Difference Between Knowledge, Wisdom and Common Sense

In everyday life, we often come across words like ‘knowledge,’ ‘wisdom’ and ‘common sense.’ But what exactly do these words mean? Let us explore!

Knowledge:
In a broad sense of the term, knowledge refers to the theoretical or practical understanding of any subject. There are many types of knowledge. There is worldly knowledge that helps navigate the day-to-day life. Then there is technical knowledge which comes from a deep study of any subject. For example, doctors have the technical knowledge of the human body while linguists of the language(s) of their study. Then there is moral knowledge which helps one understand and differentiate between right and wrong, good and bad, acceptable and unacceptable actions, behavior, conduct. Finally, there is spiritual knowledge which helps one understand their Self.

The knowledge of the Self is also the knowledge of Moksha (the ultimate liberation). This knowledge is in the form of the light that guides along the path that dispels the darkness of ignorance and leads towards liberation. That is why it is considered the most priceless knowledge of all. It is this knowledge that will lead one to freedom from birth and death, freedom from the worldly life and from all the misery that stems from the worldly life.

Akram Vignan, the spiritual science as expounded by Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan, is based on the spiritual knowledge that results from Self-Realization - the realization that ‘I am a pure Soul.’ This knowledge is called Atma Gnan. It is the absolute knowledge that sees everything in its Real form. Param Pujya Dadashri explains that the root cause of all suffering is the ignorance of the true nature of the Self, which leads one to wander in worldly life and experience misery.

Wisdom:

Wisdom is the quality of having good judgement, of being sensible and capable of making right decisions. Wisdom is very important for navigating the worldly life in correct and balanced manner. Every day we face situations where we need to make decisions, and it is our wisdom, our good judgement, that guides us in this process. Our wisdom helps us assess the situation, understand the short-term and long-term consequences of all possible courses of actions, and leads to right understanding. Param Pujya Dadashri explains that wisdom stems from intellect which is the indirect light of the Soul.

Common Sense:
Param Pujya Dadashri has given a very novel definition of the term. He explains it as that which is:
“Applicable everywhere, theoretically as well as practically.”
In other words, common sense is that which helps us to deal with all kinds of situations. It is used to solve problems and remove deadlocks. Thus, common sense is very important in all our worldly interactions.

Param Pujya Dadashri explains that common sense is based not on intellect, but on insight, which is a natural gift. It allows one to adjust everywhere. Whenever there is any difference of opinion, a person with common sense will seek to adjust, thereby avoiding clashes and welding any separation that may already have taken place. This welding will result in oneness and will foster peace and harmony amongst people involved.

Thus, knowledge, wisdom and common sense are all important in their own ways, and all essential for different reasons. Knowledge is the understanding of any subject that leads one away from ignorance, wisdom is the use of good judgement that helps make good decisions and leads one away from foolishness, and common sense is the art of adjusting everywhere such that peace and harmony are maintained as it leads one away from conflicts.

For knowledge of the Self, please click on https://www.dadabhagwan.org/self-realization/