The Eightfold Path is not simply a linear list. The Dharma Wheel – an ancient and ubiquitous symbol of Buddhism – is a circle with 8 spokes, a beautiful image for how each step on the path is equally weighted to support our full participation in life and co-arises with the other aspects of the Path. Often, we enter into the Eightfold Path with Wise Understanding as our first step in uncovering Wisdom. His Holiness the Dalai Lama says:

Sources of suffering and delusion lie in ignorance – distorted states of mind. We need to cultivate a correct understanding of the nature of the world. By this, we reverse the process of cyclic existence.

Wise Understanding involves a profound and subtle knowledge of our true nature – that everything is impermanent and empty (anicca and anatta) of self. All elements of mind and body exist in a moment and pass away, arising and vanishing continuously. Breath, thought, emotions, sensations–all phenomena are in constant flux. There is no lasting security to be had in this flow of impermanence.

So this is the quality of wisdom or Wise Understanding: a sense of trust and openness that rests in something greater than the smaller difficulties of our life. There may be experiences we don’t like or want, but Wise Understanding deeply and joyfully knows life in all its seasons and understands that all thoughts, words and deeds have consequences. It doesn’t struggle or fight against life. In the end we discover, remember, recognize that we possess none of it. We don’t possess our things, our parents, our partners, our children, our experiences. Yet, we understand the interconnectedness of all things as the ground of being.