Wisdom tradition: Encyclopedia - Wisdom tradition

Wisdom tradition

Wisdom Tradition is a term that is sometimes given to the inner core or mystic aspects of a religious or spiritual tradition, without the trappings, doctrinal literalism, sectarianism, and power structures that are associated with institutionalised religion. The Wisdom Tradition provides a conceptual framework for the development of the inner self, living a spiritual life, and the realisation of Enlightenment or of Union with God.

Ken Wilber frequently uses the term in the plural in his own books. In this context it can be considered synonymous with Esotericism, but does not have the faintly Western/Middle Eastern/Theosophical nuances that are sometimes associated with the latter term.

In a different context, the term is also used to refer to certain elements in Ecclesiastes or in Christianity in general.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Wisdom tradition", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki