The wisdom of the Buddha is that knowledge and understanding are two different things. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts, while understanding is the ability to interpret and apply those facts in a meaningful way. An ordinary man can gain knowledge, but it is only when he is able to understand the implications of that knowledge that he can become a sage. On the other hand, a sage may have a deep understanding of the world, but without knowledge, he is unable to act on that understanding. Thus, the Buddha’s teaching is that knowledge and understanding are both necessary in order to truly become wise.
