The Wisdom Within Knowledge: Vidya and Viveka

In the known universe, human beings are regarded among the most evolved and superior forms of life.

- Dr. Ravindra Kumar

Two exceptional qualities inherent in man, intellect and creativity, elevate his superior state in the Jagata. Buddhimatta (i.e., wisdom, the level of developed intellect from where man acquires the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, and in a broader perspective, between truth and falsehood) inspires him to pursue what is right, real, and enduringly true. Intellect and creativity encourage man to innovate and create anew. Intellect and creativity, the two unparalleled virtues bestowed upon man, besides determining his superior and most special status in Jagata, as said already, divulge the purpose of human life and pave the way to achieve life's goal, which eventually relies on wisdom, i.e., Viveka in Indian terms. Therefore, in the Sanatana Dharma, wisdom, a very important aspect of human life, remained at the heart of Vidya (i.e., knowledge, a word derived from 'Vid' of Samskrit and a lifelong process that, in accordance with its basic spirit and purpose viewpoint, paves the way for achieving the goal of human life). Adi Shankaracharya and Swami Dayananda 'Saraswati' have considered this as the first means to liberation (Moksha), referring to it as “discrimination between the Satya and the Asatya”. Wisdom remained the foundation of the Indian tradition and system of Vidya (knowledge). In the centres of knowledge, the Gurukulas (having a history spanning thousands of years and committed to the holistic development of students), the development or awakening of wisdom held paramount importance in the imparting of knowledge (education in the current perspective). Knowledge, based on wisdom, was accepted as the means to make one's life meaningful. It is in this context that the following ancient Pauranika Shloka emerged predominantly:

“Tatkarma Yanna Bandhaaya Saa Vidyaa Yaa Vimuktaye/”, i.e., “That action is true, which does not lead to bondage, and that knowledge is true, which leads to liberation.”