What is Knowledge : Ch-1. Part-12.

Ch-1. The Knowledge Situation.


Part-12.


Philosophical study – or, for the matter of that, any kind of study – is based on the knowledge situation. This is a very important thing to remember. We should not be under the impression that knowledge is secondary and possession of things is very important. We go with the wind of this misconception that the possession of the material values of life is the only important thing, and knowledge is only an appendage, an accessory, a tool or an instrument assisting us in the possession of material values.

This is not so; it is a total misconception. Even our idea of the peculiar or particular necessities of our life is conditioned by the way in which we know things. Why is it that you want this, and I want another thing? How is it that the needs of people differ, and even the needs of the same person differ from time to time? That is because of an adjustment that is automatically made inside the structure of the individual, the percipient, the knower – what may philosophically be called the knowledge situation.

Now, in the particular series of classes that I am expected to take for your edification, this theme comes into high relief. What is knowledge? While other instructors, teachers in the academy, will touch upon other aspects of life which may be equally important and interesting to you, I shall confine myself to a particular type of analysis and study which you will find useful in your daily life – and useful in every way, as far as I can gather, God-willing.

Swami Krishnananda

To be continued  ....