Book Knowledge vs Experience

There is a difference between book knowledge and actual experience. I do think reading is important but, here is where I think it creates a problem.

Individuals who read about experiences attempt to stand on the other person's experience..or take ownership of that experience because they read it but, that doesnt add up.

A person who reads an experience cant elaborate outside of what they have read and a person who has had the experience can actually answer questions in dept or to a deeper degree because an experience answers question that have not been asked.. Its when you revisit the experience you see different pieces that you didnt see originally.

I would encourage others to seek the experience for themselves because that way no man can sway you back or forth.

All The Glory Belongs To God Forever!

[ribiq]

Yeah I feel that the only thing we should base any of our beliefs on is personal experience, or we're just giving our minds away. I think people are getting back to valuing personal experience though, so that's good news

[Xan]

In my view spiritual reading and understanding, at best, leads to experiencing by opening the mind to what lies beyond it. At worst it hinders by clinging and closing on fixed beliefs.


Xan

[psychoslice]

Yes I agree with you all, nothing more to say.

I agree Xan that reading helps to keep my mind open to things I do not know or might not have considered.

Experiencing things myself so that I "know" it is a wonderful and rich adventure. There's a huge difference when I go to share something and I tell someone I have read about it... or if I tell them I "know" it by experience.

[Xan]

Yes... this is exactly what I mean.


Xan

For me reading or hearing of others experience expands my belief system.
Though I'm no fan of theoretical texts.

I don't "expect" to achieve what others do, or typically try to, but I've a better idea of a few possibilities that inspire me.

I DO quite envy those who care nothing about 2nd hand knowledge-experience, and much of what I also value was experienced-learned directly.

Some feel we learn in spite of what we "know".... and yes, knowledge can be a barrier to true wisdom. A burden to overcome,

I don't present myself as an authority on many things I share, yet they are still valuable as possible inspiration, if one choose to believe in these possibilities.
Any light source is better than none.

Originally Posted by Toolite

I would encourage others to seek the experience for themselves because that way no man can sway you back or forth.

This is a fine, admirable sentiment, yet who really does this?
Outside of forest sadhus.

Not being argumentative...as it's an excellent point, but just being realistic...

I've talked with some empaths who rarely read spiritual things, but they're a definite minority, with limited curiosity IMO.

Yet I do admire them, finding all they want from direct experience. (something I could probably learn from)
I'm just too curious, impatient to know more. And yes, suspect it comes at a certain cost.

I feel we CAN learn to discern truth when we read-hear it and while it's not the same as direct experience, can be a valuable source that enriches us.

Teachers, gurus, have and always will tell stories to inspire their students. Books CAN do the same if one exercises inner judgement what to accept and what to question-reject.

Originally Posted by Xan

In my view spiritual reading and understanding, at best, leads to experiencing by opening the mind to what lies beyond it. At worst it hinders by clinging and closing on fixed beliefs.


Xan

spiritual reading doesnt warrant experience.. A person cant paint a picture that they are experienced in that area when they havent experienced it.. or just read plenty of spiritual books regarding the matter because it shows in the end and has not truly done the person justice because we dont get to see that true individual which is and or greater in her/his natural state.

All The Glory Belongs To God Forever!

Originally Posted by Henri77

For me reading or hearing of others experience expands my belief system.
Though I'm no fan of theoretical texts.

I don't "expect" to achieve what others do, or typically try to, but I've a better idea of a few possibilities that inspire me.

I DO quite envy those who care nothing about 2nd hand knowledge-experience, and much of what I also value was experienced-learned directly.

Some feel we learn in spite of what we "know".... and yes, knowledge can be a barrier to true wisdom. A burden to overcome,

I don't present myself as an authority on many things I share, yet they are still valuable as possible inspiration, if one choose to believe in these possibilities.
Any light source is better than none.

I think when others post experiences on the this forum that is interesting it gives individuals an opportunity to connect with one another..

thats me but, im different in ways but, like you other ways..lol

All The Glory Belongs to God Forever!