In Jainism, knowledge is crucial for attaining liberation (Moksha). True knowledge, or Kevala Jnana, leads to omniscience and freedom from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Types of Knowledge in Jainism:

1. Matijnana (Mind Knowledge): Knowledge gained through the senses and intellect, though limited and potentially flawed.
2. Shrutjnana (Scriptural Knowledge): Knowledge received from sacred scriptures, limited by the information of the texts and requiring personal realization.
3. Avadhi Jnana (Knowledge of the Past and Present): Knowledge of events beyond ordinary perception, including past lives.
4. Manahparyaya Jnana (Mind Knowledge of Others): The ability to perceive the thoughts and intentions of others.
5. Kevala Jnana (Omniscient Knowledge): The highest knowledge attained by enlightened beings, representing perfect understanding of all things.
6. Practical Knowledge (Right Knowledge): Part of the Three Jewels (Triratna), guiding ethical living and leading to liberation by understanding the nature of karma, the soul, and the universe.

Characteristics of Knowledge:

1. Empirical Knowledge (Pratyaksha): Knowledge gained through direct sensory perception, which is limited and imperfect.
2. Scriptural Knowledge (Agama): Knowledge from sacred texts, but requiring personal experience for full understanding.
3. Transcendental Knowledge: Beyond human perception, this perfect knowledge is attained through liberation.
4. Perceptual Knowledge (Saptabhangi): The idea that truth is multi-faceted and can be understood from different perspectives.

Importance of Knowledge:

1. Path to Liberation: Knowledge leads to the cessation of karma and spiritual liberation.
2. Moral and Ethical Conduct: Understanding karma helps practitioners live ethically, practicing non-violence and non-possessiveness.
3. Self-Realization: Knowledge is key to understanding the nature of the soul and progressing toward enlightenment.