When I proclaim, “I know there is God,” it is knowledge. But without the backing of
your own personal experience, it is hollow, hollow knowledge.
When you have a headache, “Oh, I am having a headache because of indigestion”, maybe “I got sunstroke and
my migraine got stimulated somehow“, or “I had some argument with someone and I got upset,
angry and that's why I have a headache”, or “because the blood pressure shot up, I have a headache”.
There could be so many reasons for the headache. This is knowledge. What, as a human being,
I would like to have is the cure, solution. Take some tablets,
appropriate tablets, and get rid of this headache. That is the purpose. So, knowledge is important. More than that,
greater importance is given to the solution of the problems in life. You know how to make money,
you have all kinds of ideas. You have knowledge. But it is a different matter when it comes to
actually making it. Many people who are on the forefront of knowledge﹘scientists, for example,
or the economists of high level﹘they don't make much money. So, what is it that keeps you going
as far as making the money is concerned? Again, given the importance of knowledge versus solution,
always stick to solution. But that does not mean I should not acquire knowledge.
It is good to impress people now and then. When you go for an interview, what they
will be witnessing, expecting from you is knowledge, right? And when you actually begin to practise
at going with your work, then what you should be delivering is the solution for the welfare
of the institution. It is this knowledge, for example, if you ask your father or mother, “Does God exist?”
What will be the immediate answer? “Yes.” This is knowledge. But when you ask, “What is the proof?”,
or you ask a reason, “Why do you believe in God?” Then what will be their answer?
“My father told me so, my grandmother told me so, our literature talks about it,
our religion talks about it. So, I believe in God.” So, this is all dogmatic knowledge.
It does not satisfy anyone, including the person who believes it really doesn't satisfy;
it is just a white wash. You know, prior to the 1970's, the international currencies were evaluated
based on the country's backing of gold. If you have tons of gold, your currency will remain stronger.
So, backing is required, or strengthening. In 1947, when India got independence, rupee and dollars
were one to one, almost. In the 70s it became, one dollar became 8 rupees, 9 rupees equivalent.
Today, one dollar is equivalent to almost 76, 77 rupees. This is depreciation.
It needs some sort of backing. Similarly, when I proclaim,
“I know there is God,” it is knowledge. But without the backing of your own personal experience,
it's hollow, hollow knowledge.