Five kinds of wisdom
five kinds of wisdom
五智 (Jpn go-chi )
Also, five types of wisdom. The five aspects of Mahavairochana Buddha's wisdom in Esoteric Buddhism. They are
(1) "the wisdom of the essence of the phenomenal world," which perceives the phenomenal world as composed of the six elements of earth, water, fire, wind, space, and consciousness;
(2) "the great round mirror wisdom," which perceives the world without distortion, just as a clear mirror accurately reflects all images;
(3) "the non-discriminating wisdom," which observes the essential equality of all things without discrimination;
(4) "the wisdom of insight into the particulars," which distinguishes the particulars of all phenomena and observes the capacities of living beings so that one may preach to them and resolve the various doubts they have; and
(5) "the wisdom of perfect practice," which enables one to develop the power of benefiting others as well as oneself.The last four are considered aspects of the first.
Esoteric Buddhism asserts that the wisdom of the Thus Come One Mahavairochana is perfect and encompasses all five aspects. The five kinds of wisdom are represented by the five wisdom Buddhas of the Diamond Realm mandala.
