The Pursuit of True Knowledge in a Changing World
In an age where information is abundant and truth is often elusive, the quest for true knowledge becomes even more essential. This pursuit, however, is not as straightforward as acquiring facts and figures; it involves a deeper understanding of our existence and the nature of reality itself.
True Knowledge as a Dynamic Concept
Science is often seen as a fixed entity, but it is, in fact, a dynamic process that continually evolves. Just as Shakespeare encapsulated the essence of true knowledge with his poetic lines, the core idea of true knowledge lies in its ability to encompass patterns and truths that are both understood and yet beyond our full comprehension.
According to Avatar Meher, true knowledge is defined as:
"True knowledge is that knowledge which makes man after Self-Realization or union with God assert that his real Self is in everything and everybody. In other words, we are all One. This implies going beyond the mind to see our real Self, which is God."
Meher Baba adds, 'These false answers such as I am a stone, I am a bird, I am an animal, I am a man, I am a woman, I am great, I am small are ... received, tested, and discarded until the Question arrives at the right and final answer: I AM GOD.'
True Knowledge and the Mind
True knowledge goes beyond simple information and facts. It involves a purification of the mind through continuous testing, evaluation, and discarding of false answers. This journey requires more than just a superficial understanding of the world around us. It demands a deep introspection and the ability to see beyond the limitations of our physical senses.
Avatar Meher emphasizes this process by stating, 'The universe is the outcome of imagination. Then why try to acquire knowledge of the imaginative universe instead of plumbing the depths of your real Self?' This highlights the importance of transcending the mind to touch the true essence of existence.
Sources of True Knowledge
While the physical world is tangible and real, true knowledge extends beyond what our senses can perceive. The physical body, the sky above, and the Earth below all exist in the physical world, and they are not illusions. They are real and can be experienced directly. This is a crucial point to consider, as acknowledging the reality of our physical existence does not preclude the existence of deeper truths.
Avatar Meher argues, 'God did not create an unknowable word with the truth being a far-off unknowable concept but created a world where the truth is readily available for all of us to see and experience.' This statement underscores the belief that true knowledge and absolute truth are not out of reach, but are available for all to discover, provided one is willing to look within.
The Process of Acquiring True Knowledge
Achieving true knowledge is not an easy endeavor. It requires a significant amount of effort, often involving sweat, tears, and a lot of thinking. Let us consider a specific example: the effort it takes to question and ascertain the nature of truth in various domains. For instance, understanding the behavior of subatomic particles or the complexity of human emotions can be a herculean task that demands rigorous investigation and analysis.
Knowledge is inherently changeable, as reality itself is dynamic. In the process of acquiring true knowledge, several mind-body-brain interactions come into play. Sense organs gather information from the physical world, which is then processed by the mind, judged based on past experiences, and finally, actions or perceptions are formed. This interaction is a continuous cycle that involves multiple stages of reflection, analysis, and judgment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, true knowledge is not a static or absolute concept but a dynamic journey of self-discovery and introspection. It requires us to go beyond the surface-level understanding and delve into the depths of our being. The pursuit of true knowledge is not merely about acquiring facts but about understanding the nature of reality, transcending the limitations of the mind, and experiencing the unifying force of the divine. This journey, as articulated by Avatar Meher, is a continuous quest for the ultimate truth, one that is available for all to explore and experience.