The concept that “knowledge is power” is widely accepted in the digital era. Nevertheless, an opposing view proposes that “knowledge is synonymous with darkness,” questioning traditional perspectives on knowledge. This idea encourages contemplation of the complex interplay between ignorance, enlightenment, and knowledge.

Knowledge comprises data, insights, and competencies from learning and lived experiences. It fosters comprehension, illuminates the intellect, and enables individuals and communities. Yet, philosophical and pragmatic arguments validate the comparison of knowledge to darkness.

In this age of information overload, people often confuse the content they consume from various sources with actual knowledge. Engaging in debates and discussions, they display their broad understanding of diverse subjects. However, ancient sages warned that knowledge could foster friction and conflict.

During the creation of profound Vedic philosophies and Upanishads in ancient times, the wise individuals of that era cautioned that the unlearned could be led astray by their thirst for knowledge. They believed that while ignorance kept individuals in the dark, enlightenment through knowledge could worsen matters. Consequently, traditional knowledge limits our understanding and spiritual growth by fixating on superficial aspects.

The core principle of this timeless wisdom is that the pursuit of knowledge driven by self-serving motives can mislead individuals. It has the potential to breed insecurity and entangle us in worldly matters, diverting us from the spiritual truths that elude us. The sages proclaimed that to achieve true wisdom; one must transcend the limitations of the mind and rise to a heightened state of awareness.

The first assertion might be somewhat understandable, but the second seems quite perplexing. How can knowledge lead one into greater darkness? This is particularly challenging to grasp today, where children are frequently told by their elders and teachers that “Knowledge is Power!”

However, a deeper examination reveals that this perspective makes much sense. Ancient sages juxtaposed complementary terms: “Vidya” and “Avidya,” loosely translating to knowledge and ignorance. According to their wisdom, both worldly knowledge and ignorance prevent spiritual growth.

If you are ignorant, there is no spiritual growth. If you possess ample knowledge, you might be inclined to demonstrate it to others, impeding your spiritual development as your emphasis shifts to amassing and exhibiting knowledge. We frequently aim to display our advanced comprehension by gaining worldly wisdom, but this wisdom is limited. The material world is constantly changing, continuously evolving, discarding, and amassing.

What was true yesterday may not be true today. What you hold as truth today may not be valid tomorrow. Truth is fluid and ever-changing. So naturally, this leads you toward darkness. We can never be sure of eternal truth, which will always remain true. In essence, you always stay unsure and in the dark. This is what they meant when they said you stay in the dark regardless of whether you are ignorant or knowledgeable. It’s like plus and minus, positive and negative, good and bad, hot and cold. Just as we do not understand happiness without knowing sadness, similarly, knowledge and ignorance are two sides of the same coin. 

Unlike having deep knowledge of just one factor of the world, the spirit embodies metaphysical understanding, while the body and mind hold worldly insights. The mind is rarely at peace, constantly buzzing with chatter and shifting beliefs. Disagreements, arguments, and debates are ever-present and disposed to arguments and differences of opinion. You can bet your mind will develop a counterargument if there is an argument. The cycle never ends. According to them, when all worldly knowledge ends, the truth and the ultimate reality remain.

The chattering mind is the observer observing the observed. All three segregate, but when the mind becomes still, the observer, observing, and the observed become one, there are no changes. There is no separation. What remains is only observation: the seeker seeking the result realizes that there is nothing to seek. You are everything, and the universe exists because of you. Everything that you perceive and conceive already exists.

That is how the subject of spiritualism relates to the topic of knowledge. It states that until and unless you know your true self, there cannot be self-awakening, self-enlightenment or self-realization. Ultimately, you realize there is nothing to enlighten or experience because you are already enlightened and possess unlimited potential in your brain.

The potential is lying dormant; all it needs is to awaken. The source of intelligence comes out spontaneously and intuitively and, in turn, comes out when the mind is still. This is why stillness is essential in the matters of spiritualism. Stillness means the mind is focused and centered, not wavering or in constant chatter. Stillness allows the mind to go into a state of meditative awareness. You are focused entirely on the present moment. This is when your inner intelligence awakens. It comes out to discover everything of all that exists. Worldly knowledge multitasks, hindering this process, which is the remaining darkness because it will not lead you to its destination. It will remain incomplete.

“Knowledge is equal to darkness” is a powerful reminder of the complexities and contradictions within human comprehension. Knowledge can empower and enlighten, yet it can also blur and burden. Adopting a balanced approach, we navigate the interplay between light and dark, fostering a deeper, more subtle understanding of our environment and ourselves. Ultimately, true enlightenment lies in the wisdom to use our knowledge with humility, responsibility, and compassion rather than merely accumulating information.

Namaste