From Knowledge to Wisdom
The journey from knowledge to wisdom is very long and tedious. This is a journey few make, fewer persevere and much less complete. If we notice almost all of us are fascinated by some form of knowledge or the other. Even in spiritual knowledge we are provided with a buffet that we choose from. It is natural with every human being to try and satisfy his or her quest for knowledge.
However when it comes to spiritual knowledge there is another step after gaining knowledge. That is the journey from having gained the knowledge to converting the same into wisdom. Let me give you an example. For a diabetic to know that he should not eat gulab jamuns is knowledge. But when he actually practices the same he has converted it into wisdom. The example seems to make this journey look very simple, in fact it is one of the most difficult journeys that a human being can ever make.
Scaling mountains seem a child’s play when compared to transforming knowledge to wisdom. We have heard many say that formal education is not needed to make a wise man. It is true because wisdom comes from practice and even a formally educated man may shy away from perseverance and commitment.
“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.”
- Albert Einstein
The key ingredient in transforming knowledge into wisdom is to have faith in the knowledge itself. Of course we need to question every aspect of the knowledge gained but accepting certain things beyond our understanding at present ensures understanding in the future.
Mulling over or contemplating on the knowledge gained slowly paves way to wisdom. Once wisdom is gained it remains with us forever. This path needs continuous effort and focus.
This process also calls for introversion. With all the distractions the world provides it is difficult for a seeker to transform the knowledge gained into wisdom. Maybe that was the reason why this knowledge was available only on the icy heights of the Himalayas and the student had to go through great hardships to gain it. The environment (mahat) also plays an equally important role. It provides the right stimulation for gaining the knowledge, contemplating on the same and making it one’s own.
Thus, gain the knowledge with humility; contemplate on the same trying to absorb it; have faith on the knowledge even if you do not understand it at present; when the penny drops make the knowledge your own. And you have crossed the ocean lying between gaining knowledge and transforming the same.
