Crazy wisdom is a term used in some Eastern spiritual traditions to describe a type of spiritual realization that is characterized by unconventional and seemingly irrational behavior. It is believed that individuals who have attained crazy wisdom have achieved a deep understanding of the true nature of reality and have broken through the limitations of the ego and the intellect.

In some traditions, crazy wisdom is associated with enlightened masters or spiritual teachers who exhibit unconventional or seemingly bizarre behavior as a way of challenging their students’ preconceptions and helping them to see beyond their ordinary ways of thinking. This behavior may include acts of defiance, irreverence, or even apparent insanity, and is believed to be a way of pointing students toward a deeper understanding of reality.

Examples of modern crazy wisdom might include:

• Using humor or absurdity to challenge traditional beliefs or perspectives
• Using seemingly irrational or counterintuitive methods to achieve goals or solve problems
• Embracing paradoxes or contradictions as a means of transcending dualistic thinking
• Using shock or surprise to disrupt habitual patterns of thought or behavior
• Using playfulness or irreverence to subvert conventional wisdom or authority

It is important to note that the concept of crazy wisdom is often controversial and subject to interpretation, and what might be seen as crazy wisdom by some people may be seen as foolish or inappropriate by others.

While the concept of crazy wisdom is often associated with Eastern spiritual traditions, it has also been adopted by some Western spiritual seekers and has influenced certain movements within contemporary spirituality.

Is Drunken Master an example of crazy Wisdom?

Drunken kung fu does really exist – moves using lurching movements and falling have been incorporated into Shaolin kung fu, for instance – although it is not a style in its own right, and does not actually involve alcohol. I have always seen this film as a modern representation of the concept of crazy wisdom, which can be enjoyed by contemporary audiences.

To see beyond ordinary ways of thinking

Drunken Master is a 1978 Hong Kong martial arts comedy film directed by Yuen Woo-ping, starring Jackie Chan, Yuen Siu-tien, and Hwang Jang-lee. The film was a breakthrough for Chan, and it helped to establish him as a leading actor in the Hong Kong film industry.

In the film, Chan plays a character named Wong Fei-hung, who is a talented martial artist and the son of a famous doctor. Wong is trained in the “Drunken Fist” style of kung fu, which involves pretending to be drunk in order to throw off an opponent’s balance and timing. Wong is initially reluctant to use his skills, but he is eventually forced to defend himself and his family against a group of villains who are trying to steal a valuable treasure.

What examples can you share? Please leave in comments below.