Jnana Yoga
JNANA YOGA
Jnana is sanskrit word for ‘knowledge or wisdom’. It is the path of attaining knowledge of the true nature of reality through the practice of meditation, self-inquiry and contemplation. It is defined as ‘awareness of absolute consciousness’ and is a comprehensive practice of self study.
The fundamental goal of jnana yoga is to become liberated from the illusionary world of Maya (self limiting thoughts and perceptions) and to achieve the union of inner self (atman) with oneness of life (Brahman).
Jnana yoga or the science of self is not a subject that can be understood and realised through more intellectual study, reasoning, discussion or arguments. It is the most difficult of all sciences.
THERE ARE FOUR PILLARS OF KNOWLEDGE (SADHNA CHATUSHTAYA)
a) Viveka – ‘Discrimination’ is a deliberate, continuous intellectual effort to distinguish between the real and the unreal, the permanent and temporary, self and not-self.
b) Vairagya – ‘Detachment’ is cultivating non-attachment or indifference towards the temporal objects of worldly possessions and the ego mind. It is only when the mind is absolutely free from the attachments of all sorts, knowledge begins to draw.
c) Shatsampat – ‘Six Virtues’ are the six mental practices to stabilise the mind and emotions, and to further develop the ability to see beyond the Maya.
– Shama : ‘Calmness’ is the ability to keep the mind peaceful through moderating its reaction to external stimuli.
– Dama : ‘Control’ is the strengthening of mind to be able to resist the control of the senses and the training of the senses to be used only as the instrument of the mind.
– Uprati : ‘Withdrawl’ is the abandonment of all activities that are not one’s duty. A simple lifestyle is followed that contains no worldly distractions from the spiritual path.
– Titiksha : ‘Endurance’ is the tolerance of external non’-conductive situations that are commonly considered to produce suffering (success-failure, pain-pleasure).
– Shraddha : ‘Trust/Faith’ is a sense of certainty and belief in one’s guru, the scriptures and yogic path.
– Samadhana : ‘Concentration’ is the complete one-pointedness of the mind.
d) Mumukshutva – ‘Longing’ is an intense and passionate desire for achieving the liberation from suffering. In order to achieve liberation, one must be committed to the path with such longing that all desires fade away.
CORE PRACTICES OF JNANA YOGA
a) Sravana – It is the hearing or experiencing of sacred knowledge in the vedic texts of the Upanishads. A guru will guide the yogi through discussion on the philosophy of non-dualism.
b) Manana – It is the thinking and reflecting on the teachings of non-duality contemplating on various ideas of ‘swadhyay’.
c) Nididhysana – It is the constant and profound meditation on the inner self. This involves meditation and reflection on the real meaning of maha-vakya. Sanskrit word ‘Maha’ is used as great or mighty ‘Vakya’ translates as sentence or saying.
– Prajanam Brahma – Brahman is the supreme consciousness. – Aham Brahmasmi – I am the self supreme.
– Tat Tvam Asi – Thou art that
– Ayam Atma Brahma – True self is the ultimate reality.
JNANA BHUMIKAS
a) Subheccha – ‘Good Desire’ One should study, passionate about discovering the truth and strive towards non-attraction towards sensual objects.
b) Vicharana – ‘Philosophical Inquiry’ Second stage involves questioning, reflection on the principles of non-dualism.
c) Tanumanasi – ‘Subtlety of mind’ Tanu means thread, the mind becomes thin like a thread as you let go all of all external stimuli to focus all of your attention inwards.
d) Sattvapatti – ‘Attainment of light’ Appears like a dream and your karma begins to dissolve.
e) Asamsaki – ‘Inner Detachment’ To become detached and selfless, experience the deep state of bliss. Feels no difference in waking and dream state.
f) Padautha Bhavana – ‘Spiritual Vision’ Begins to see the truth and understand the nature of ultimate reality.
g) Turiya – ‘Supreme Freedom’ Unites with superconsciousness and attain moksha.