Knowledge

The English word "know" comes from the Sanskrit word gnanum by way of the Greek word gnosis. Real knowledge is the ability to understand and discriminate between spirit and matter. This is not the type of knowledge that is taught in universities. The reference here is to transcendental knowledge of which the universities are in dire need. In the Fourth Chapter of Bhagavad-gita Lord Krishna says that work done in a spirit of renunciation culminates in transcendental knowledge and that one should try to learn the truth by approaching a Spiritual Master, inquiring from him submissively and rendering service unto him. Because the Spiritual Master has seen the truth, he can impart knowledge to his students. And what is the fruition of this knowledge? It is stated very plainly. "When you have thus learned the truth you will know that all living beings are My parts and parcels-and that they are in Me and are Mine." (Gita, 4.35) This knowledge is priceless and bestows the highest benefits. Sri Krishna says that such knowledge will bear even the most sinful of sinners across the ocean of miseries. "In this world, there is nothing so sublime and pure as transcendental knowledge. Such knowledge is the mature fruit of all mysticism. And one who has achieved this enjoys the Self within himself in due course of time. A faithful man who is absorbed in transcendental knowledge and who subdues his senses quickly attains the Supreme spiritual peace." (Gita, 4.38-39)

Therefore if one wants to be free from all doubt and delusion he must cultivate spiritual knowledge. The first step in cultivation is to understand the difference between matter and spirit and by thus understanding transcend the material platform of body consciousness, of thinking that I am this body. There is something in the body which is working the body. Matter is animated due to the touch of spirit. It is dependent on spirit. We must be able to distinguish between the two. Unfortunately today in all of our universities study is restricted to matter only, and spirit is neglected. An automobile is given all attention, but the man, the driver, is neglected. In the Second Chapter of Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna elaborately explains that Arjuna is not that body and that the soul exists apart from the body. We are a combination of matter and spirit in our contaminated state. In actuality, we are all spirit, superior energy, but because we wanted to enjoy material nature we became embodied in the inferior energy. Therefore the conditioned living entity is called the marginal energy of Krishna.

Knowledge of the inferior energy is temporary because matter is temporary. We may become chemists or engineers in this life and acquire so much knowledge, but at death all of this knowledge will be finished. We will no longer be chemists or engineers. But because the spirit soul doesn't die, whatever knowledge we acquire about the spirit soul does not die with the body. It is retained and carried into our subsequent lives. If we develop 10% spiritual knowledge in this body, when we get our next bodies we will continue from 11%. Of course the best thing is to finish it 100% now because human life is meant for the elevation of the spirit, not for the exploitation of matter for sense enjoyment.

Krishna consciousness is dormant within every living being. If one approaches a mahatma, a Spiritual Master, this dormant knowledge can be awakened. In Srimad Bhagavatam it is said that the living entity is a spiritual spark that wanders not only from one body to another but from one planet to another. He is wandering in his search for Absolute Knowledge, and he does not know that his best course is to find a Spiritual Master who is well versed in the scriptures, who has realized Krishna and who chants His glories, Hare Krishna. In order to cross the great ocean of material nescience, one must have a good ship, a good captain and a favorable atmosphere. To cross this ocean we already have a very good ship, this human form of life. This kind of ship is not always obtainable. We have come to this stage by gradual evolutionary process from aquatics, birds and animals. So we should use this opportunity, and if we have a good captain, a Spiritual Master to steer us, then the atmosphere of Krishna consciousness will be supplied by the Lord. So if there is no hurricane and if there is a good ship and a good captain delivering the message of Bhagavad-gita, take advantage and cross. As soon as one becomes fully conscious of his position apart from the gross material body, then he becomes free from material consciousness. One should acquire this knowledge of spirit slowly but surely. One should not blindly accept but use his developed consciousness. This knowledge also depends upon one's mode of living. Therefore one has to develop the other positive qualities enumerated.