may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him,
so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened,
you may know what is the hope to which he has called you,
what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints,
and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe,
according to the working of his great power.
- Ephesians 1:17-19
The Ascension
JESUS MAFA, 1973
My dear friends,
Paul's teaching in the verses above emphasizes the need for wisdom and revelation, the knowledge of the divine. It is through this wisdom that we may come to know the true nature of God and grow in our understanding of the interconnectedness of all life.
The spirit of wisdom and revelation is akin to the Buddhist concept of prajna, which signifies transcendent wisdom or insight into the ultimate nature of reality. This wisdom is essential for our spiritual growth and helps us to understand the impermanent, interdependent, and empty nature of all phenomena.
The eyes of our hearts must be enlightened to fully grasp the hope and the riches of the divine inheritance. This is reminiscent of the Tibetan Buddhist concept of bodhicitta, the awakened heart, which embodies love, compassion, and the aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. When our hearts are illuminated, we can perceive the boundless potential within ourselves and others, recognizing the divine nature in every living being.
Furthermore, Paul acknowledges the "incomparably great power" that is available to those who believe. This power is not to be taken lightly, nor is it meant for personal gain. Instead, it is a force that can transform our lives, enabling us to embody love, compassion, and wisdom in service to others.
To cultivate this spirit of wisdom and revelation, we must engage in daily practices that nurture our spiritual growth. These practices may include prayer, meditation, acts of kindness, and the study of sacred texts. By committing to these actions, we open our hearts and minds to the divine wisdom that exists within us and around us.
May we be granted the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we may come to know the divine more intimately. May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened, and may we be filled with love, compassion, and understanding. May the great power within us be used to benefit all sentient beings, so that we may fulfill our divine purpose and realize the interconnected nature of all life.
In the spirit of unity, love, and understanding, may we all find our path towards inner peace and enlightenment.