The Best Part of Knowledge

The Best Part of Knowledge

The whole of the spiritual life is an acquiring of spiritual knowledge. The guru is a source of spiritual knowledge: Scriptures are the source of spiritual knowledge. Special books on specific topics or aspects of the spiritual life and sadhana are also a source of spiritual knowledge. The function of knowledge is to remove ignorance. We replace ignorance by knowledge. It is knowledge itself that does this function of getting rid of ignorance and taking its place. It removes darkness and brings light.

But, apart from its function of getting rid of ignorance, let us ask a different question about knowledge itself. What is the best part of knowledge? Have you ever considered this? We have knowledge, but what is the best part of this knowledge that we have acquired? We may say that knowledge by itself is undivided – it is one integrated thing – but there are parts of knowledge in relation to us

When we consider knowledge and ourselves, when we consider knowledge and its relationship to ourselves, it is dual. We are related to knowledge, and knowledge is related to us. Therefore, the question of what is the best part of knowledge acquires a certain relevance. It also acquires an importance.

The first part of knowledge is that we now know something that we did not know before we acquired this knowledge, before we were blessed or graced with this knowledge. The guru gives blessings in the form of the knowledge that has the power to gradually liberate us. Thus, you did not know, and when you got the knowledge, you knew. So knowing is a quintessential part of knowledge – enabling us to know things that we did not know until it came into our experience. Knowing, therefore, is the essence of the matter.

However, what is the difference between a person who does not know and a person who knows? Is there any difference at all? That is the next part of knowledge – when the knowing of the knowledge makes a difference in the person. The person is more perceptive, more understanding, more tolerant, more sympathetic. They act with a greater spirit of give and take. Knowledge can do all these things, but there is a big IF. That big IF is that knowledge can do all these things only if the person allows this knowledge to have a transforming effect upon their being. They become a better person because before they got the knowledge they committed many errors. After they acquired this knowledge they begin to avoid all those errors. They act in a different way, a better way, a nobler way.

So, knowledge is knowing, and when this knowing brings about a change for the better in us, it also becomes being. Knowledge first becomes knowing when previous to that we did not know. But then, if we are satisfied with keeping it at that level, and it does not bring about any change, then there is only one part of knowledge that is present – not a better part of knowledge. The second part of knowledge is becoming someone different in a positive and creative way because of the knowledge. The second part of knowledge is being.

And there is still a better part of knowledge. This change must become a social asset. It must become a value that has an effect in terms of other people’s well-being. It is here that the third part of knowledge comes into our consideration. Out of becoming a knowing person and then a changed person, we turn this knowledge and its knowing and being into a social asset, a value in human relationship – a value not only to our own self-culture, self-evolution and ethical and spiritual progress, but a value also in terms of the well-being and happiness of others.

Perhaps this is the best part of knowledge – the doing part of knowledge – bringing knowledge into actual manifestation in a creative pattern of human relationship, behaving with others so that every act that you do becomes a source of benefit to others, every act is, as it were, a seed for the well-being of others, the good of others, bringing into their lives something positive, something helpful, something for which they feel grateful. That is the third part of knowledge, the best part of knowledge.

Knowing is good; it is a wonderful part of knowledge. Being is better. It is really a very praiseworthy part of knowledge, a very, very valuable part of knowledge. But doing is best because it affects in a positive, creative and beneficial way all other lives whom you touch as you move about in this world and live your life. It becomes a benediction, a boon, a blessing, a great desirable value in your life with others – all others, all of God’s creation. Therefore the best part of knowledge is knowledge in practice, the transforming effect of knowledge upon your being being a source of auspiciousness, good and benefit to others.

The Best Part of Knowledge – Wisdom, Freedom, and Inner Transformation

The Best Part of Knowledge is not the pride of knowing many things, but the power to live with clarity, humility, and peace. Information can fill the mind, but wisdom transforms life. A person may read many books, collect many facts, and speak beautifully, yet remain restless within. True knowledge becomes valuable only when it removes ignorance, improves character, and leads the seeker toward inner freedom.

