Wisdom or jnana, in Sanskrit, is a spiritual path recognized by ancient wisdom traditions. It means using inquiry, contemplation and reflection to discover the Truth. Truth with a capital “T” relates to the absolute, unchanging reality. Two kinds of truth exist. Relative truth may change with time. I may say, “The grass is green.” It is true now, but tomorrow it may turn brown due to drought or frost. Absolute Truth seeks to find the deep unchanging, all abiding Truth that is the same throughout time. For me, this is spiritual truth. The body changes and will be shed like an old pair of jeans. The mind will waver too. But the Spirit remains the same in all periods – past, present and future.

I love words and etymology. Sanskrit is a very ancient language that retains much purity. Truth in Sanskirt is “sathya.” The root of is “sat” which means “existence” or “being.” Going deep and contemplating the nature of existence is a practice to connect with the Divine in the form that speaks to you. This deep inquiry into the nature of life and what is real and unchanging is a powerful and profound way to open doors of inner wisdom.

Bio: Debra Moffitt is author of Awake in the World: 108 Practices to Live a Divinely Inspired Life (Llewellyn Worldwide, 2011) She’s a world traveler and longtime student of the world’s oldest spiritual traditions. An instructor at the Sophia Institute, Debra leads workshops on spirituality in the U.S. and Europe, writes for publications around the world. Visit her at: www.awakeintheworld.com and www.debramoffitt.com.