The understanding of truth is drastically different before and after reaching the state of "zone of bliss."

Some schools of thought consider truth to be "understood," and believe that one can attain enlightenment, liberation, or freedom (moksha) simply by "understanding" it, without the need for practice or discipline.

In reality, while the terminology may differ between schools of thought, whether it's called "practice" or "study," the content of that study or practice itself is ultimately just a method (a tool or expedient). However, for those within a particular school, it is considered "practice," "study," "ritual," or "prayer." Simply calling it a "method" might be seen as a lack of faith, so it's not recommended to say such things within a school. Nevertheless, in terms of its effect, it leads to the first plateau, which is the "zone of bliss."

This "zone of bliss" is almost identical to what is experienced when one is deeply engrossed in work, a hobby, or a sport. While it may be easy to digress into worldly matters, the effect of the "zone of bliss" and its ability to purify one's mind (spirit) is the same.

Some schools might reach the "zone of bliss" through chanting mantras, while others might reach it by continuing to study and feeling as if they have grasped the truth. Others might be led to the "zone of bliss" through meditation in a seated position, or through yoga asanas, or even through concentration on a task, such as creating something or programming.

The effect of reaching the "zone of bliss" is the same: it purifies the mind (spirit) and heals conflicts and traumas.

Someone from a particular school might be offended if I said this, but in reality, all schools initially aim for this "zone of bliss." To achieve it, one might endure harsh conditions like being whipped, perform long meditations in the lotus position (padmasana), or study difficult Sanskrit to understand scriptures. The "zone of bliss" attained in each of these ways is the same. Some might say that it's different depending on the school, but in reality, it's the same.

Ultimately, truth is fully experienced and internalized. However, to achieve this, it is necessary to awaken to the awareness of the higher self or the awareness of the Atman (true self).

In a state before reaching this, such as not yet having reached the "zone of bliss," or in the state of the "zone of bliss," or in the stage of the "zone of bliss" subsiding and reaching a state of stillness, one has not yet fully grasped the truth. There are moments of partial experience, but one is still at the stage of "understanding."

At this stage, one is merely understanding the truth intellectually, but not truly comprehending it.

Indeed, from the perspective of the higher Atman, everything is seen from the beginning, and the eternal is grasped across past, present, and future. However, as an individual, as the "Jiva" (the individual soul), as the illusion of the "ego," one does not grasp the truth, but merely understands it intellectually.

Even those who belong to a particular school, who study diligently, and who believe that they understand the truth, often have not yet reached the "zone of bliss." And yet, because they intellectually understand it, they mistakenly believe that they can reach the truth through "understanding." While I would rarely point this out to someone, as it would likely be met with resistance, many people believe that they can reach the truth simply by "understanding" it properly. This is merely a matter of morality, and while it may make one a "good person," it does not lead to enlightenment.

Reaching the "zone of bliss," stabilizing it, and reaching a state of stillness, and finally awakening to the awareness of the higher self, can be considered a certain level of achievement. However, surprisingly, many people have not yet reached the "zone of bliss." In such a state, one is prone to becoming overly intellectual, comparing oneself to others, and hindering others, which often leads to religious conflicts or competition among practitioners.

Once one knows the "zone of bliss," it becomes irrelevant to compare oneself to others. Reaching a state of stillness brings a certain level of happiness (a limited happiness), and awakening to the awareness of the higher self brings about an awareness of selfless love and a life of service.

In this process, one can also deeply understand the content of truth mentioned in the scriptures, and one can confirm that what is expressed in the scriptures, although with different expressions, is indeed the truth, not just intellectually but also as a felt experience, when one awakens to the awareness of the higher self.