In Hindu philosophy, Vidya (education or knowledge) is not just the intellectual knowledge that is acquired from the Vedas, which demands the person’s understanding. It refers to the wisdom of the soul (spiritual knowledge), which defines the study of the six schools of Hindu philosophy, including Nyay (Justice), Yog (to join; to unite), Vaisheshika (Particular), Sankhya (enumeration), Purva Mimamsa (Prior study; study of actions), and Uttar Mimamsa (posterior study).

What Vidya means in Hinduism?

Vidya comes from the root ‘Vid,’ which means ‘to know.’ Therefore, it means knowledge, science, learning, lore, scholarship, reason, and philosophy. In Sanskrit, the word Vidya primarily stands for learning, philosophy, scholarship, or any knowledge, whether true or false. This reference is majorly accepted in all texts of Indian philosophy.

It specifically refers to the knowledge that cannot be contradicted, a true knowledge of self, which is intuitively gained. However, there are four kinds of Vidyas: Trayi Vidya, Anviksiki Vidya, Varum Vidya, and Dandaniti Vidya.

Other significance:

Nevertheless, many people mistake Vidya for Gyan (knowledge). However, it’s acquired after setting perfection through the Vidyas. It gives insight into the spiritual sphere; it leads to salvation through which the seeker overcomes the cycle of birth and death, having already detached from all the bonds with material elements.

In Hinduism, Vidya Dan, or the gift of education, is the best gift that possesses the highest religious adequacy than any charity or donation. The word Vidya has arrived in most Vedic scriptures except the Rig Veda. It has occurred in the Atharva Veda, the Brahmin portion of Yajurveda, and the Upanishads.

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