“Knowledge” is such a deep and broad word that people often associate it with “information” or “education.” But is reading many books, earning degrees, or finding answers on Google itself knowledge?
From philosophical, scientific, and practical viewpoints, the meaning of knowledge goes far beyond the collection of information.
From the analysis of Eastern philosophy to Western logic, the real meaning and importance of knowledge can be understood in detail through the following points.
The Real Meaning of Knowledge: A Journey from Information to Wisdom
We are living in an age where there is a flood of “information” but a drought of “knowledge.”
With a single click, all kinds of facts from around the world appear on our screens, but these facts are not necessarily making people wise.
To understand the real meaning of knowledge, we must examine its levels, processes, and purpose.
1. Definition of Knowledge: Literal and Philosophical Meaning
The word “Gyana” comes from the Sanskrit root (jña), which means to know, to understand, or to realize.
In Eastern philosophy:
In Vedic Sanatana Dharma, knowledge is compared to “light.”
In the Bhagavad Gita (4:38) it is said, “Na hi jñÄnena sadá¹iÅaá¹ pavitram iha vidyate” (meaning, there is nothing in this world as pure as knowledge).
Here, knowledge does not mean only material information, but realization of the self and truth.
In Western philosophy:
The great philosopher Plato defined knowledge as “Justified True Belief.”
This means that, for something to be called knowledge, it must be true, you must believe it, and there must be strong reasoning or evidence behind that belief.
2. The DIKW Pyramid
To understand the real meaning of knowledge, it is important to understand the DIKW model (Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom) used in modern management science.
Many people take these four as the same, but there is a vast difference among them.
Data:
This is raw material. For example: “38 degrees.”
It is just a number and has no meaning by itself.
Information:
When data is given context. For example: “Today the temperature in Kathmandu is 38 degrees.”
This is information. This is what Google gives us.
Knowledge:
When information is connected with experience and analysis.
For example: “A temperature of 38 degrees is not normal for Kathmandu; it is extremely hot and can cause heat stroke.”
This is knowledge.
Wisdom:
Using knowledge to make the right decision.
For example: “Since it is very hot, I will carry water when I go out and will not walk much in the sun.”
This is wisdom.
Therefore, the real meaning of knowledge is the ability to process information and apply it in life.
3. Para Vidya and Apara Vidya (Two Types of Knowledge)
The Mundaka Upanishad divides knowledge into two parts, which makes its meaning even clearer:
Apara Vidya (Lower Knowledge):
This is knowledge of the material world.
Science, mathematics, literature, geography, and professional skills fall into this category.
It teaches us how to earn a livelihood.
Para Vidya (Higher Knowledge):
This is spiritual and inner knowledge.
Seeking answers to questions such as “Who am I?” and “What is the purpose of life?” is Para Vidya.
It teaches us how to live.
A truly wise person is one who can maintain balance between knowledge of the material world (apara) and spiritual awareness (para).
4. Knowledge and Behavior (Knowledge as Behavioral Change)
According to educationists, “Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior.”
That is, if you learn something but it does not bring any change in your behavior, it is not knowledge, only a burden of information.
For example:
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Both a doctor and an ordinary person know that smoking is harmful to health. That is “information.”
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But the one who understands this and quits smoking or does not smoke at all is the one who truly has knowledge.
Therefore, the real meaning of knowledge must be reflected in “conduct.”
Knowledge that does not make a person humble, ethical, and responsible is considered “burdensome knowledge” in the scriptures.
The essence of the saying “Vidya Dadati Vinayam” (knowledge gives humility) is precisely this.
5. The Process of Gaining Knowledge: Shravana, Manana, and Nididhyasana
Our Rishi tradition does not consider knowledge as something to be memorized by rote, but as something to be experienced.
There are three stages in gaining knowledge:
Shravana (Listening):
Listening to or reading from a teacher or source.
(This is the collection of information.)
Manana (Reflection):
Thinking, reasoning, and analysing what has been heard.
Asking, “Why did this happen? How did it happen?”
(This is the process through which information is transformed into knowledge.)
Nididhyasana (Contemplative Practice):
Bringing what has been understood into meditation and behavior.
(This is real knowledge or wisdom.)
Because today’s education system is limited mainly to “Shravana,” students have degrees but lack real knowledge.
6. Socrates’ Perspective: “I Know That I Know Nothing”
When Socrates, regarded as the father of Western philosophy, was asked why he was considered the wisest, he replied, “Because other people are under the illusion that they know everything, but I only know that I know nothing.”
The real meaning of knowledge is the “realization of ignorance.”
The more a person studies, the more they feel that much still remains to be learned.
The person who says, “I have understood everything,” closes the door of knowledge at that very point.
Real knowledge makes a person not arrogant, but curious and humble.
7. The Meaning of Knowledge in the 21st Century
In the digital age, the definition of knowledge has become even more refined.
Critical thinking:
The ability to distinguish whether what is found on the internet is right or wrong is the real knowledge of today.
Problem solving:
It does not matter how many formulas you have memorized; your knowledge is measured by what kind of problems you can solve by using those formulas.
8. Knowledge and Power (Knowledge Is Power)
Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is Power.”
But this does not mean the power to oppress others.
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Knowledge conquers fear.
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Knowledge removes superstition.
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Knowledge makes a person free.
The Upanishadic mantra “Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye” (knowledge is that which liberates) points to the same idea.
Here, liberation does not refer only to spiritual moksha, but also to freedom from poverty, ignorance, exploitation, and mental slavery.
9. Conclusion
In the end, the real meaning of knowledge is not to stuff the mind with facts.
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Knowledge is that which builds character.
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Knowledge is that which solves problems.
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Knowledge is that which teaches humility.
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And knowledge is that which separates truth from falsehood.
An illiterate farmer who knows, by observing the weather, when to sow crops and who respects nature may be more “knowledgeable” than a person with a PhD who harms the environment.
Therefore, the understanding that gives the right direction to life, serves the welfare of society, and brings inner contentment is the real knowledge.
