"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."

I think I learn through Reflection of Experience, primarily, unless I see that Imitation will benefit me in some obvious way, but for me this is rare. I posted here because I think the quote addresses spiritual growth if indeed that growth can even be differentiated from some other kind of growth.

--beau

Beau,
I find that for me, the process is a (sometimes confused) mixture of all three. I reflect, and I observe others while they reflect etc. In the meantime I am living and wallowing through experience. Periodically the three processes form a confluence, which may propel me further along my path in a rush.  Then they separate again, and I plod some more.  I would love to establish a pattern, or a rhythm in my spriritual growth, but this seems elusive. That is one reason I come here; to see how others are doing it, and hear their reflections, and their "war stories" about their own journeys.

Ah, wisdom, the most elusive of things. Hard to even define.
Does anyone have a definition for it?

Wisdom: Reaching the unconscious minds of the many while remaining conscious of one's own unconscious mind.

I don't know it that speaks to anyone else, but it came to me after seeing the question and I'm sure its influenced by the book I just finished. "The Power of NOW" by Eckhart Tolle. I get bored watching his youtubes but I loved his book.

crossbow wrote on Feb 21^st, 2011 at 10:57am:

Ah, wisdom, the most elusive of things. Hard to even define. Does anyone have a definition for it?

Not so much a definition, but wisdom comes in the deep attunement to and application of PUL, mixed with plenty of practicality and patience (though patience itself seems to be an aspect of PUL attunement anyways).    Might also add, wisdom is often found in the attunement of balance (then again, PUL attunement brings that as well).   

  The wisest person i know and have communicated with, was and is PUL incarnate/personified.  It's ever the answer to all ills and suffering, and ever the womb of all constructive, creative gifts. 

What is PUL?

@crossbow-- PUL stands for Pure Unconditional Love. Bruce Moen coined the term, at least for me, in his books. It is talked about quite often on this forum, but, you know, everyone has there take on it. Some really get it and others use it in an attempt to belittle others. You don't have to look far for examples of either.

Thank you Beau and Justin,
Yes I can see that love would have to be an ingredient of wisdom - that makes good sense. From my looking, love and wisdom are related but not the same. There may be an over lap happening. Perhaps love combined with something else makes wisdom.

Socrates' first rule was, "define your terms". A good rule I think, because definitions enable clearer thinking. Love, wisdom, and other virtues and attributes tend to have fuzzy edges to their meanings as most people use them, and consequently the whole picture becomes loose and fuzzy. If such terms had their definitions clearly inscribed, a clearer picture would emerge. The established sciences tend to clearly define their terms. I expect that the emerging sciences will eventually do so too.

Oh, I have not introduced myself. I am crossbow, of course - just an occasional blow in. When the machine asked me for a username I couldn't think of one and then I saw my old crossbow on the wall and I thought, yes that will do.   

Bardo wrote on Feb 1^st, 2011 at 11:12am:

Beau, I find that for me, the process is a (sometimes confused) mixture of all three. I reflect, and I observe others while they reflect etc. In the meantime I am living and wallowing through experience. Periodically the three processes form a confluence, which may propel me further along my path in a rush.  Then they separate again, and I plod some more.  I would love to establish a pattern, or a rhythm in my spriritual growth, but this seems elusive. That is one reason I come here; to see how others are doing it, and hear their reflections, and their "war stories" about their own journeys.

Your comments resonate quite clearly with me...a constantly changing, undefinable portion of all three...I am currently wallowing in my own experiences, seeking to obtain wisdom enough to take that first plodding step.  My guidance is shouting at me to take that step, which from my standpoint is difficult because it appears my foot is nailed to the floor...I am assured it is not, but I am blinded by a sense of responsibility and fear of the unknown inherent in the extreme changes I face. 

It sounds so easy when guidance tells you that if you jump "wherever you fall will be much better than where you are, and will place you on your clearly marked path", then the details get in the way and keep me going in circles defined by the nailed foot.  I have no choice but to pull out the nail and walk, and it begins with a hard conversation...my weakness and therein my lesson.  Up to this point I would have considered my life charmed...all of it a foundation for a remarkable set of experiences...and hopefully the development of wisdom...from any and all sources.