The Development of Wisdom: An Analysis of Tibetan Buddhist Experience

Abstract

This article presents a qualitative study that examined the development of wisdom in a Tibetan Buddhist culture. A grounded theory methodology was used to analyze interviews of 13 monks from a monastery in the Himalayan region of India. These interviews focused on five areas: definitions of wisdom, facilitative conditions for the development of wisdom, the teaching process, methods of developing wisdom, and personal experiences. Translators were used when required. Results include an emphasis on the need for others’ guidance in the process of development. The understanding of the Buddhist perception of reality and altruistic behavior were critical in this process. Motivation to become wise was heightened through techniques such as an interpersonal process of cost-benefit analysis and the relating of scriptural material to personal experiences. The Tibetan Buddhist approach to self-development is then discussed in relation to Western psychological approaches.