savage: unconditioned, uncivilized, primordial, wild, fierce
wisdom: knowledge, truth, intelligence, erudition, enlightenment
The title for this category came unbidden. I questioned it; it seemed a touch severe. The reminder came that once, on the long timeless journey to now, I was given a Dharma name by a kind Lama of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition: Yeshe Dolma. Yeshe means primordial wisdom. OK, primordial I get, but savage?
Savage is a word that has broader contemporary usage and is perhaps more accessible than ‘primordial.’ One of the ways it is commonly used is as a transitive verb: to savage = to assault ferociously; to attack without restraint or pity. Let me assure you that the word used in this way fits. This wisdom savages the illusion of separation, as well as the self that believes in separation. It is ruthless.
The dictionary definition of ‘unconditioned,’ ‘uncivilized’ also fits, for this wisdom concerns the Truth that is blocked only by concepts and beliefs – all of which are learned, conditioned patterns of mental activity. Savage in this sense describes an intelligence that moves prior to the activity of thought’s labeling and categorizing. Perhaps it is the energy of Life itself; perhaps it’s the movement of Love. Whatever we label it, we lie.
Yet it will speak, it will express using the language of the lie. This has always been the case.
Prajñāpāramitā (Sanskrit: प्रज्ञापारमिता) means “the Perfection of (Transcendent) Wisdom” in Mahāyāna Buddhism. It is the mantra of the Heart Sutra:
Gate, Gate, Paragate, Parasamgate, Bodhi Svaha!
See blog posts:
118 prajñāpāramitā: formless, timeless and inescapable
and
echoes from emptiness 
Wonderful explanation of your title. Although it resonated somehow and I never questioned it. You are correct, that whatever we label ‘it’ we lie. But ‘it’ is there. Gnawing at our bones. Perhaps that’s why we write. To set ‘it’ free.
Thank you Deborah! I appreciate your comment – yes “gnawing at our bones” is apt.
While IT has no form, IT seems to demand expression … I write because I want to see what gets expressed.
~ miriam louisa
Never considered savage an apt descriptor for The Bright, but since it’s Your Choice, I now consider the matter settled. why? Why because I love Your Tone, Your Care, Your Breath on my shoulder as we read this moment.
It came as a bit of a shock to me as well Cuore. Once it unraveled and revealed its aptness however, I was sold …
I love your term “The Bright” – and it gladdens me to receive your beautiful poetic words of appreciation. Thank you.
Breathing, deepening, bowing …
~ miriam louisa
I could sit here all morning, liking and commenting, but time to go to work. Love this! Kind Regards, dn
Your comments are cherished, dear dn …
Gratitude and love ~ ml
Savage wisdom, merciless love, terrifying beauty… we never get tired of weaving new ways to not say it 🙂
Yes, @bneal817 – the weavings are endless as we express the inexpressible …
Thank you for visiting here and leaving your comments – I am delighted to have been introduced to your blog. Your writing speaks my language!
Much love ~ miriam louisa
how your words touch my heart … shredding all i ‘think’ knowing i participate in that exercise too much and then leaving me bruised for an instant-the whack upside the head perhaps?
finally empty to begin to recall what i never forgot… life is steps into and out of every moment and we do not even see…perhaps if we did, savage would mean love…. and yes, we would indeed, lie…
Ahhh – that resonance is so beautiful Linda. Thanks for visiting … incredibly, I was just looking at your blog a few moments ago! (It’s looking luscious.) Welcome over to WordPress – I’d never blog anywhere else.
With love ~ miriam louisa
Oh, and thank you for the ‘Like’ on echo 333 – “home-brand no-frills awareness” 🙂
My experience is that it is savage wisdom. Once we say yes to truth, truth will have its way. And some of it is very savage to the imaginary separate self. In my direct experience.
Amrita – I love to read your words – “In my direct experience.” Authenticity erases the common myths associated with awakening. Thank you for leaving your comment ~ ml
I am spending too long reading your writings…lol
Likewise dear Steve – there’s so much soul nourishment on your beautiful sites!
Thank you so much for your interest Miriam.
I have only just transfered my blog from a self hosted site where the company was a ‘little-bit-shady’. This is my first week and I am loving it 😉
I am much happier now at WordPress.com – i should have done this years ago – lol
Embracing the Mystery….
S
Beautiful, beautiful, awesome, marvelous blog.
Thank you Khaula! – That’s “beautiful, awesome, marvelous” feedback. You are a prolific and powerful writer – a wonderful wordsmith. LOVE ~ ml
Awwww…… I love you!
🙂
Nice to swim in this savage ocean
I see you effortlessly doing your 50 laps!
🙂