Seeking Knowledge of the Self

"MAN, Know Thyself," has been the cry of ages. Every Sage and Savior has tried to impress upon men’s minds that there is a vast difference between Soul-Wisdom and Head-learning. One is eternal and infinite; the other is ever-changing and at best can last but for one incarnation, as it is not woven into the fabric of one’s own being. Soul-Wisdom belongs to one’s immortal nature; Head-learning, to the mortal. Soul-Wisdom leads one from manhood to godhood. If man wishes to cultivate deliberately godlike qualities and divine virtues so as to have inner illumination and radiate that light on others, he must have the vision and the strength and the courage to carry on life after life the task indicated by the great Teachers. Even the poets have distinguished between the two. William Cowper, for instance, states:

Knowledge dwells

In heads replete with thoughts of other men,

Wisdom in minds attentive to their own…

Knowledge is proud that he has learn’d so much;

Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.

© "The Theosophical Movement" (July, 2003) published by Theosophy Company (India) Private Limited, 40 New Marine Lines, Mumbai 400 002. Reprinted with permission.

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