Question

Given below are two statements related to the Upanishadic tradition

Statement I: Paravidya means knowledge that transcends human experience

Statement II: Aparavidya means knowledge based on the human experience

In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

1. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
2. Both Statement I and Statement II are false 
3. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
4. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Both Statement I and Statement II are true

Statement I: Paravidya means knowledge that transcends human experience

Explanation:

• Parā Vidyā (Sanskrit: परा विद्या) is a combination of two words – parā, in Hindu philosophy, means - existence, paramount object, the highest point or degree, final beatitude; and vidyā means - knowledge, philosophy, science, learning, scholarship.
• Para Vidya means – higher learning or learning related to the Self or the Ultimate Truth i.e. transcendental knowledge.
•  Vedanta affirms that those who gain the knowledge of the Self attain kaivalya, they become liberated, they become Brahman.
• Para Vidya is defined as the intuitive vision of non-duality; it is the transcendental knowledge which is beyond all limits of knowledge, experience and reason, which is, beyond intellect, mind and sense.

Therefore, Statement I is correct.

Statement II: Aparavidya means knowledge based on the human experience.

Explanation:

• Para Vidya is the knowledge of the Absolute whereas Apara Vidya is the knowledge of the world; the former has Reality as its content and possesses a unique quality of ultimacy which is singular and free from reason, senses, etc., but the latter has the phenomenal world as its content. 
• Here were two different kinds of knowledge to be acquired – 'the higher knowledge' or Para Vidya (Sanskrit: परा विद्या )and 'the lower knowledge' or Apara Vidya.
• The lower knowledge consists of all textual knowledge - the four Vedas, the science of pronunciation, etc., the code of rituals, grammar, etymology, meter, and astrology.
• The higher knowledge is by which the immutable and the imperishable Atman is realized, which knowledge brings about the direct realization of the Supreme Reality, the Source of All.
• The knowledge of the Atman is very subtle; it cannot be obtained out of one’s own effort; the Atman cannot be intuitively apprehended by mere intellectual equipment.
• Thus, Angiras draws the distinction between the way of knowledge and the way of realization, as between opinion and truth. For understanding this for realizing the Reality the aspirant must seek a teacher.
• The teacher who has already realized his identity with the Atman alone can impart this much sought-after wisdom on the strength of his own experiences.
• Therefore, Aparavidya means knowledge based on the human experience

Thus, Statement II is correct.

Therefore, option I is the correct answer.