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When ‘mind’ knows, we call it knowledge. When ‘heart’ knows, we call it love. And when ‘being’ knows we call it meditation.

This statement reflects the different layers of human experience and consciousness. It is an exploration of the many ways we can understand and connect with the world.

When the ‘mind’ knows, it is operating within the realm of intellect, reason, and rationality. This is the domain of knowledge – facts, figures, analysis, and logic. The mind categorises, compares, and computes. It is a tool for navigating the complexities of life, and through it, we gain understanding and mastery over our surroundings.

But there is a deeper way of knowing. When the ‘heart’ knows, we are in the realm of feelings and emotions. This is where love resides. Love is not logical; it doesn’t adhere to the strict laws of the mind. It is an intuitive, innate feeling of connection, care, and compassion that extends beyond the self. Love cannot be quantified or explained in the same terms as intellectual knowledge, because it is experiential and subjective.

Then there is the deepest knowing, when the ‘being’ knows – and this is what we call meditation. Meditation is not an intellectual understanding nor an emotional feeling. It is the state of pure consciousness, awareness, and presence. It is a knowing that comes from being fully attuned to the present moment, beyond the chatter of the mind and the flux of emotions. When you meditate, you are aware of your existence, your essence, and your connection to all that is. This kind of knowing is beyond words. It is experiential and existential, a direct perception of reality as it is.

In meditation, you come to realise the nature of your own consciousness and the illusion of the separate self. This realisation can bring profound peace and joy, as it is an experience of unity with the entire cosmos.

Each of these forms of knowing has its place, and each can enrich your life in different ways. By bringing knowledge, love, and meditation together, you create a holistic approach to living fully.