Question

Do you agree with the commentarial tradition statement that concentration is a proximate cause of wisdom, and that wisdom the manifestation of concentration?

Answer

"Proximate cause": I am not even sure what that means. Concentration may be a factor that may help wisdom to arise, in that the mind is calm enough to be able to contemplate. But according to my understanding from other parts of the scriptures, wise reflection and a good spiritual friend are probably more useful for the arising of wisdom. Because concentration by itself, as some people believe, will not just automatically bring wisdom. If this was the case, then when the Buddha went to learn high stages of concentration with his first teachers, then he would have had the arising of wisdom, but this did not occur.

"Wisdom the manifestation of concentration." I am not sure what that means either. Wisdom is the manifestation of Right View and Right Intention. Perhaps if it was Right Concentration then they would be connected. But concentration by itself will not bring wisdom. At least that is my understanding. It may aid in the conditions that will bring it about, but it will not bring it about by itself.

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