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If I may interject, while this twofold classification of earthly
vs. divine knowledge is a valuable one, it is not the import
of the Upanishad passage in question.
The Mundaka Upanishad speaks of two levels of knowing the Absolute.
The lower, indirect form of knowledge is that which is obtained
merely from studying the Vedas and their ancillary texts. The
higher knowledge is direct, meditative contemplation on Brahman
Itself, attaining a level of continuity and vividness that it
is comparable to sight itself.
The progression from indirect, discursive knowledge of Brahman
to direct contemplation on Its essence is echoed in the great
dialogue between Yajnavalkya Maharshi and his wife Maitreyi,
from the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad. Yajnavalkya teaches his wife
that "the Self is to be seen -- to be heard about, thought about,
and contemplated upon" /AtmA are drashTavyaH SrotavyaH mantavyaH
nidhidhyAsitavyaH/.
"To be seen" refers to that advanced state of meditation where
the perception of the Self is as vivid as normal sight.
Beginning with indirect knowledge, obtained from hearing the
teachings of the Vedas and reflecting on their meaning,
Yajnavalkya further advises Maitreyi to meditate on the Self,
because this is what leads to the vision of the Self. Nothing
else gives lasting peace and happiness to the individual.
srimatyai yAjnavalkyA sameta maitreyyai devyai namah
srimate vedapurushAya namah
Mani
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