.

Compassion creates understanding and vice versa. The more wise we are, the more we see that compassion is the most skillful response to our own suffering, and to the suffering of others. Conversely, as we act and view the world with the eyes of compassion, we become more wise. We learn to see things as they really are. Empathy, compassion and understanding are interconnected and grow together.