An Irrefutable Truth
The subject of jnana and jnanayoga is deep and vast. Jnana or knowledge is generally of two kinds: verbal or theoretical knowledge and practical or experienced knowledge. Both theoretical and practical knowledge can be further classified into two more categories: knowledge of material subjects and knowledge of divine subjects. You all are familiar with theoretical knowledge of material subjects. Suppose a person has learned the art of cooking by studying various books. He may give lectures on the subject to others too, but he has never cooked anything for himself. In other words, his knowledge of cooking is merely theoretical. For it to become practical knowledge he must do the cooking.
There is theoretical and practical knowledge of spirituality too. A person with mere theoretical knowledge studies the Vedas and scriptures, and may give discourses on them, but he himself has not practiced any spiritual discipline. A person with practical spiritual knowledge, however, practically follows a prescribed spiritual path and knows God through His grace. Therefore, whenever you find criticism of jnana understand that it is referring to mere theoretical knowledge which on its own is harmful.
Some of you may argue that it is impossible to attain practical experience without theoretical knowledge, and you would be correct in saying so. Theoretical knowledge is necessary in the initial stages of spiritual practice to attain practical experience. However, theoretical knowledge on its own — that is, devoid of practical experience — fosters pride which culminates in an even greater spiritual downfall than that suffered by a person who is blissfully unaware. Such a person never thinks he knows anything, but a scholar can never forget his scholarship of the scriptures.
It is this false pride that is the greatest barrier between us and God. Mere scholarliness enhances pride, whereas an illiterate person, who, with some degree of faith in God, practices heartfelt devotion to Him in some form or the other. However, if that same theoretical knowledge is applied for devotional practice, then it becomes extremely praiseworthy. Not only is theoretical jnana praiseworthy when applied to practical devotion, but it is an absolute prerequisite to begin spiritual practice. There is no question of starting practical spiritual life without theoretical spiritual knowledge.
Our mind is full of doubts and confusion due to our mental impressions accumulated over innumerable past lives. We must dispel these doubts and clear up the confusion. There can also be external and internal disturbances during spiritual practice. Theoretical knowledge is necessary so we can free ourselves from them. Only upon the attainment of perfection can theoretical knowledge be dispensed with. Understanding spiritual science is necessary in our spiritual practice to remove our ignorance and attain realised knowledge. Once that ignorance is gone, even theoretical knowledge can be dispensed with! However, if this theoretical knowledge of the scriptures is rejected or ignored in the beginning of spiritual life, then that aspirant is bound to be unstable on the path.
The Vedas declare, “Without theoretical knowledge of the scriptures, you cannot attain practical experience of God.” Theoretical knowledge of God will become practical knowledge only when you practise devotion to God. Without devotion, a jnani can never become a jnanayogi, that is, a person who knows God. This is an irrefutable truth. Knowledge devoid of devotion is totally incapable of leading to genuine knowledge of God. Saint Tulsidas has criticised knowledge that is devoid of devotion in the Ramayana, “Knowledge which does not culminate in love for God is actually ignorance.”
Kripalu Bhaktiyoga Tattvadarshan — the essence of Vedic wisdom, spirituality, and devotion in daily life — the unique philosophy of Jagadguruttam Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj.
