Good Knowing Advisors, what is meant by prajñā? Prajñā in our language means wisdom. Everywhere and at all times, in thought after thought, remain undeluded and practice wisdom constantly; that is prajñā conduct. Prajñā is cut off by a single deluded thought. By one wise thought, prajñā is produced. (PS 94-95)

Prajñā is of three kinds:
“1) Literary Prajñā. This refers to the wisdom contained in the sutras and commentaries spoken by the Buddha. It doesn’t refer to ordinary worldly literature. Literary wisdom gives rise to:

“2) Contemplative Prajñā. After reading the sutras, one then contemplates and illuminates their meanings through actual practice. This type of prajñā then leads one to:

“3) Real Mark Prajñā. Real Mark prajñā is without a mark. But there is nothing not marked by it. It has no mark, and it is also without the mark of having no mark! The Real Mark is neither existent nor nonexistent.

Literary prajñā is existent. Contemplative prajñā is nonexistent. Real Mark prajñā is neither existent nor nonexistent. From existence one penetrates to nonexistence, and from nonexistence one arrives at neither existence nor nonexistence. If you can comprehend the realm of neither existence nor nonexistence, you have attained Real Mark prajñā.

“Because prajñā has these three meanings, we do not translate it. If you have wisdom, you will have prajñā. If you have no wisdom, you’re ignorant. Ignorant people lack wisdom. Wise people are devoid of ignorance.” (DFS X 24-25)

般若