812. Does Knowledge give me Experience or is it vice versa???????

Is it Knowledge which gives me Experience or is it vice versa???

There have been discussions on this since ages. In fact this has become a topic of controversy. Knowledge is usually misunderstood to be studying and chanting Vedas, Upanishads, Gita and Puranas in a traditional way under a Guru. At the same time experience is understood to be that which is “acquired”. But how is it acquired, is it not from the knowledge? Yes, but only if knowledge is not confined to just “Shravana” (listening or reading). After Shravana one does “Manana” (reflection with discussions) and then by “Nidhidhyasana” (contemplation).

A Guru can only just teach that is, he can give a sermon or even one can go and read scriptures, but is that enough? No, it is of no use at all unless the listened or read subject is discussed and contemplated upon and put into practice. It is never the duty of the Guru or for the matter a book to get the seeker to discuss and contemplate.

But some say that experience could be got even without knowledge. Agreed, but will it not be a lengthy process altogether. If one has to cook a certain dish and has the recipe, it would be simpler than experimenting with the ingredients just for the sake of experience. Isn’t it?

Experience from knowledge or knowledge from experience. Which is better? Can one lead to other? There is difference of opinion and hence confusion prevails always. What I personally feel is a proper appreciation of both and the approach that suits to the seeker depending upon the school of thought he is following will help. It becomes unfair and premature for a seeker to reject without prior analysis on what could help when approached. And it is also not proper for a seeker to create controversy by telling that approach which has suited him is correct and ask other seekers to denounce the other.

I am not trying to resolve the dispute as I know it is impossible since it is a volatile issue which needs the seeker himself to attend it. Also in this relative world professionals do not match their problems with their experiences; instead they try to match them with their knowledge. Experience is handy only if one has the knowledge in place. Experience has no value when there's no knowledge to verify whether the applied experience is falling at the right slot.

  

From Jnana (Knowledge) one gets Anubhava (Experience) and from Anubhava one has Anubuthi (Realisation). One has to gain and apply knowledge first, and experience will automatically help after that. That knowledge which gives one experience also helps in achieving realisation.  It is easy to talk about the results of both the methods and look which is better. 

“Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavathi” says a famous Upanishad statement which means the “knower” of Brahman becomes Brahman. Those who prefer knowledge path often repeat this statement to confirm their stands and get satisfied. But it is only experience that can lead a seeker to “Truth.”Yet, when one feels that having experience is indeed ultimate, does the knowledge if already obtained go down the drain? Will it not help? It is said that to have Anubhuthi (realisation) a seeker who has Anubhava (experience) should never think Jnana (knowledge) is for initial level only and not required afterwards.