What is the difference between Para Vidya and Apara Vidya?

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.

What is the aim of Paravidya in ancient Indian education?

Para Vidya is that knowledge by which the ultimate reality is known or the Absolute is reached. This Para Vidya forms the real subject matter of the Vedanta. Inculcation of social and civic duties in the minds of the students was also regarded as art important aim of education in those days.

What is the meaning of Apara?

Apara is a Sanskrit word meaning “lower,” “inferior,” “boundless” or “having nothing beyond or after.” The word is used in a variety of terms and phrases linked to yoga.

How was knowledge regarded in ancient India?

In ancient India, both formal and informal ways of education system existed. Indigenous education was imparted at home, in temples, pathshalas, tols, chatuspadis and gurukuls. Temples were also the centres of learning and took interest in the promotion of knowledge of our ancient system.

There is a difference between Para vidya and Apara vidya, this is explained in the Mundaka Upanishad. Apara Vidya is all about learning skills and how to earn your living. This kind of learning and knowledge is important.

What is the Para Vidya of Brahman?

But knowledge of the Atma, of Brahman is the higher knowledge and is known as Para Vidya. It is not the knowledge of the external world. It is also not the subjective experience of concepts and emotions. The main purpose of man is to attain this Para Vidya and it is held that if one does not strive to achieve this, he has wasted his life time.

What is Apara or higher learning?

All the Vedas, grammar, philosophy, astronomy, astrology and all such knowledge falls in the category of apara or lower learning. That knowledge by which Brahman (Supreme Soul) is known, that by which, the unseen and the unknown, the one eternal all-pervasive Being is known, is the para or higher learning.

What is the significance of the Bhagavad Gita’s Para Vidya?

Para Vidya cuts the bonds of ignorance and leads to realisation of God. It frees one from the cycle of birth. The Upanishads reiterate that “the Self is not known through the study of scriptures, nor through subtlety of intellect nor through much learning.