The Secret Doctrine of Goddess Lalita
(Sri LalitaAṣṭottara Rahasyārthamu)
6. śivajñāna pradāyinī
She who bestows the knowledge of śiva.
It is said that the scripture is the only source of jñāna or Self-Knowledge. But the scripture expounds on dharma (virtuous actions) as well as jñāna. How can we then say that scripture is the only source of Self-Knowledge?
This nāma answers this question. Knowledge corresponding to śiva, the Supreme Consciousness, is the Knowledge of the Self. Since Devī bestows this Knowledge, She is called śiva jñāna pradāyini. Knowledge is of two types: śivam and aśivam. All types of knowledge pertaining to the material world and the actions performed in the material world (dharma) are aśivam. They do not help the seeker attain śiva. Even though dharma appears to be superior to other types of knowledge, upon some reflection, it will soon become clear to us that even dharma is not Supreme Knowledge because it produces only temporary results, such as the attainment of svarga (heaven). Hence, even dharma does not liberate us.
When we continue to reflect on the transient nature of the world and realize that all types of knowledge associated with it are aśivam and dismiss them, we are left with what is śivam, the Supreme Knowledge of the Self. Everything that is aśivam (saṃsāra) dissolves in śivam. Knowledge of the Self is the only means for the dissolution of saṃsāra and attainment of śiva. Therefore, the real goal of the scripture is Self-Knowledge. Knowledge of dharma is, at best, only a distant aid (for purification of the mind) to Self-Knowledge. Hence, there is no need to be concerned that the scripture provides conflicting knowledge (jñāna versus dharma).