PPP, Part 18, On Skillfulness

Greetings, Friendlies. :)

I currently prefer translating “kusala” as “skillful”. That’s fine. Inoffensive. Secular. But what, I wondered, do I actually mean when I say “skillful”? [1]

Let’s start with a little semiotic premise in case Stephen Batchelor ever reads this (jokes! I have jokes!): words in common language do not have absolute definitions. That’s just not how words work. Still it’s plenty fun interrogating use cases. (And one can exercise one’s resignation to the underlying indeterminacy of human knowledge. 🫠)

That out of the way, what dimension are we talking about? Skillful about what?

I’m thinking the ethical sphere. An ability to be in the world. Primarily action, maybe behavior, but behavior if we can also talk about behavior of one’s internal being. Anyway, when translating “kusala” I’m not thinking of skillfulness in the contemplative arts. The art of living.

The first question that came to my mind was about a skillful person. What kind of characteristics might this person have? They are wise, knowledgable, minimizing harm, cultivating what is good, clarifying the mind, can get shit done.

That’s fine. A little 🥱.

Another approach: the term “skillful” is frequently used in technical and artistic pursuits; Gotama regularly refers to artisans in his parables. How is “skillful” used in, say, oil painting?

(1) One can achieve one’s purpose. But not too rigid, one needs also to be (2) capable of cultivating happy accidents. And (3) one’s creations should be aesthetically sound. If not beautiful in a classic sense, interesting, evocative.

To achieve these, what is required?

(1) Technical Skill, (2) Creativity, (3) Taste.

How might we describe Technical Skill?
A comprehensive understanding of the tools and methods of the techne. A high level of ability manipulating those tools and methods.

How might we describe Creativity?
Flexibility. Confidence in one’s ability to pull something together. Non-clinging to outcome. Sense of humor helps. Curiosity. Ease helps. Delight helps.

How might we describe Taste?
Sensitivity to the senses. Sensitivity to vedanā. Sensitivity to emotions. An understanding of one’s own preferences.

Better.

But skillful acts are more likely to be encountered than a “skillful person”. The bar is lower. What might constitute a skillful act?

Avijjā is reduced in such a way that dukkha, both present and future, are drained from experience.

Oh! Now that’s interesting.

Okay. We’re over 400 words. Time to stop.

Your thoughts most welcome. :)

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[1] And does my meaning match up with the actual use, in Pāli, of “kusala”? Tabling this for now.