I can recall times without number when I receive knowledge about a thing but can’t give a further explanation than that which I had gotten. For example, I was told that alcohol can be produced from a corn stalk. Then I go tell a friend and my friend sincerely asks me to help him understand how it works but I can say no more because that’s just all I know. I don’t know how, all I know is that alcohol can be derived from corn stalk. This is called “Priori Knowledge”. I know but do not know. “Priori” is a Latin word which means “that which comes before”. It is the knowledge that you get without understanding. It is the knowledge that comes before understanding is applied, solely derived from outside our thinking faculties.
To understand is an ability. Understanding works on available knowledge (Priori) to birth a new kind of intimate, unforgettable and life transforming knowledge (the Posteriori Knowledge). Without understanding, it is impossible to tell if a path is leading to danger or good. If I am void of understanding, I won’t be able to act unless I apply faith blindly to an instruction, hoping it goes well. However, if I am full of understanding, wise words would be plain to me and easy to receive because I have the ability to receive it plainly.
Priori knowledge is to keep, as understanding is to drink. Priori knowledge is to hear as understanding is to see, to perceive. A shrewd illustration to describe what understanding and Priori knowledge does to you is to liken them to the constituents of a concrete mixture. To get a concrete, one must mix his/her sand, cement, aggregate (i.e. rock fragments) and water. So the sand is you, the aggregate and cement is knowledge while the water is understanding. Without water, mixing the sand, aggregate and cement would result to a mould that is not so distinct from the sand castle children make at the beach. Without understanding, knowledge is kept - just like cement and aggregate - with you but it’s not part of you. With understanding poured in you, knowledge becomes part of you to create a better, concrete, more valuable you.
So how do I gain understanding? It is simply by meditation. Meditation means to empty the mind so as to concentrate on one thing and just that thing at a particular time. Ponder about a particular subject or situation for long and understanding is gained. It takes time but it is worth it Curiousity is the fuel for understanding. Without the excitement to know, understanding is hindered. Also, if I desire understanding but still hold on to deception – not finding the courage to embrace the truth objectively – it is better I don’t even get understanding because the Posteriori knowledge I would derive would be based on falsehood, which is more wrecking than having no understanding at all. Therefore, it is important that I DESIRE the truth when going through this process.
How do I know I have acquired understanding? The words of wisdom are plain to me if I have understanding. Since it dissolves knowledge and makes it part of me; I know sound knowledge when I meet it, I cherish it so much that I store it greedily in my heart, therefore it directs my actions and words. If I have understanding, I will hold dear to instructions and seek counsellors because I know the profit therein.

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