Attainment of Absolute Knowledge
The pursuit of knowledge in the material world is often limited to relative truths—understanding the difference between a cook and a sweeper, or the mechanics of temporary matter. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes the necessity of "absolute knowledge" to bring the human race back to sanity. Absolute knowledge is the realization of the Supreme Person, Kṛṣṇa, in His complete features. Unlike relative knowledge, which is dualistic, absolute knowledge is non-dual; the Lord and His name, form, and instructions are all identical. To attain this state is to be free from the duality of the material world and to revive the eternal function of the pure soul.
Three Features of the Absolute
Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that absolute knowledge is not merely the realization of the impersonal Brahman. While the monists may perceive the non-dual Brahman, complete absolute knowledge includes the realization of Paramātmā (the Supersoul) and Bhagavān (the Supreme Personality of Godhead). Bhagavan is described as the "ultimate platform" of absolute knowledge. Brahman is simply the effulgence of the Lord, who is the reservoir of all truth.
- Absolute knowledge consists of Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan. This conclusion is not the same as that of the monists
- One who knows the Supreme Personality of Godhead surpasses realization of both Brahman and Paramatma because Bhagavan is the ultimate platform of absolute knowledge
- Brahman, who is greater than the greatest, is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is full in six opulences, and therefore He is the reservoir of ultimate truth and absolute knowledge
Method of Attainment
Absolute knowledge cannot be manufactured by the fertile brain of a speculator. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that because our senses are imperfect, speculation will never lead to the right conclusion. The only authorized method to achieve absolute knowledge is evam paramparā—hearing from the Absolute through the bona fide disciplic succession. Just as the great saint Viśravā received knowledge from his father, one must hear from the proper authority.
- Evam parampara. So absolute knowledge can be achieved when we hear from the Absolute. No person in the relative world can inform us about the absolute knowledge. That is not possible
- You cannot speculate about the absolute knowledge because our senses are imperfect. How we can speculate or come to the right conclusion? That is not possible
- Indian civilization is carried on the advice of the acarya-sampradaya... So when we hear from Krsna, then we get absolute knowledge
Non-Duality: Anything About Kṛṣṇa is Kṛṣṇa
In the realm of the Absolute, there is no difference between the substance and its name or form. Śrīla Prabhupāda states, "Anything about Kṛṣṇa is Kṛṣṇa." This is the specific characteristic of absolute knowledge. Whether one is chanting the holy name, worshipping the Deity form, or discussing the Lord's instructions, they are in direct contact with the Lord. To try to separate the Lord's name or qualities from the Lord Himself is a sign of lacking absolute knowledge.
- Anything about Krsna is Krsna. This is called absolute knowledge. So either you chant the Krsna's name or you worship Krsna's form - everything is Krsna
- It is quite possible to have His association simply by following His instruction because the Lord and His instruction and the Lord and His name, fame, attributes and paraphernalia are all identical with Him, being absolute knowledge
- One who wants to separate the Lord’s absolute name, form and qualities from the Lord Himself must be understood to be lacking in absolute knowledge
Curing Material Conception
The lack of absolute knowledge is defined as māyā (illusion), where one is ruled by duality. Attaining absolute knowledge is the cure for this material disease. As soon as one is situated in this knowledge, the false material conception of life is removed, and the pure soul's function is revived. This transformation allows a person to be constantly associated with the Lord, even while navigating the relative world.
- As soon as one is situated in absolute knowledge, his material conception of life is removed, or he emerges from a false conception of life. Thus the function of the pure soul is revived in spiritual realization
- The lack of absolute knowledge is called maya. One who is not Krsna conscious is ruled by the spell of maya under the control of a duality in knowledge
- By attainment of absolute knowledge, one can be in association with the Lord constantly, even in this present life, simply by hearing, chanting, thinking of and worshiping the Supreme Lord
Conclusion
It is necessary for the leaders of society to understand absolute knowledge to cure the prevailing insanity of the world. By turning away from the temporary and speculative, and by accepting the authority of the paramparā, one can attain the platform of Bhagavān realization. This absolute knowledge grants the ultimate benediction: constant, blissful association with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, free from the dualities of birth and death.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Absolute Knowledge. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.