Jnanam or Vijnanam
These are two terms used in Vedanta
Understanding Jnanam and Vijnanam.
In Vedanta, Jnanam (ज्ञानम्) and Vijnanam (विज्ञानम्) are two distinct types of knowledge that contribute to our overall wisdom.
Jnanam: Knowledge from Others:
1. Secondary experience: Jnanam refers to knowledge gained through secondary sources, such as books, teachings, or experiences shared by others.
2. Indirect knowledge: This type of knowledge is based on information received from external sources, rather than personal experience.
3. Examples: Learning from scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, or teachings from spiritual leaders, doctors, or scientists.
Vijnanam: Direct Experience:
1. Direct knowledge: Vijnanam refers to knowledge gained through direct experience, intuition, or personal realization.
2. Personal insight: This type of knowledge is based on individual experiences and insights gained through personal exploration and discovery.
3. Examples: A doctor's hands-on experience with patients, a scientist's experimentation and observation, or a spiritual practitioner's direct experience of inner peace.
Total Wisdom:
1. Combination of Jnanam and Vijnanam: Total wisdom is comprised of both Jnanam (knowledge from others) and Vijnanam (direct experience).
2. Memory: This total wisdom is stored in our memory, shaping our understanding and perception of the world.
3. Proportion: Typically, a large proportion of our knowledge (around 98%) comes from secondary sources (Jnanam), while a smaller proportion (around 2%) comes from direct experience (Vijnanam).
By recognizing the distinction between Jnanam and Vijnanam, we can appreciate the value of both learning from others and gaining direct experience through personal exploration.