Innocence (Skt. निर्मलता, Nirmalata) is a state of being free from both knowledge and ignorance.

On the path of knowledge, innocence is:

• The natural state of a child before indoctrination

• Openness to learning without preconceptions

• The absence of beliefs and assumptions

• A rare quality in adults

An innocent person can become knowledgeable or ignorant depending on their inherent qualities and their environment.

See also ignorance, curiosity, skepticism.