Ignorance

Staying in ignorance will not achieve perfection even if we strive for ten thousand years.

There are two aspects of ignorance – internal and external. Internal ignorance means not understanding the spiritual side of life, that is, not knowing the answers to such questions as: What is the origin of human beings? What is the purpose of life? What happens after death? Do God and the next world exist? What is the nature of good and evil? External ignorance refers to ignorance of the natural world, including the human body. It is ignorance of such issues as: What is the origin of the physical universe? What are the natural laws governing all phenomena?

From the dawn of history until today, human beings have ceaselessly searched for the truth with which to overcome both types of ignorance and attain knowledge. Humanity through religion has followed the path of searching for internal truth, and through science has followed the path of seeking external truth.

For people, knowledge is the light of life holding the power of revival, while ignorance is the shadow of death and the cause of ruin. Ignorance cannot beget true sentiments, and in the absence of knowledge and emotion the will to act cannot arise. Without the proper functioning of emotion, intellect and will, one cannot live the life of a true human being.

Religions have helped people gradually overcome spiritual ignorance by awakening their original souls to life. They taught people to focus their lives on seeking the invisible, causal world. Because not everyone feels the need for religion, few people quickly acquire spiritual knowledge. For most, spiritual growth remains rather slow.

We need constant spiritual training. We need knowledge and education so that we are not ignorant. Freed from ignorance and living the life of goodness that the original soul seeks, people will find happiness.