3.3. JNANA YOGA (PATH OF KNOWLEDGE) 3.3.1. Meaning The word jnana signifies ‘knowledge’ ‘insight’, and jnana yoga is accordingly the yoga of gnostic knowledge’. Sometimes jnana is also employed to express the highest truth bearing illumination, but in the compound Jnana – yoga it is used in the sense of intuitive – philosophical searching, or discernment (viveka). The Jnana Yogi, he who follows the path of Jnana yoga, sees in will-power (iccha) and inspired reason (buddhi) the two guiding principles by which he can attain to the emancipating illumination. 3.3.2. JNANA YOGA CONSISTS OF SEVEN PARTS: viveka – metaphysical ‘discernment’ between the real and the unreal, the eternal and the finite, the human personality and the supra personal Self. vairagya – renunciation of all worldly and heavenly objects.

1. JNANA YOGA
(PATH OF KNOWLEDGE)

2. 3.3. JNANA YOGA (PATH OF KNOWLEDGE)
3.3.1. Meaning
 The word jnana signifies ‘knowledge’ ‘insight’, and jnana yoga is accordingly the yoga of gnostic
knowledge’. Sometimes jnana is also employed to express the highest truth bearing illumination, but in
the compound Jnana – yoga it is used in the sense of intuitive – philosophical searching, or discernment
(viveka).
 The Jnana Yogi, he who follows the path of Jnana yoga, sees in will-power (iccha) and inspired reason
(buddhi) the two guiding principles by which he can attain to the emancipating illumination.
3.3.2. JNANA YOGA CONSISTS OF SEVEN PARTS:
(1) viveka – metaphysical ‘discernment’ between the real and the unreal, the eternal and the
finite, the human personality and the supra personal Self.
(2) vairagya – renunciation of all worldly and heavenly objects.

3.  tapas – austerity which is composed of the six treasures (sat – sampatti) which are:
 sama – tranquility
 dama- self-restraint
 uparati- mind-control
 titiksa- endurance
 samadhana- contemplation
 sraddha- faith
 mumuksutva- longing for emancipation
 sravana- listening to the sacred lore and the teachings of the guru;
 manana- reflection on what has been heard
 nididhyasana- meditation on the doctrines revealed by the teacher or the scriptures,
ending in ecstasy (samadhi).

4.  This seven fold Yoga is identical with the path outlined by Adi Sankara in his famous
commentary on the Brahma-sutra and in his popular work like the Vivekacudamani. In later
Vedanta works quite often the eightfold Yoga of Patanjali or an adaptation of it is given out
as the authentic Yoga of this school of thought.