Jnana Yoga

Jnana literally means wisdom, but in the context of yoga, it means the process of meditative awareness which leads to illuminative wisdom. And its fundamental aim is to liberate from the maya (illusion) and to achieve the ultimate union of Atman (inner self) with Brahman (universal oneness/ ultimate reality). 

The four Maha Vakyas (great words) from Upanishad: (1) Prajnanam Brahma – Brahman is supreme consciousness, (2) Aham Brahmasmi– I’m Brahman, (3) TatTvamAsi–  That is you, (4) Ayam Atma Brahma– Atman is Brahman all  leads to the same one realization. Through these vakyas, Jnana yoga tries to give us the answers to questions like “who am I? what is my purpose? what is the nature of this reality?”etc.

5 Types Of Jnana Yoga

Mati-Jñāna = The knowledge of consciousness
Śruta Jñāna = The knowledge of listening
Avadhi Jñāna = super natural knowledge  
Mana:Paryaya Jñāna = Extrasensory perception
Kevala Jñāna = Absolute wisdom 

Practice of Jnana Yoga

The process of converting our intellectual knowledge into practical wisdom is the core purpose of Jnana Yoga . This process is carried out by three practical ways such as (1) Sravana [by hearing], (2) Manana [by learning/memorizing], (3) Nididhyasana [by meditating] leading towards the ‘atma-sakshatkara’ (self realisation). We may call this as the supreme discovery of the relationship between human reality and the universal one. Traditionally Jnana Yoga is described as a means to attain the highest meditative state with the inner knowledge. Even though we cannot find rational answers to all the eternal questions, it certainly can lead to self-enquiry and self-realisation.

Many vedic scholars and yogis contributed to the evolution of yogic practices including jnana yoga through different schools of thoughts. Adi Shankara offered the four stages (4 pillars of knowledge) of attaining self realization.
1. Viveka = (knowledge of descrimination)
2. Vairagya = (knowledge of detachment)
3. Shatsampatti = (knowledge of 6 virtues)**
4. Mumukshutva = (knowledge of freedom)

Whereas, Swami Sivanada offered a seven stage process through which we can attain the ultimate realization.
1. Shubhechha = (good desire)
2.Vicharana = (Philosophical inquiry)
3.Tanumanasi = (Subtlety of mind)
4. Sattvapatti = (Attainment of Light)
5. Asamsakti = (Inner Detachment)
6. Padartha Bhavana = (Spiritual Vision)
7. Turiya = (Supreme Freedom)

Along the way, as we practice Jnana Yoga, we elevate from a stage of ‘Not believing but realising’ to ‘Self-awareness leading to self-analysis’ and further to ‘Experiencing knowledge’ from there to ‘Realising the personal nature’ then to ‘Developing intuitive wisdom’ and finally to the ‘Experiencing inner unity with the universe’.

The presentation may vary from school to school, but the core of the teaching remain same, the realization of ultimate wisdom – Jana yoga.

**[(1)Shama (tranquility), (2)Dama (restraint), (3)Uparati (withdrawal, renunciation), (4)Titiksha (endurance), (5)Shraddha (faith, care) (6)Samadhana (focus)]