Knowledge and Wisdom vs. Jnana and Vijnana

(written on June 5, 2020)

(References: BG 4.10, SB 1.12.28)

The Oxford dictionary states that knowledge is “facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.” Knowledge is basically garnering a theoretical understanding of something. On the other hand, wisdom is defined as “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.” Knowledge and wisdom have a distinct correlation: knowledge is theoretical understanding of a subject, while wisdom is having the ability to practically apply that knowledge to aspects of life.

This is the material definition of knowledge and wisdom as given by the material philosophers, yet there is another, original definition of knowledge and wisdom given in the Vedas, which is explained in much more detail. According to english dictionary, knowledge and wisdom are limited to material aspects only. The so-called philosophers don’t even understand that real knowledge and real wisdom is beyond just the material nature. According to Srila Prabhupada, “Material knowledge means ignorance of the knowledge of one’s own self.” (SB 1.12.28). This so-called “knowledge” lacks the fundamental truths of the self and God, and therefore is extremely limited.

Real knowledge and wisdom -- jnana and vijnana -- is tied to our fundamental relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, which is eternal. According to Srila Prabhupada, real knowledge must explain self-realization: “Philosophy [or knowledge] means to seek after the right knowledge of one’s own self, or the knowledge of self-realization. Without self-realization, philosophy is dry speculation or a waste of time and energy.” (SB 1.12.28). The Vedic definition of knowledge and wisdom explains both the phenomenal (material) and numinous (spiritual) aspects of knowledge and is therefore all-encompassing.

Jnana, or theoretical knowledge comes from studying the Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita. From such sources of bona fide literature, one can come to understand the three levels of self realization. These are:

1. Understanding that the body and material field of activities are temporary and that the living entity is actually separate from the body, as the eternal soul.

2. Understanding that within the body, there is another knower who is the Supersoul, who exists in all living entities.

3. Understanding that the material world, the body, the individual soul, the Supersoul, and everything to ever come into existence are all energies of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the cause of all causes.

The above-mentioned points are all theoretical knowledge, but application of such knowledge begins when one accepts a bona fide spiritual master and begins to practice loving devotional service. This is known as vijnana, which is also described as the most confidential knowledge, or king of all knowledge. ” In Bhagavad Gita 9.2, Krsna explains what real wisdom or Vijnana is - this raja-vidya is the culmination of devotional service: “This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of the self by realization, it is the perfection of religion. It is everlasting, and it is joyfully performed. In Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.4.15–16), Lord Chaitanya, the merciful incarnation of Lord Krsna, explains how this perfect wisdom can be attained. This process of attaining wisdom is outlined below:

Adau Sraddha	Meager faith/ appreciation for Krsna consciousness (this is the beginning to the path of love of God)
Sadhu Sanga	Association with devotees (specifically mahatmas)
Bhajana Kriya	Engagement in the service of the Lord
Anartha Nivritti	The stage where one begins to rid themselves of all the unwanted, bad habits, qualities, and desires
Nishta	Firm conviction in the path, unwavering faith
Ruchi	Developing taste for Krsna consciousness
Ashakti	Attachment to Krsna
Bhava	Developing feelings for Krsna
Prema	Pure love for Krsna, the highest stage

One must, therefore, follow the teachings of the Vedas and take up devotional service under the guidance of a bonafide spiritual master to attain the real knowledge and wisdom (jnana and vijnana) opposed to the material conception of knowledge. The materialists spend much money and time to study their concept of knowledge, only to realize that all they have achieved is ignorance! This is because they do not base their knowledge on He who is eternal, blissful, and all-knowledgeable, Lord Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.