Ordinary knowledge helps us function in the world. It teaches us language, science, skills, profession, communication, and practical living. This has its own importance. But spiritual wisdom goes deeper. It asks the most essential questions: Who am I? What is real happiness? Why does the mind suffer? What is permanent? What is the purpose of life? These questions lift knowledge from the level of utility to the level of awakening.

The Best Part of Knowledge also lies in its ability to remove darkness. Ignorance makes a person identify with the body, mind, ego, name, form, status, and possessions. Because of this wrong identity, they feel limited, fearful, incomplete, and dependent. When true understanding arises, the seeker begins to see that the real self is deeper than all changing experiences.

Knowledge should make a person humble. If learning increases ego, harshness, and superiority, then it has not become wisdom. A truly wise person does not use knowledge to dominate others. They use it to serve, guide, uplift, and understand. Real learning softens the heart and makes speech gentle, actions thoughtful, and conduct noble.

The Best Part of Knowledge reminds us that the self is not weak or helpless. The body changes, the mind changes, emotions change, and outer circumstances change. But the witnessing awareness remains present through all experiences. To recognize this inner witness is to discover a source of peace that does not depend completely on outer success or failure.

In Vedantic life, knowledge is a means to liberation. It removes the false idea that happiness is found only in wealth, pleasure, praise, power, or relationship. These things may give temporary comfort, but they cannot give permanent fullness. Wisdom teaches the seeker to enjoy life with balance, perform duties sincerely, and remain inwardly free.

The value of wisdom is also seen in discrimination. A person who has discrimination can distinguish between right and wrong, permanent and temporary, self and non-self, useful and harmful. Without discrimination, the mind runs after every attraction and becomes disturbed. With discrimination, life becomes steady, disciplined, and meaningful.

The Best Part of Knowledge is seen when it changes daily behaviour. A wise person becomes more patient in difficulty, more balanced in success, more forgiving in relationships, and more careful in speech. They do not react blindly to every situation. They pause, reflect, and respond with understanding. This is the beauty of lived wisdom.

Knowledge should also lead to compassion. When a person understands the deeper unity of life, narrowness begins to fade. Differences of body, language, belief, culture, and status remain at the outer level, but the same consciousness shines in all beings. This understanding gives rise to kindness, respect, and universal love.

A learned mind without purity can become dangerous. Therefore, knowledge must be supported by character. Truthfulness, self-control, humility, service, devotion, patience, and simplicity protect learning from becoming pride. A pure heart makes knowledge luminous. Without purity, even high ideas may remain dry and self-centered.

The Best Part of Knowledge becomes practical through self-examination. Ask yourself: Is my learning making me calmer? Is it reducing anger, greed, jealousy, and ego? Is it increasing compassion and discipline? Am I using what I know for good? Such questions help convert knowledge into wisdom and wisdom into transformation.

Meditation deepens this process. When the seeker sits quietly and observes the body, breath, thoughts, emotions, and ego, they begin to see that all these are changing. The awareness that knows them is steady. Resting in this awareness gives peace and inner strength. In this way, knowledge becomes direct experience.

Good knowledge also gives freedom from blind attachment. The seeker learns that the world is changing and cannot be held permanently. Wealth may come and go, praise may turn into blame, health may change, and relationships may shift. Wisdom does not make life cold or dry; it teaches one to love deeply without clinging blindly.

The highest knowledge is not meant for argument. It is meant for realization. Speaking about truth is easy, but living truth requires discipline. A sincere seeker studies, reflects, meditates, serves, and watches the mind carefully. Slowly, knowledge enters the heart and becomes a guiding light.

In the end, The Best Part of Knowledge is that it frees the human being from ignorance, fear, ego, and inner bondage. It reveals the true self, purifies the mind, strengthens character, and opens the heart to compassion. When knowledge becomes wisdom, life becomes peaceful, purposeful, and noble. Such knowledge does not merely inform the mind; it awakens the soul and leads toward liberation.

The Four Sources of Knowledge