Wisdom is beyond words. It is the essence of all words!
If you manipulate words, it is a lie; if you play on words, it is a joke; if you rely on words, it is ignorance but if you transcend words, it is wisdom.
Let us examine a few words which have changed their meaning over time.
Tolerance: Many people think tolerance is a virtue but it is a negative term. Tolerance indicates a deep sense of dislike, a sense of separateness, small-mindedness, limitation of consciousness, which can at any time turn into hatred. If you are tolerating, it means you are holding on; tolerance is a potential volcano!
Disillusion: Similarly, ‘disillusionment’ is good because you have come to reality.
Purana: The word ‘Purana’ means ”that which is new in town, the most modern”, but it is used in the sense of being old.
Mercy: Mercy indicates lack of intimacy or belongingness. You don’t have mercy on your near and dear ones. You have mercy on those who you think are not yours. Mercy indicates anger, judgment and authority. The Divine is all knowing and all loving; there is no chance for mercy. When there is intimacy, there is no place for mercy.
Forgiveness: When you say I forgive, you think the other is a culprit, and when you think someone is a culprit, forgiveness becomes difficult. But, with a broader outlook, you see that the culprit is also a victim of his or her own mind; a victim of ignorance, unawareness and unconsciousness. Then compassion arises within you.
Austerity: Austerity is often mistaken to be poverty or self-denial. It is neither. Austerity is a sign of social health. It comes out of maturity and only one who is rich in spirit can practice austerity. Poverty of spirit is vanity; austerity brings freedom from the pride of vanity. But taking pride in austerity is vanity!
Do not make an effort to impress others, or express yourself. When you come from the Self, your expression is perfect and your impression lasts for ages.