ज्ञानेन हीनः पशुरेव शुद्धः
By पं. बालचन्द्र सिद्धांतशास्त्री
Summary
Knowledge is described as the third eye of a human being, capable of perceiving all principles and objects without needing any external light. It moves freely across the three worlds without obstruction. Through knowledge, a person becomes proficient in all worldly affairs, and their fame spreads throughout the world. Virtuous people serve such a person, approaching them to acquire knowledge. The knowledgeable person is free from the darkness of ignorance and firmly dedicates their mind to achieving liberation. In contrast, a person devoid of knowledge is considered no different from an animal. Just as an animal is unaware of the pursuits of righteousness, wealth, and pleasure, so too does the ignorant person remain unfamiliar with these aspects. They act without proper understanding regarding these matters. Their entire reasoning intellect is destroyed, similar to that of an animal. They remain absorbed day and night in eating and drinking, like an animal, lacking discrimination between what is edible and what is not. The text emphasizes that without knowledge, a person is merely a beast, as they cannot engage in the proper conduct associated with human pursuits. The verses highlight the supreme importance of knowledge in distinguishing humans from animals and in enabling the path to liberation.
Conclusion
The document underscores that knowledge (jñāna) is the third eye of a human being, enabling perception of all truths without need for external light and moving freely across the three worlds. It implies that knowledge empowers one to excel in worldly affairs, earn universal fame, and attract virtuous people for learning. Crucially, the text asserts that knowledge is essential for liberation (mokṣa), as it removes the darkness of ignorance and focuses the mind on spiritual goals. Conversely, the outcome for those devoid of knowledge is stark: they are equated with animals, lacking discernment in dharma, artha, and kāma, their intellect destroyed, and their minds solely absorbed in eating and drinking day and night. Thus, the document’s implications are that knowledge is not merely academic but a transformative force for ethical living and ultimate spiritual freedom, while ignorance leads to a degraded, animal-like existence.