无智亦无得，以无所得故
There is no wisdom and no gain, because there is nothing to gain.

There's no wisdom to gain
-no wisdom doesn't mean there's no wisdom
-it means do not get attached to the differentiation on a secular level
-we often differentiate and oppose on unreal world
-we often use success/loser, good or bad label to differentiate

But the real wisdom is more than binary opposition
but every matter has its own emptiness
the emptiness is derived from seeing the essence of life
That is, all things are born from the combination of cause and condition (karma), and have no fixed entity (impermanence) or self-nature.

When we cling to so-called "wisdom", we may fall into a one-sided understanding of things, which will lead to troubles and pain. For example, in the process of pursuing knowledge, if we only pursue external achievements such as high scores and academic qualifications, but ignore the impact of knowledge itself on our inner growth, then this pursuit of "wisdom" may become a bondage.

"No gain" does not mean nothing, but it means not to be attached to gain. In real life, people often like to pursue material wealth, reputation and status, etc., thinking that these are the "gains" of life, but these gains are impermanent and may be lost at any time. Buddhism believes that when we are too attached to the "gains" of these active laws, we will fall into endless troubles and pain.

Just like some people desperately pursue wealth, even at the cost of health and family, even if they finally get wealth, their hearts are still empty, because what they pursue cannot actually bring real satisfaction.

Because there is nothing to gain

The phrase "because there is nothing to gain" in the Heart Sutra is a description of the state of practice, emphasizing that practitioners should have a mentality of not being attached to results and not being greedy for gains in the process of pursuing wisdom.

In life, we can see many manifestations of "no wisdom and no gain, because there is nothing to gain". For example, when we face a failure in an exam, if we are obsessed with "wisdom", we may think that we are not smart enough, and thus fall into self-blame and depression; if we are obsessed with "gain", we will feel that we have lost an opportunity to prove ourselves, and the future will be bleak.

But if we look it back, we will understand that the exam is just a small episode in life, and it cannot fully define our ability and value. Through this experience, we can learn knowledge more deeply and improve ourselves, instead of being swayed by temporary gains and losses.

From a more macro perspective of life, it's reminding us to face various situations in life with a detached and open-minded attitude, and at the same time expressing that the true meaning of life is not to pursue external fame and fortune entirely, but to grow inner wisdom.

When we let go of our obsession with "wisdom" and "gain", we can face the difficulties and challenges in life more calmly and experience the joys and sorrows of life with a normal heart.

To the end

In modern society, people often pursue external achievements too much and ignore inner satisfaction. This excessive pursuit often easily leads people into anxiety, confusion and pain. "Because there is nothing to gain" reminds us to let go of the obsession and greed for results, and face every moment in life with a more open and accepting attitude.

This post has been edited by -mystery-: Jun 9 2025, 09:40 PM

Work harder so that your boss shows you his new car next year

work for yourself vs work for other people has a distinct difference
the latter is they don't know whats the passion or purpose in life

I do

One can spend their life (or large part of it) philosophizing till death

or actually live it.


Its fine actually to focus on mental gymnastifying brain but dont forget we are bestowed not just with the core senses ... but other "features" like arms and legs as well. use them. move your asses to produce something . sitting there in deep thought conjuring and analyzing the best-practice of how to live life is pitiful


This post has been edited by alanyuppie: Jun 9 2025, 09:44 PM

If the roots of a tree is not solid, no matter how fruitful or beautiful your leaf is, it doesn't matter it will collapse

inner game and outer game has to be aligned

This post has been edited by -mystery-: Jun 9 2025, 09:45 PM

bro, google translate:

Without wisdom, there is no gain, because there is no gain.
( slightly different from your heading)..

AI gave q very profound explanation!..


This post has been edited by KenM: Jun 9 2025, 09:52 PM

Zhut first regret later

..

This post has been edited by ycs: Jun 9 2025, 09:52 PM

There is no growing in the comfort zone, there is no comfort in the growing zone

There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self

When history comes knocking, don't answer, it has nothing new to tell you

There is no wrong or right decision, you have to make the decision the right one

He who dives into muff, should not huff and puff

I'm pregnant

damn.... reading those philosophy comment and then... I'm pregnant

Ok i Read too

Your philosophy is meaningless when Skynet takeover.

This meaning totally lost on many people especially young generation.

Look at the pickle ball craze, la bubu, flexing in SocMedia etc.

Itt 'tidak apa' attitude is the most enlightened.

Amitabha

"Live for nothing or die for something."

Tomorrow comes.

Nonsense from copers