Nature of True Cognition

**What is the nature of a true cognition in Buddhism, or what Buddhism considers as truth?** Is it the same as what people consider a logical conclusion made with an empirical process? I feel it cannot be exactly that as various truths exist in Buddhism that aren't easily verifiable with mere deduction. In addition, **how important is truthful cognition/perception in Buddhism?** How far can you get practicing things like mindfulness, compassion, etc. without being capable of ascertaining things as 'true' for oneself. Finally, and I guess I should've asked this before, **what effects/qualities does true information have in Buddhism?** Is it timeless? Universal? Beyond doubt? So to clarify, these three questions are respectively asking **the nature, the importance, and the consequences** of truth in Buddhism.