Knowledge And Wisdom

‘Knowledge’ and ‘Wisdom’ are the two anchor words, which are the theme of spiritual philosophy presented in this book. Concepts of knowledge (jnana) and wisdom (vjnana) are those used in scriptural texts. Briefly, there are two levels of knowledge (vidya). One is the lower knowledge (apara Vidya), which includes study of various scriptures, knowledge of various mantra-s for performance of religious rites, to understand the concept of one God and various gods as its limited manifestations, etc. Other is the higher knowledge (paravidyaj, which alone leads an aspirant to wisdom that enables realization of the oneness of the (individual) self (atman) and the supreme Self (Paramatman, Brahman). Both are needed. One proceeds from the lower to higher knowledge. Acquiring knowledge in Part I of the book lead the way to (realization of) wisdom in Part II.