Absorbing Spiritual Knowledge

The first step into experience, particularly the meditation experience, is
knowledge. What does it mean to 'know'? Knowing involves four steps, which
ultimately give the meditator the experience of realization:

*The first step* of knowing is *information*. With information, our
intellect opens to new ideas and opinions.

*The second step* of knowing is *knowledge*, when we begin to reflect and
think on the ideas and views that we have listened to. At this point, we
often have to select only a few of the ideas we have heard, as it is not
always possible to reflect (think) on all the information that is fed to
us. In order to deepen our understanding, we reflect on the information and
sometimes discuss our findings and thoughts with others.

*The third step* of knowing is when we move from thinking to *doing*, that
is, from knowledge to wisdom. Wisdom is gained when we commit ourselves to
'doing'. Knowledge translated into our everyday behaviour is called wisdom,
which, in turn, is called quality life. A life of quality is where personal
values are not only realised but also lived and experienced through our
practical actions.

Doing, or practice, naturally brings us to the fourth and final step of
knowing, which is called *Truth*.