Journey from knowledge to wisdom

In our journey through life, one of the greatest challenges is our superficial understanding of what it means to know something. We can acquire vast amounts of information, but this doesn’t necessarily mean we have gained wisdom.

The four levels of knowing are:

1. Knowing What: Thinking

The first level is mode of ‘thinking’ or ‘knowing what’, for example, knowing that Paris is the capital of France. In today’s digital age, this level of knowledge is dominant. We often believe that once we acquire such information, our job is done. However, when the knowledge is subtle, simply knowing facts isn’t enough. This level of knowing does not equate to truly understanding or ‘walking the talk’.

2. Knowing How: Doing

The second level involves ‘doing’ or ‘knowing how’. This is about acquiring skills through practice such as playing football, cooking, or driving a car. It moves beyond mere information to practical application.

3. Knowing the Situation: Seeing

The third level is ‘seeing’ or ‘knowing the situation’. This involves understanding through experience such as travelling by plane, eating too much, or being criticized. It is the realm of experiential knowledge gained through our senses.

4. Knowing the Self: Being

The fourth and deepest level is ‘being’ or ‘knowing the self’. It is coming into full awareness of who we truly are. It involves a profound understanding of our original self.

AWARENESS IS THE KEY

Transitioning from knowledge to wisdom requires a level of awareness that brings about deep transformation within ourselves and the world around us. Awareness serves as the foundation of our experience of reality.

Our state of mind is rooted in past recollections and is fundamentally anchored in our memories. These memories influence our perception of who we think we are in the world. Awareness of the self serves as the anchor, affecting our attitude and perception, which, in turn, shapes our vision of the world and ourselves. We do not see things as they are, but as we are. This perception influences our actions and deeds, shaping our reality.

CHANGE SELF TO CHANGE THE WORLD

When we change ourselves, we change the world. Being aware of the spiritual being can transform our inner world and the external world. We cultivate this transformation by paying attention to the inner self. Sorrow arises from false awareness — seeing ourselves merely as a body, roles, profession, etc. True happiness comes from looking within. By maintaining an inward focus, we can experience lasting happiness. While acquiring knowledge is valuable, it is awareness of the true self and understanding the roles that lead us to true wisdom.

Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Centre, Kingston (meditation courses and counselling are offered free of charge). Get in touch via email: bkmeditation.jam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 876-853-7848. Follow them on Instagram: rajyoga_meditation_jamaica.