Jnana Yoga explained or unlocking the path to wisdom
“In this world, there is nothing as purifying as divine knowledge. One who has attained purity of mind through prolonged practice of Yoga, receives such knowledge within the heart, in due course of time." (Bhagavad Gita, 4.38-4.39)
There are many paths of Yoga such as Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion, Karma Yoga, the yoga of action, Raja Yoga or self-control and also Jnana Yoga, the yoga of wisdom and, many say, renunciation. There are multiple reasons why people will choose to practice one or several of them and they go obviously beyond the postures themselves, deep into the seed of Yoga knowledge and principles, leading practitioners into deep self-awareness.
Jnana Yoga is a path of knowledge and self-inquiry, aiming for spiritual freedom by attempting to understand the true nature of the Self. Some important aspects of this type of Yoga emphasize studies of the books, rational investigation and empirical insight to uncover the true nature of the mind and the ego. In a yogic context, jñana is the wisdom derived from direct acquaintance with the Self. But how does this journey into wisdom look like and what does it imply for a person that practices Yoga?
The word jñāna in Sanskrit means attaining knowledge of the true nature of reality, an exploration inwards to understand your essence beyond surface thoughts, feelings, and ego, like peeling the layers of an onion, with our self as the core, linked or connected to a higher Self in the universe. Learning and acquiring knowledge becomes then an instrument to come closer to the truth and the divine essence inherent in all beings, and not as a means of self-importance and self-worth. One of the fundamentals of Jnana Yoga are: discernment (Viveka) between the permanent and the transitory (the part of us that witnesses all our shifts, experiences, thoughts, emotions and that never changes), cultivating non-attachment to material things (Vairagya), in order to be prepared for a deeper understanding of the Self in the world, tearing up the web of illusions (maya) and grasping the idea that the divine is inside every being and not as an external force.
Rooted in the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, Jnana Yoga appeared in the Yoga scriptures and teachings of many centuries ago, such as in Bhagavad Gita, as described by Krishna, in the content of the relation to the individual´s connection to the body, senses or tangible things (the four elements of nature, the experiences of pleasure and pain, as some examples) and the relation to the Self, the immaterial aspects of being.
Gaining wisdom regarding all material or empirical aspects of being, translates in the Yoga context as understanding our true consciousness despite our experiences in the world, reaching a sense of spiritual freedom despite the highs and lows of life, remaining constant in our actions, speech and thoughts despite our preferences, our likes and dislikes. A concrete example is remaining positive and accepting of life, whether facing numerous obstacles or reaching our objectives, whether sad or content. Same in the case of our values and identity that we have taken throughout life; re-evaluating on a constant basis why we identify ourselves with a certain concept, group of people, interests etc, and perceive that as something that can always be revised, modified, explored. Understanding the key difference between who I am and what I am (the Self vs. the life, the experiences I am going through) means in other words, that we can choose to surrender to the experiences of life itself and experience union or resist to it and then experience suffering or separation.
The second part of the wisdom behind Jnana Yoga is the relationship to the Self, as transcending all physical forms and shapes and expanding into a larger universal consciousness (Brahman). In order to attain this higher perception of life, we need to calm down and tame the ego that often wants to take the lead in our existence and gets blinded by attachments. For example, returning to the Yoga sutras and the Yama and Niyamas, the morals and virtues that can direct our lives closer into this path of wisdom. Examples are practicing non-attachment (aparigraha), equanimity in the face of adversity or happiness (santosha), non-violent behaviour (ahimsa) as well as self-study of Yoga scriptures (Svadhyaya). Meditation and contemplation (Samadhana) are powerful tools that can help one go beyond the superficial layers of existence, and come closer to the Self. In meditation we create a strong inner center from which we are able to witness the distinctions between consciousness and the field of consciousness. In contemplation we reflect on the temporary nature of life and how it is perceived by the self.
Jnana Yoga offers three powerful simple practices to attain self-awareness: accepting the knowledge of this Vedic philosophy through the means of a teacher, then reflecting on the teachings, how they relate or clash to your personal beliefs and values, bringing the focus into different parts of your life, and finally, meditating on the Self, observing in a detached way the ebb and flowing of our minds, trying to understand reality from a wider perspective rather than just the ego.
Self-inquiry through Jnana Yoga is a lifelong process; one often filled with uncertainty that is meant to test our resilience and our commitment to this path. Some of the benefits this journey into wisdom helps with are: learning to act from a wiser place rather than just react, cultivating a sense of meaning and purpose in our lives as well as self-acceptance and acceptance of others as walking on the same path as us. From separation and disconnection, to union and deep interconnectedness. Next time, in your practice, stay within the deeper questions that might arise during or after the practice, that feeling that cannot really be grasped into words or that sense of peace and pure bliss. It could be a doorway to the path of wisdom, to the path of Jnana Yoga.
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