aparavidya

Aparavidya is a Sanskrit term formed from apa- meaning away from or lower, and vidya meaning knowledge. It is commonly translated as “lower knowledge” or “inferior knowledge” and is used in Hindu philosophy to distinguish types of knowledge within the Vedanta framework.

In Advaita Vedanta, Aparavidya refers to empirical, perceptual, instrumental, and practical knowledge that pertains to the world of names and forms. This includes sense perception, memory, language, science, arts, rituals, and everyday learning. While useful for daily life and social duties, Aparavidya does not disclose the true nature of the self and the ultimate reality, and is considered limited within the movement toward liberation.

Aparavidya is contrasted with Paravidya, which denotes higher knowledge—specifically knowledge of Brahman and the true nature of consciousness. Liberation (moksha) in this schema is associated with Paravidya, whereas Aparavidya can continue to bind through identification with the body and with worldly objects. Some discussions also relate Aparavidya to Avidya (ignorance), treating Aparavidya as a secondary or dependent form of knowledge that operates within the realm of maya, while Avidya represents the more fundamental veil.

Historically, the concept appears in Advaita Vedanta and related expositions, where teachers distinguish practical, worldly knowledge from spiritual knowledge aimed at self-realization. In contemporary discourse, Aparavidya is sometimes invoked to discuss the boundary between secular education and spiritual study, or to highlight the limits of empirical knowledge in addressing ultimate questions.