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Lotus Wisdom MCP is an open-source contemplation tool based on the Lotus Sutra’s wisdom framework. It offers a structured approach to problem-solving that combines analytical rigor with intuitive insight.
Created by: Xule Lin (yes, the creator of Research Memex!)Version: 0.3.2 | Simplified Begin Tag | Haiku Support | 85% Token ReductionUsed in this project: We used Lotus Wisdom to design the Research Memex visual identity during this very documentation session! The tool helped us explore concepts from literal lotus flowers → radial bursts → typography → ultimately discovering the seahorse mascot and RM letterforms.Check out How We Designed the Visual Identity to see Lotus Wisdom in action! 🪷
Part of a Larger System: Lotus Wisdom is bundled in the Interpretive Orchestration Plugin for qualitative research workflows, powering the /qual-wisdom-check command for navigating interpretive paradoxes!

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What is Lotus Wisdom?

A contemplative framework that takes AI through structured wisdom domains: The Five Wisdom Domains:
  1. Skillful Means (upaya): Different approaches to truth (direct, gradual, expedient)
  2. Non-Dual Recognition: Awakening to what’s present (recognize, transform, integrate)
  3. Meta-Cognitive: Mind watching its own understanding (examine, reflect, verify)
  4. Process Flow: Natural arc of inquiry (open, engage, express)
  5. Meditation: Pausing for insights to emerge from stillness

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What’s New in v0.3.2

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Simplified Begin Tag

The begin tag now auto-fills parameters, removing friction for smaller models:
  • Before: Required all parameters explicitly
  • Now: tag='begin' accepts minimal input, server fills defaults
  • Benefit: Claude Haiku and similar models can use Lotus Wisdom effectively

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85% Token Reduction

Smart token management for cost-conscious usage:
  • Idle state: ~150 tokens (minimal tool description)
  • Active state: ~1,200 tokens (full framework via tag='begin')
  • Result: Lower costs, faster responses during non-contemplative work

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Model Compatibility

Now works seamlessly with:
  • Claude Haiku (3.5 and newer) - great for quick contemplations
  • Claude Sonnet - balanced depth and speed
  • Claude Opus - maximum contemplative depth
  • Other models with limited parameter inference

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How It Works

The Process:
  1. You give AI a complex problem
  2. AI uses lotuswisdom tool to move through contemplative tags
  3. The tool tracks the journey across wisdom domains
  4. When status = ‘WISDOM_READY’, AI speaks the insight naturally
The Tool Processes, You Express:
  • Tool facilitates the contemplation
  • Tracks your path through wisdom domains
  • AI crafts final response in their own voice
  • Not rigid steps - fluid exploration

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Real Example: Logo Design Session

The challenge: Design a Research Memex logo that’s elegant, meaningful, and fun. How Lotus Wisdom guided us: Step 1 - open (process_flow):
“Opening to Research Memex visual identity: What does this project truly represent? Bush’s memex, human orchestration, academic rigor meets playful exploration…”
Step 2 - examine (meta_cognitive):
“Examining what makes a logo ‘true to the message’: Research Memex is NOT pure AI automation… Research Memex IS human judgment at center, playful exploration…”
Step 3 - meditate (meditation):
“Sitting with the question: What visual form wants to emerge? [Pause for insight…]”
Step 4 - recognize (non_dual_recognition):
“What emerged from stillness: A lotus with trails… wait, too cliche! What if… the hippocampus… SEAHORSE!”
The breakthrough: The meditation pause let the seahorse connection emerge naturally. Not forced, discovered. Read the full journey: How We Designed the Visual Identity

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Use Cases for Research

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1. Complex Theoretical Tensions

Problem: You’re stuck between competing theoretical frameworks. Lotus Wisdom approach: 
"I'm analyzing the tension between agency theory and stewardship
theory. These seem contradictory but both have evidence.
Help me explore this through wisdom domains."
Result: The contemplative process helps you hold both theories without forcing premature resolution. Integration emerges naturally.

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2. Methodology Design

Problem: Choosing between qualitative vs quantitative feels like an either/or trap. Lotus Wisdom approach: 
"I need to design a methodology for studying organizational culture.
Qualitative captures richness, quantitative enables generalization.
I feel stuck choosing. Help me contemplate this."
Result: Movement through skillful means (different approaches) → non-dual recognition (both/and thinking) → a mixed-methods design emerges.

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3. When You’re Genuinely Stuck

Problem: You’ve tried analytical thinking but still feel blocked. Lotus Wisdom approach: 
"I've been trying to crack this research question for weeks.
All my analytical approaches feel forced. Can we open to
what wants to emerge?"
Result: The meditation tags create actual pauses. Insights arise from stillness, not grinding.

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Why This MCP is Different

Most problem-solving tools: Linear, analytical, step-by-step logic Lotus Wisdom: Contemplative, multi-faceted, allows for:
  • Pauses and meditation
  • Backtracking and revision
  • Intuitive leaps alongside analytical rigor
  • Holding contradictions without forcing resolution
  • Wisdom emerging rather than being constructed
Perfect for:
  • Creative research questions
  • Theoretical integration
  • Design decisions (like logos!)
  • When analytical thinking alone isn’t enough
  • Problems with inherent paradoxes

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Installation & Setup

claude mcp add lotus-wisdom -- npx -y @linxule/lotus-wisdom-mcp
Verify with claude mcp list - you should see lotus-wisdom available.
After installation, you’ll have access to:
  • lotuswisdom - Contemplative problem-solving tool
  • lotuswisdom_summary - Journey summary

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The Wisdom Domains in Practice

Skillful Means (upaya, direct, gradual): Use when you need different approaches - sometimes direct answers, sometimes gradual unfolding. Non-Dual Recognition (recognize, transform, integrate): Use when dealing with apparent contradictions - recognition IS transformation. Meta-Cognitive (examine, reflect, verify): Use when you need the AI to watch its own thinking unfold. Process Flow (open, engage, express): Use for natural inquiry arcs - opening → exploration → expression. Meditation (meditate): Use when you need actual pauses - the tool creates space, insights emerge from stillness.

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Stats & Community

  • License: MIT (open source!)
  • Success rate: 99.97%
  • Monthly usage: ~3,000 tool calls
  • Published: April 2025
  • Creator: Xule Lin 林徐乐
Resources:
Meta-Moment: This MCP server was created by the same person who created Research Memex. We used it to design the seahorse logo. Now we’re documenting it. The tool helped create the project that documents the tool.Recursion, meet contemplation. 🪷🌀

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Lotus Wisdom + Sequential Thinking

These two MCPs complement each other beautifully: Sequential Thinking:
  • Structured, analytical, step-by-step
  • “Show your work” reasoning
  • Systematic breakdown
Lotus Wisdom:
  • Contemplative, multi-faceted, intuitive
  • Pauses for emergence
  • Holds contradictions
Use both:
  • Sequential Thinking for rigorous analysis
  • Lotus Wisdom when you’re stuck or need creative breakthrough
  • Alternate between them in complex projects!
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