Understanding Jnana, Vijnana and Ajnana

An excellent excerpt from a great book:

To comprehend the true meaning of the term Vijnana, we shall first break it down into its literal connotations. The syllable Vi, used as a prefix to the word Jnana, is capable of conveying three meanings: special (Vishesh) knowledge; the variety (Vividham) of knowledge; and perverted knowledge (Viruddham). Negative or perverse knowledge is indicated by the word Ajnana and special knowledge is conveyed by the word Jnana. Therefore, Vijnana means 'variety of knowledge' or, to be more exact, the knowledge of variety. The knowledge of how this variegated and diverse universe evolves from one source is Jnana, and the knowledge of how that one source grows into a diverse, plural world of great variety is the field of Vijnana. Thus, what the the seer-scientists are at pains to explain to us is precisely how this variegated universe has arisen from one source. Their explanation covers the study of the forces and processes by which supraphysical energy -- which is ultimately one -- gives rise to this variety.

The beauty of negative events in life

Intuitively, negative events (absolute or as-per expectations) result in unhappiness. Surprisingly and quite non-intuitively, there is a very subtle beauty about them that is revealed in time – few hours, few months or few years. Isn’t a human life an absolutely fascinating creation -- full of interesting patterns?

How to convey a thought

Famous vedic thought (Sanskrit): How to convey a thought

"Saam Daam Dand Bhed" in SEQUENCE

Saam: Explain with LOGIC
Daam: Exploit the GREED
Dand: Create FEAR
Bhed: Enlighten the DIFFERENCE (spirituality)

First try Saam, failing which try Daam, then Dand and finally Bhed.

Why is obvious so non-obvious?

As humans, we think we are logical, we’re not sometimes. We think we are intuitive, we are not mostly. Mostly we think we are not random, and it appears, we are indeed not random. We follow some order in limited space and limited time – this seems to be yet to be named and yet to be understood. What we are seems to be complex and somewhat weak. Is talking about human fallacies hypocritical or pessimism? Well that depends on your perspective and thought. At least we have hope, and that makes a profound difference.

Optimism, levels of abstraction and perspectives

Given a mix of things, it is possible that the mix could have been created in several ways. Currently, I have a mix - unfavorable conditions in life and optimism. What is this mix – are there really some unfavorable conditions in life that is overlaid with optimism; or is it actually cool life with some under laid pessimism? I’m not sure, but I think it is the former.

So, what drives this sub-conscious optimism despite the “logical” unfavorable conditions? And more broadly, is this question generally applicable or specifically applicable to an individual? One possible reasoning would be the conscious known popular push towards optimism that results in this sub-conscious feeling. Another possible reasoning perhaps would be that I’m delusional about it. Furthermore, a third possible reasoning - that logic cannot be applied to a sub-conscious thought, so the original question isn’t really applicable. None of them are very convincing. Thinking further about this -- it appears that the illogical sub-conscious optimism is due to sub-conscious shift in levels of abstraction and/or due to a sub-conscious change of perspective. What is the bigger picture based on this conclusion?