(Sanskrit) Science, knowledge. Hinduism defines two forms of vidya:
1. aparavidya: lower knowledge, which is acquired through the intellect
2. paravidya: higher knowledge, gained through intuitive, conscious, spiritual experience, and leads to liberation from the ego.
This term is also used in a Tantric application, where vidya (Tibetan: rig ma) refers to a "knowledge woman" or tantric consort.