Knowledge is attained in Four steps

According to the ancient Indian Scriptures, Gyana - knowledge is learned in four steps.

                                        आचार्यात् पादमादत्ते, पादं शिष्यः स्वमेधया

                                        पादं सब्रह्मचारिभ्यः, पादम् कालक्रमेण च                                                           

                                                            ~  महाभारत, उद्योगपर्व ~ 

Aachaaryaat Paadamaadatte, Paadam Shishyah Svamedhyaa

Paadam Sah-Brahmchaaribhya, Paadam Kaal Kramena cha 

                                      (Mahabharat - Udyog Parva)

A quarter of knowledge comes from the teacher - and a quarter through the student's own intellect, talent, and efforts  

A quarter in the company of fellow students, and the remaining quarter is accomplished over time - from experience.

This statement seems to be true in every field of learning, though the word quarter should not be taken here literally as one-fourth. It means that knowledge is attained - not in one but four parts or steps. 

Teacher gives the same knowledge to all students, but each student receives it according to his or her own talent and level of understanding - because everyone has a different level of understanding and grasping power. 

This principle applies to the path of spirituality as well.

The Guru gives the same Gyana to everyone. 

Some understand it immediately while others may take longer to grasp it.  

We continue to learn, revise, and reinforce the Gyana in the company of fellow students and other seekers in the form of Sangat or Satsang.

Eventually, over time, we can grasp and understand the ‘Truth’ with experience through Sumiran and meditation.

As it is said:                        

         Karat Karat Abhyaas kay, Jadmati Hot Sujaan

         Rasari Aavat Jaat tay,  Sil par parat Nisaan

                            करत करत अभ्यास कै जड़मति  होत सुजान 

                            रसरी आवत जात ते  सिल पर पड़त निसान 

Continuous and persistent practice makes even a dumb, less-intelligent person intelligent.

just like a soft rope, when rubbed continuously on a stone, creates a mark on it.

Therefore, the keyword is – Practice and meditation. 

By practicing over and over, eventually, a slow learner can also become a master of his trade. 

Similarly, by practicing, we can go deeper into Sumiran and meditation to achieve the goal we all desire to attain - The everlasting peace and bliss.

                                      'Rajan Sachdeva'