Knowing The Unknown

Knowing The Unknown 

Higher and Lower Knowledge 

Apara and Para Vidya 

What is that, having known which, all these become known, Shaunaka asks Rishi Angira in Mundakopanishad. The rishi says there are two kinds of knowledge to be acquired,

apara vidya or lower knowledge and

para vidya or higher knowledge.

Angira explains what’s lower knowledge and higher knowledge thus: "The lower knowledge is constituted of the four vedas: Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva, and the six Vedangas. The higher knowledge is that which leads to immortality; it is immutable and transcends thought. One is shocked when the rishi says that the Vedas are a part of lower knowledge. They have sublime knowledge, but they also have knowledge of worldly things, science, art, dance and music. The Vedas are like encyclopaedias; they contain all the knowledge that we know in the world. The Rig Veda is the most ancient; the Sama Veda is the source of music. The Upanishads are also part of the Vedas and they are also Apara Vidya.

We gain knowledge through shravan. Then we contemplate on it and get a better understanding; this happens through manan, when we meditate upon it and when we reach the state of enlightenment, directly experiencing truth, that’s para vidya. It’s neither about ideas or thoughts, nor about words. If you are at the level of shravan and manan, then you are at the level of apara vidya. Para vidya is poraksha anubhuti or direct experience of the Supreme.

Om Namah Shivay.