Gyana is the unfettering evolved knowledge and Kaivalyam is the higher freedom. The true evolution is from unknowing to the knowing to the knowing the knower. This is akin to ‘double loop learning’ wherein the subject ‘learns to learn’. Gyana provides the discerning power. It is like the fire that cleanses, transforms the lower metals into the Gold.
The basis question often raised by the seekers is on how does one get the Gyana. Is it venturing into niche area of study like focusing on meta-physical learning, or undergoing the practices that may be mystical in nature and less known in the general world. There is a direct answer to this at wisdom level and not at the knowledge level. It is, Gyana is more of the outcome than any targeted goal. It is more about the process perfection, mastery of the learning, intrinsic focus, ‘living’ the evolutionary process, and then outcome gets realized, which is Gyana. It is beyond one trying to calibrate, and beyond the progress in measurable material terms.
Kaivalyam is the real freedom which is from the known and the unknown. Freedom from the known is easier to understand, the physical and/or mental shackles as the identification may go. But freedom from the unknown is again of a higher order. Here the seeker is not constrained by getting freed only at the known levels like the ship in the high seas far away from the shores but well-anchored. It is much beyond like the journey of the unanchored ship which is led by the high tides and guided by the sea winds. There is no fear or inhibition around losing any.
Gyana acquisition may be the outcome of the unique journey the seeker may go through. Here the standard path is difficult and often it is unique to each of the seekers. There must be an obeying trust and complete confidence in the ‘Existence’ and the ‘Process’. Then one’s ‘Khidr’ appears. Indestructible nature of the soul, when believed by the seeker helps in having the confidence to pursue howsoever difficult the series of tasks on the journey. Evolution is the nature of the journey, and the outcome is our Gynana. When the intent is pure, sooner the seeker reaches the Kaivalyam state. Then, bliss fills.
Prof S Ainavolu is a Mumbai-based teacher of tradition and management. Views are personal. https://www.ainavolu.in/blog
