Vidya is a Sanskrit word. The word (derived from the same verbal root vid from which comes the noun Veda) for "knowledge," "philosophy," "science." This is a term very generally used in theosophical philosophy, having in a general way the three meanings just stated. It is frequently compounded with other words, such as: atma-vidya "knowledge of atman" or the essential Self; Brahma-vidya - " knowledge of the universe,” a term virtually equivalent to theosophy; or, again, guhya-vidya - signifying the "secret knowledge" or the esoteric wisdom. Using the word in a collective but nevertheless specific sense, vidya is a general term for occult science.