The purpose of spiritual practice is to come to know.
With knowing we achieve wisdom.
Wisdom bestows such gifts as freedom, joy and harmony.
There are three ways in which we can come to a knowing;
- Inference/deduction
Someone enters the house dripping wet, we can infer that it is raining. - The valid testimony of a trusted other
A person we trust tells us “It is raining”. - Direct personal experience
We go outside and experience the rain.
Of these three, direct experience is the superior knowing.
We can gain direct experience of Inner Truth by consistent committed and appropriate practice.
References;
Sāṃkhya Kārikā verse 6
sāmānyataḥ tu dṛṣṭāt-atīndriyāṇāṃ pratītiḥ anumānāt
tasmāt-api ca-asiddhaṃ parokṣam-āpta-āgamāt-siddham
“For the most part, objects accessible to the five senses are known by direct perception.
Those beyond the reach of the senses are known by inference.
Those objects that are beyond the senses and are not perceptible even through inference are known through valid testimony.”
trans. Gaudapada
Yoga sutras 1:07 pratyakṣa-anumāna-āgamāḥ pramāṇāni
“Correct knowledge is the fruit of directly perceived experiences, inference, or reliable testimony.” trans. Bernard Bouanchaud