Religion as Higher Knowing: Understanding Beyond Conventional Knowledge
Religion and science have often been framed as two distinct domains, with science grounded in empiricism and religion reaching into metaphysical understanding. While science thrives on the collection of measurable data and the pursuit of objectivity, religion, on the other hand, seeks to know the ineffable, offering what can be considered a “higher form of knowing.” This form of knowledge transcends conventional inquiry, aiming not just for facts or outcomes, but for the very essence of existence.
The Uniqueness of Religion as a Form of Knowing
Religion does not operate in the realm of measurable variables or empirical observations. Instead, it represents an understanding that is both self-contained and self-aware, unlike the externally directed knowledge of science. Religion is often misunderstood when placed side by side with scientific methods, as it lacks a tangible object to study or dissect. Yet, it knows—knows itself, and through this, it knows the universe in ways that evade conventional frameworks. This understanding is not grounded in fact accumulation but in an experience of truth that is often described as ineffable and transcendent.
Science, for all its profound accomplishments, deals with the multiplicity of objects, seeking to explain how the world functions. But science often becomes bogged down in complexities, unknown variables, and paradoxes. By contrast, religion, in its higher knowing, represents the purest form of understanding. It is like the fragrance of a lotus that emerges unscathed from the mud, representing an essence untainted by the material world. This metaphor captures religion’s ability to rise above complexities and deliver pure wisdom, directly and profoundly.
Science vs. Religion: Two Distinct Paths of Understanding
When we examine the differences between religion and science, it is tempting to think of them as competing forces, but they represent entirely different dimensions of understanding. Science delves into the “how” of things—how atoms bond, how galaxies form, how life evolves. Religion, however, asks a different set of questions—why do we exist, what is the nature of consciousness, and what lies beyond death?
Science often provides answers that are contingent, subject to revision as new information becomes available. Religion, on the other hand, speaks to timeless truths, grounded not in experimental data but in inner experience and revelation. The pathways of religion are not confined by logic or materiality, but are deeply experiential. They offer a map to understanding the ultimate reality, which is not confined to the limits of human intellect but is accessible through spiritual insight.
The Journey to Higher Knowing: Understanding Religion’s Essence
Despite its transcendence, religion does offer pathways that can lead seekers to the higher knowing it promises. However, these paths are not direct, and they often require letting go of literal interpretations and intellectual grasping. This brings to mind the ancient Buddhist metaphor of the fingers pointing to the moon. The fingers, though essential in directing our gaze, are not the moon themselves. Similarly, religious teachings are guides that point the way to truth but are not the truth itself.
A profound example of such guidance is found in the “Seven Points of Mind Training” attributed to the Buddhist master Atisha. Atisha’s teachings do not offer answers in the way we might expect from scientific inquiry. Instead, they point towards an internal journey, inviting practitioners to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and mental clarity through practice and experience.
Atisha’s Spiritual Journey and Its Implications for Higher Knowing
Atisha’s own spiritual journey sheds light on the multifaceted nature of religious understanding. His unique path was guided by three enlightened mentors, each offering distinct teachings that, when combined, provided a comprehensive view of ultimate reality. Dharmakirti, one of Atisha’s mentors, emphasized the importance of emptiness and thoughtlessness, concepts that help one shed the mental constructs that bind us to limited understanding. By releasing these constructs, one can approach the higher knowing of pure awareness.
Dharmarakshita, another mentor, brought forward teachings on compassion, stressing that the ultimate path to knowing is through the heart, not just the mind. Compassion, as a guiding force, allows individuals to connect deeply with the world and others, creating a unity of experience that transcends intellectual understanding.
Finally, Yogin Maitreya embodied the principle of love in action. He taught that knowledge, without being put into compassionate and loving action, is incomplete. His teachings highlighted the need for a balance between spiritual insight and practical engagement with the world.
The Synthesis of Emptiness and Compassion in Atisha’s Teachings
Atisha’s journey underscores the interplay between different forms of religious knowing. Dharmakirti’s teachings of emptiness remind us of the importance of releasing attachment to mental constructs, while Dharmarakshita’s focus on compassion reveals the interconnectedness of all beings. Yet, it is only when emptiness and compassion are integrated that one reaches a true understanding of freedom.
Religion teaches that emptiness alone, while necessary for spiritual growth, is not sufficient. If we become too focused on the void, we risk becoming detached from the world and its suffering. Compassion, when combined with emptiness, creates a holistic freedom—freedom from attachment and freedom for purposeful, compassionate action. This balance, Atisha’s mentors taught, is essential for realizing higher knowing.
The Positive Expression of Religion’s Higher Knowing
One of the most profound realizations in religious understanding is that the highest form of knowing is not just about personal liberation, but about positive expression in the world. While some spiritual paths focus on detachment and renunciation, true wisdom, according to Atisha’s teachings, involves engaging with the world from a place of love and compassion.
Religion, in this sense, becomes a force for good, not just for the individual, but for society as a whole. It offers a higher knowing that is not only liberating but transformative, encouraging practitioners to contribute positively to the world around them.
Conclusion: The Timeless Relevance of Religion’s Higher Knowing
In an age where science dominates much of our understanding of the universe, religion continues to offer an invaluable form of knowing that transcends the limitations of empirical inquiry. While science provides answers to the questions of how the world works, religion speaks to the deeper questions of why we are here and what the nature of existence is.
Through the teachings of spiritual masters like Atisha and his mentors, we see that religion offers not just intellectual knowledge but a lived experience of truth. It points the way to a higher knowing, one that is rooted in emptiness, compassion, and positive expression. Religion, in its ultimate form, knows not through facts but through essence, offering a timeless understanding that enriches both the individual and the world.
FAQs
What is the difference between religion and science?
Religion focuses on the metaphysical and experiential understanding of existence, while science is concerned with empirical evidence and objective knowledge of the physical world.
How does religion offer a higher form of knowing?
Religion transcends conventional knowledge by focusing on self-awareness and essence, offering insights that go beyond empirical data and materiality.
What are the Seven Points of Mind Training?
The Seven Points of Mind Training is a Buddhist teaching attributed to Atisha, guiding practitioners on the path to wisdom, compassion, and higher understanding.
Why is emptiness important in spiritual growth?
Emptiness allows individuals to let go of mental constructs and attachments, creating space for a deeper understanding of reality and spiritual freedom.
How do compassion and emptiness work together in religious practice?
Compassion grounds spiritual practice in empathy and connection, while emptiness clears the mind of distractions. Together, they lead to a holistic form of freedom.
What is the ultimate goal of religion according to Atisha’s teachings?
The ultimate goal is a balanced freedom, combining emptiness with compassion, leading to both personal liberation and positive action in the world.
